ENV2726 - Ecosystems and bioresources - 2017

ENV2726 begins with an overview of biodiversity and biological resources and the issues involved in the conserving and sustainable management of these resources. Reasons for, and methods of, measuring and monitoring species, populations, habitats, communities and ecosystems are explored with the aim of addressing environmental problems such as habitat loss and species loss, and the impacts of these on ecosystem function and therefore on biological resources. Specific case studies are presented. The subject continues with the identification and discussion of factors which may affect the sustainable management of biological resources. Students will choose a case study and examine, in project work, how such factors may affect a specific conservation program.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Discuss the major issues relating to the sustainable use of biological resources;
2. Explain the methods of conservation at various levels (eg. species, population, community, ecosystem etc.) and discuss the various conservation strategies that are available;
3. Express their opinions regarding the usefulness or desirability of particular conservation and/or management strategies in particular circumstances;
4. Identify and discuss various issues, which can affect conservation attempts and apply knowledge of these issues in order to recommend conservation strategies for real or hypothetical situations;
5. Identify the importance of healthy ecosystems and biological resources in the wider field of resource management.

Assignments: 50%

Examination (2 hours): 50%

Three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour tutorial per week, plus an average of approximately 2 hours practical exercises per week (including field excursions and assignment work)

See also Unit timetable information

Dr. Robyn Wilson

Tropical environmental biology

ENV1711 or ENV1800

BIO2040 and BIO2031