BI1S202 - Wildlife Biology 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI1S202
Module Title: Wildlife Biology
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Sciences
Module Leader: Anthony Caravaggi, Lewis Fall
Module Team: Emma Higgins, Rebecca Lakin, Harri Little, Cerith Jones
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100343 - applied biology 100347 - ecology 100391 - natural sciences
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 30 20

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To observe and study wildlife, including potentially dangerous species, in their natural environment and relate this to ecological principles.

Basic field identification skills for selected plants, and big game and other animals, including indirectly from their spoor.

Introduction to professional working scenarios and safety procedures in private game reserves in various South African landscapes.

Through completion of this module and full engagement the student will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:

Commercial Awareness: 1, 2, 3

Communication: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Leadership: Behaviour: 1, 2, 3

Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Project Management: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Digital Literacy: 1, 2, 3

The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor

Content Summary

A compulsory field course module delivered in South African private reserves to train students in the basic skills required by wildlife guides and biologists working in these landscapes.

Students are introduced to wildlife management practices and learn to observe behaviours of game, including potentially dangerous game.

Practical training in safe working in dangerous game environments, and guidelines and regulations for wildlife guiding.

Spoor identification and interpretation, ranging from easy to moderate, and including direction of movement, age of spoor, and interpretation of animal behaviour is also covered.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 8
Tutorial 2
Fieldwork 38
Independent Study 42
Directed Study 100
Total Hours Selected 190

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Have ecological knowledge of big game, its management, practical application of the tracking techniques required to study them in a range of South African landscapes.
LO2 Understand risk management and potential restrictions for surveying and studying wildlife in dangerous game areas.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Field Folio 1 A field folio comprising several thematically-linked elements based on field observations of field activities. 0 2000 75 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Field Coursework A field assignment comprising several thematically-linked elements based on field observations of field activities. 0 1000 25 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Field Folio 1
Field Coursework

Reading List

Meek, P. et al. (2014) Camera trapping: wildlife management and research. CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia

Braun C (2005). Techniques for Wildlife Investigation and Management 6th ed (Wildlife Society)

Sinclair, I., Hockey, P., Tarboton, W. and Ryan, P. (2011). Sasol Birds of Southern Africa. 4th ed. Struik Nature.

Stuart C. & Stuart T (2003). A Field Guide to the Tracks and Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife. Struik Publishers.