Teaching and learning methods
The overarching goal is to provide the students with an interactive and hands-on experience of the central issues surrounding biodiversity conservation, management and policy development.
Lectures/Workshops: A series of core lectures will introduce and analyse the central aspects of marine biodiversity conservation, the importance of population models for predicting and improving conservation outcomes and will investigate and discuss the main techniques and their effectiveness involved in biodiversity monitoring and tracking, including issues surrounding illegal wildlife trade, harvesting and invasive species. Finally, we will discuss the socio-economic trade-offs and potential conflicts between conservation, habitat use and exploitation of marine resources.
Case Studies: Research-centred topics of relevant interest will be covered by seminars and presentations given by guest speakers discussing their topical research carried out in Southampton and from local conservation trusts and authorities.
Practical sessions
1) Communicating science to decision makers and managers I: developing a policy brief
2) Projecting population futures: use of population models for predicting conservation outcomes
3) Communicating science to decision makers and managers II: presentation of policy brief, implications for conservation and management
Fieldtrips
1) Studland: MPA under development - management and policy issues
2) Poole Harbour: fisheries management and conservation designations
Study time
Type |
Hours |
Fieldwork |
12 |
Lecture |
22 |
Independent Study |
110 |
Practical classes and workshops |
6 |
Total study time |
150 |