Nature Conservation in Europe GEOG4102

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2 (Alternate Years)
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

This course covers the biogeography of European habitats and how their conservation might be best achieved.  

Timetable

One two hour seminar for the final 5 weeks of the semester.

A one day field class at a nearby Natura 2000 site.

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Normally level 3 Geography

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

 Biogeography of Europe

Assessment

Independent essay (based on presentation). (60%)

A group presentation of 30 minutes (max. 3 people). (40%)

Main Assessment In: December and April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

The overall aim of this course is to critically engage in discussions on nature conservation and restoration in Europe. The students will prepare group presentations on selected ecosystems and/or bioregions of Europe, explain their characteristics to fellow students and discuss protection and management options. Each presentation will be followed by a group discussion on why certain ecosystems are worth protecting and how current management can be improved. The students will be able to apply their knowledge from the lecture 'Biogeography of Europe' during the group discussion.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ explain the biogeographic regions of Europe

■ critically discuss why certain habitats are a focus of nature conservation in Europe

■ explain the major EU strategies for nature protection

■ evaluate the differences between cultural and natural landscapes/ecosystems

Students will also be able to:

■ deliver presentations to the class 

■ develop teamwork and time management skills

■ perform literature searches 

■ create thematic maps with online available GIS data 

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.