University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Only available to students on the MSc Conservation Studies.

Planned timetable: To be arranged

The word 'Conservation' suggests the preservation of a place, state or species. However, natural systems vary over time even without human interference. So what should be conserved, why and how? Is the natural world a garden of Eden that we are custodians of? Is it a mine to be emptied out, a farm to be harvested, or a giant machine to perform essential nutrient cycling and waste disposal? These questions will be discussed through a seminar series with important contributions from student speakers throughout. Seminars will be led by University staff and visiting speakers involved in a diverse range of conservation projects. For assessment, students will give a talk, write a short article and create a podcast (and an associated tweet). This module will also be supported by a set of 'themed' sessions covering a range of transferable skills.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Seminars (X12), Skills sessions (X3) and Tutorials (X3) across the Semester

Scheduled learning hours: 38

Guided independent study hours: 261

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Original Coursework = 50%.

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr S C Smout
Module teaching staff: Dr S Smout, Prof S Buckland, Prof J Greenwood, Dr B Sachs, Dr Simon Northridge, Prof D Paterson, Dr Althea Davies