Conservation Ecology  Conservation Ecology Oxford Brookes University ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1567401667Oxford-Brookes-University-1.jpg

Health and Life Sciences Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Biological conservation and biodiversity assessment have a strong legislative background with targets for the maintenance and enhancement of habitats and species. Furthermore the legislation sets a framework for biodiversity assessment in relation to development and associated mitigation measures. To adhere to the legislation and to effectively identify the best opportunities and adopt appropriate strategies for biodiversity enhancement, well-trained, knowledgeable and highly informed practitioners are required. This course is designed to develop your professional and field skills, such as identification and survey techniques, required when undertaking biodiversity surveys. You will produce professional reports and assessments and undertake monitoring of species and communities. You will also gain additional skills, essential for conservation practitioners, for example: * knowledge of wildlife legislation, planning law and environmental policy * IT competencies, particularly Geographical Information Systems (GIS) * an understanding of the ecological requirements of different species and the implications of environmental change * an ability to statistically interpret field data. You will also develop your transferable skills particularly communication, organisation and research planning, which will assist you when carrying out your project with one of our research groups or within a conservation organisation, and prepare you for a career in conservation ecology. Course content Conservation Ecology is a master s course designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of theoretical and practical skills required for proficiency in conservation ecology. You will achieve an MSc degree on successful completion of all the course modules including the research project. A Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded for completion of course modules without the research project, and a Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded for completion of 60 M-level credits. The course is also offered on a part-time basis and we encourage applications from professionals in conservation organisations and environmental consultancies who wish to upgrade their qualifications. Teaching focuses on current issues in conservation associated with environmental change, species identification and survey techniques, the key theoretical underpinning of conservation ecology and an introduction to wildlife legislation, GIS, and environmental impact assessment. By completing this course you gain an ability to statistically interpret field data and develop your abilities to organise your work and communicate to a variety of audiences. You will also be taught about research methods and career development, to help you to transfer your skills to the work environment. Early in Semester 1 you will plan your research project. You will work with your tutor to design a research project that best suits your interests and needs. We encourage project work to be carried out with external research organisations and conservation practitioners, many of whom we have strong links with, or with research groups within Oxford Brookes University. To complete an MSc you need to obtain 180 M-level credits and for a PGDip 120 M-level credits. For a PGCert you need to obtain 60 M-level credits. The following core modules are compulsory for all three qualifications: * Taxonomy and Identification (20 M credits) develops taxonomic skills by requiring students to focus on the processes of identification of species and recognition of key characteristics of selected taxonomic groups. Skills are learned by practical studies in the field and by the use of collections and appropriate taxonomic tools. * Ecology for Conservation (20 M credits) introduces appropriate theory and methods together with examination of areas of controversy and best practice for habitat and species conservation and monitoring. * Ecosystem Degradation and M

In order to successfully complete a postgraduate course, applicants are usually expected to have (or be about to attain) at least a second class honours degree in a related scientific subject from a recognised institution of higher education. If you do no,800,£8Itemalue+oSn++???A????#? ?+???????????????????????????????????+S?++??????,???@#iItem????????????????? ??????????????????