SD5033 Environmental Conservation and Management

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Must be taking a Masters Level Programme

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr C Smeaton

Dr C Smeaton
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Lydia Cole, Dr Rehema White, Dr Timothy Stojanovic, Dr Craig Smeaton

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This option module will introduce concepts of environmental conservation and management and explores their implementation via different contexts and case studies. Environmental conservation and management are fundamental to concepts and practices of sustainable development. We will develop and practice a range of skills including impact assessment and sustainability appraisal. The class will also debate critical and contested questions about the ends and means of societal interaction with the natural world, including dimensions ranging from the practical and political to the moral and ethical. This module introduces the multi-faceted nature of environmental management, and the challenges of turning values and aspirations into strategies and practical actions. We will use case studies from Scotland and further afield, exploring underlying value systems as well as the situational realities.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1x1.5hr Lecture (X10 weeks), 1x1.5hr Seminar (X6 weeks), 1x1.5hr Practical (X4 weeks), 1x3hr Fieldtrip (X1 week)

Scheduled learning hours

33

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

270

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Identify how theories and practices of sustainable development influence environmental conservation and management.
  • Understand policy development and implementation for sound environmental management.
  • Apply theoretical learning to an empirical context.
  • Work independently and collaboratively in undertaking and presenting research.
  • Think critically, discuss and synthesise knowledge sources in relation to environmental management.