How species are distributed across landscapes and through time depends on a wide variety of factors, including geological processes, dispersal events, changes in climate, and human modification of the environment. This course will provide an introduction to the ecological study of biodiversity and the processes that shape the current and future distributions of species. The course will draw on the disciplines of biogeography, landscape ecology and conservation biology to explain how and why species and ecosystems are where they are, how species respond to landscape modification, and how they might respond to future change.

Key landscape ecology and biodiversity concepts covered in the course will include scale, spatial heterogeneity, island biogeography, metapopulation theory, disturbance, dispersal, habitat fragmentation, and conservation. Some specialised approaches will be examined, such as the use of genetics in biogeography (phylogeography and molecular ecology).  The course will include both theoretical and practical sessions, including a multi-day field trip during which students will apply ecological survey techniques to gather biodiversity data.

The course is highly recommended as a precursor to ENVS6024 Biodiversity Conservation.

1. Describe a variety of environmental processes that influence the past and current distributions of species
2. Identify and evaluate our understanding of contemporary processes that threaten biodiversity Describe and explain the key concepts associated with landscape ecology
3. Understand and compare the main methodological approaches of conservation biologists, biogeographers and landscape ecologists
4. Gather, analyse and report on biodiversity data in an environmental context
5. Critically evaluate how to mitigate the impacts of human modification of the environment on biodiversity  

• Theory exam 20% [LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 6]
• Results of field study presented in a formal journal article style 40% [LO 1, 2, 3, 5, 6]
• Applied theory task 40% [LO 4, 5, 6]

65 contact hours comprising lectures, tutorials, practicals and 2-night field trip.

Completion of a 3 year bachelor degree.

N/A

Standard IT and Library access.