Understanding the full breadth of modern conservation science has never been more important given the fast pace at which conservation science is developing. How do natural and social science approaches to conservation differ and how can these be applied in the real world? You will be introduced to the key concepts that underpin conservation science and biodiversity management, and you will develop professional skills that will enable you to work successfully with individuals/organisations operating across the environmental and conservation sectors. Through a series of lectures, seminars and a hands-on fieldtrip, you’ll engage with a range of conservation scientists and practitioners with expertise in specific topics at the cutting edge of tackling the global biodiversity crisis. You’ll gain insights into how diverse disciplinary perspectives contribute to solving real-world environmental challenges.
Lectures 12, Seminars 20
The module is compulsory for the following courses
MSc Conservation Science
This module is not available as an optional module
Also available as an elective module.
Extended Writing. Assessment Details: Paper Review 3000 words worth 80%.
Presentation. Assessment Details: Individual Presentation 20 minutes worth 20%.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like (different topic choice where specified).
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
systematically synthesize advanced specialist information and ideas on how natural science approaches to conservation complement social science approaches to conservation, and the challenges of working across disciplinary boundaries
apply advanced principles, concepts and theories in the application of knowledge about some of the major social science approaches to the environment and conservation
demonstrate a systematic understanding, knowledge, and critical awareness of international conservation policy and biodiversity conservation in a range of contexts, including multi-functional and urban landscapes
demonstrate a systematic understanding, knowledge, and critical awareness of wilding and re-wilding and their impacts on social-ecological systems, and of protected areas in conserving biodiversity, how protected area policy is informed by international targets and the impacts of protected areas on people
apply advanced principles and concepts, and ability to critically synthesise, several specific social science issues in conservation policy and practice, and an understanding of the processes by which such debates are negotiated, and of human-wildlife coexistence, human-wildlife conflict and the consumptive use of wildlife. The specific issues that will be included will vary from year to year depending upon contemporary debates and upon current research activities of the contributing staff
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