Course Code: C117

Course Title: Introduction to biodiversity conservation and management

College: SOAS CEDEP

Course Director: Peter Buckley

Course Description: This course is a general introduction to the management and conservation of biological diversity. The course is divided into four major parts. In the first part it provides an outline of the major elements of global biodiversity, its geographical distribution and evolution, and examines the threats to biodiversity and the need to manage and conserve it. In doing so it draws on up-to-date findings based on the Millennium Ecosystem Analysis and other relevant sources. In the following two parts it considers biodiversity management and conservation at two main levels.

The second part of the course focuses on the conservation at species and population level and examines the opportunities and techniques available for both in situ and ex situ conservation. It also looks at the specific threats to small populations. In the third part it takes a more holistic approach and introduces management and conservation issues at the ecosystem level.

Protected areas form a critical conservation tool at this level and the module examines the categories of protected areas, the criteria for their selection, and methods of management planning and implementation. The need for conservation action outside protected areas and the opportunities for habitat restoration and species reintroduction are also explored. Finally, in the last part, the course reflects on future challenges and outlines possible ways forward.

By the end of this course, you will have gained an understanding of:

• concepts and definitions of biodiversity

• awareness of the patterns of global biodiversity and of the threats to biodiversity and the need for conservation

• knowledge of the in situ and ex situ methods available for conservation

• familiarity with the categories of protected areas, the criteria for their selection and management techniques

• appreciation of the value of and opportunities for conservation outside protected areas

• recognition of the opportunities and methods for habitat restoration and species reintroduction.

Assessment: Exam 100%

Course Credit: All SOAS CeDEP short course students receive a certificate of completion. Students of SOAS CeDEP Short Courses who may wish to transfer credit to Certificate, Diploma or Masters-level programmes are advised to select short courses which also act as Core Modules on CeDEP's various programmes.

Course Study Hours/Duration: 240 hrs over 35 weeks

Schedule of Availability: Feb - Oct (Enrolment deadline prior to Feb start - 30th November)

Delivery Mechanisms: Print; CD-Rom; Online Discussion

Cost: £960

How to apply: To enquire about applying for this course, or for any other information, please contact the Course Administrator using the online Enquiry Form below