The course explores human dimensions of conservation, including topics relating to biodiversity conservation and human development, sustainable use, wildlife trade, hunting, human-wildlife conflict and wildlife interventions. These subjects will be considered from diverse ethical, ecological, soco-economic and political perspectives.

10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of supervised practical work, will be delivered over a one week block: which will include problem-based scenarios and 'media-style' presentations/discussions of assignment topics. Additional self-study hours will take place during the week of the course and subsequent weeks of the semester.

None

Students will prepare a short piece of written work that addresses a contemporary conservation dilemma in the form of a press statement. This will form the basis of a media-style interview or presentation. Students will be assessed on their ability to summarise, synthesize and communicate key messages in a way that is accessible to a lay audience (50%). The remaining 50% will be based on a written exercise that will require integration of the evidence-based knowledge and skills learned in this module.

The course explores human dimensions of conservation, including topics relating to biodiversity conservation and human development, sustainable use, wildlife trade, hunting, human-wildlife conflict and wildlife interventions. These subjects will be considered from diverse ethical, ecological, socio-economic and political perspectives.

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

■ Critically discuss with reference to the evidence base and primary literature:

■ Different approaches to natural resource management and their implications for biodiversity conservation and human development.

■ Interacting ecological, ethical, social and economic issues affecting conservation and the management of wildlife.

■ Challenges surrounding the sustainable utilisation of wildlife, including tourism, sport hunting and wildlife trade.

■ Dilemmas arising from human-wildlife conflict and different approaches to conflict mitigation.

■ Attitudes and approaches towards different types of wildlife interventions for conservation.

■ Demonstrate a detailed understanding of a contemporary conservation dilemma.

■ Make a rational argument for/against a particular conservation action/approach.

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