Module manager: Dr Lochran Traill
Email: L.Traill@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module introduces students to fundamental theory of population ecology, and further contextualises this theory within the fields of conservation genetics and conservation biology.
The module aims to give students an understanding of the theory of describing changes in population size in animals and plants and be trained in techniques for the estimation of population sizes and the description of factors influencing population sizes.
They should be able to contribute to the planning and execution of studies on the population status of target species and make informed contributions to management discussions.
On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of theory describing changes in population size in organisms;
2. Explain population dynamics;
3. Analyse population data to estimate population size;
4. Apply mathematical techniques to estimate population extinction risks.
Leslie matrices, population viability analyses
- Dynamics of single species populations
- Diagnosing drivers of population change in rare, pest and exploited species
- Dynamics of metapopulations.
- Case studies of selected species.
- Population modelling and projection.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 13 | 1 | 13 |
| Practicals | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Practicals | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 126 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 24 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Review of lecture material, completion of coursework, study of key research papers and texts, working through case studies.
- Attendance at practical classes
- Completion of in-course assessments.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Extinction risk report (5 pages including tables) | 60 |
| Practical Report | Practical write-up and problem solving (3 pages) | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 7/31/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team