Module manager: David Williams
Email: d.r.williams@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module assumes a basic knowledge of ecology (e.g. AS-level Biology or equivalent; SOEE1181 Ecology or similar modules)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Biodiversity is the variation of life on Earth. In this module we will explore what biodiversity is, why it is important, how it is changing, and what we can do about it. By the end of the module, you should have a clear overview of the major threats to biodiversity, from direct mechanisms to ultimate drivers; what the consequences of biodiversity declines could be for people; and how different practical, economic, and political strategies can be used to slow or reverse these declines. We will combine ecology, economics, qualitative social sciences, and politics to build an interdisciplinary understanding of these issues. A particular emphasis is using this interdisciplinary perspective to critically analyse issues, explore trade-offs, and critically assess management plans for conserving biodiversity and the benefits it provides.
1. Build an understanding of the concept of biodiversity and its importance to people.
2. Allow students to explore why biodiversity is changing across the world, and what the consequences of these changes could be.
3. Provide opportunities to critically assess different conservation responses to biodiversity problems, from international policy/legislation to local protected areas.
4. Develop the skills and expertise to critically evaluate different ways we may prioritise conservation responses and actions, and how conservation can lead to trade-offs and conflicts.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. SSLO1: Demonstrate understanding of the concept of biodiversity and its importance to people.
2. SSLO2: Analyse the key threats to biodiversity and the potential consequences of biodiversity loss.
3. SSLO3: Apply this knowledge and conservation science theories to critically evaluate biodiversity management strategies and policies across scales.
4. SSLO4: Design biodiversity management plans that can balance competing interests and perspectives.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have developed:
1. SKLO1: Critical thinking skills to enable them to critically evaluate conservation strategies, policies, and plans. (Work ready, sustainability, academic skills)
2. SKLO2: Creative thinking to develop innovative, interdisciplinary solutions to conservation challenges. (Work ready, enterprise skills)
3. SKLO3: The ability to use technology appropriately to design solutions and outputs. (Work ready skills)
4. SKLO4: Organisational, time management, and planning skills to ensure that work can be completed on time. (Work ready, enterprise, academic skills)
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lecture | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Independent online learning hours | 5 | ||
| Private study hours | 81 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 14 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Lectures will be a combination of discussion sessions and traditional lectures, so that students can receive feedback on their ideas and thinking throughout the module. Formative oral feedback will also be available during regularly scheduled office hours. If students cannot attend these then they can also email the module leader for support and feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit will be in the form of a policy brief on one of a number of set topics.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team