BI2S204 - Conservation Genetics 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | BI2S204 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Conservation Genetics | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biological Sciences | ||
| Module Leader: | Sky Redhead | ||
| Module Team: | Natalie Lubbock, Emma Higgins, Anthony Caravaggi, Cerith Jones, Amelia Grass | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100259 - genetics | 100354 - molecular biology | 100902 - population genetics |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
A holistic understanding of the evolutionary processes that sustain the global biodiversity and background genetic diversity is a crucial knowledge component for a conservation biologist.
On successful completion of this modules, students will understand the importance of genetic processes and evolutionary mechanisms underpinning the conservation of biodiversity in a changing world, covering aspects from the molecular level to a global scale. Providing an ability to understand how recent molecular data are generated, assess related studies and the value of the data produced, analyse a range of molecular data types used in ecology, and infer evolutionary and ecological patterns to aid conservation.
This will be achieved via a combination of lectures, laboratory and in-silico workshops linked to real-world scenarios where molecular ecology helps deconvolute the underpinning genetic diversity from a species-level to a population level. This module will combine the genetic problems associated with small population biology with global evolutionary processes.
Throughout the module, students will be encouraged to work independently, take ownership of their learning, and apply their skills to real-world scenarios. They will develop new research ideas through the assessments, providing a solid foundation for a conservationist career and transferrable skills for employment.
In engaging with the module appropriately, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour domains of the USW graduate attributes:
Communication: Behaviour 1,2, 3
Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1,2, 3
Project management: Behaviour 1,2, 3
Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1,2, 3
Leadership: Behaviour 1,2, 3
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor
Content Summary
This module will introduce the students to a diverse range of issues involved in evolutionary genetics from a theoretical standpoint and their importance for conservation and management. They will learn to solve real-world problems and answer contemporary questions in fields related to conservation genetics through the acquisition, manipulation, and presentation of available datasets and relevant literature. Module content will be linked closely to relevant national and international examples (e.g., South Africa).
Students will improve several skills relevant for employment, specialist to molecular ecology and transferable for wider employability.
Students can be expected to learn about the following major theoretical themes: (i) defining and assessing genetic diversity in natural populations, (ii) mechanisms leading to genetic diversity loss and issues in small populations, (iii) population viability and extinction, (iv) genetic management of wild and captive populations, and (vi) the role of genomics in conservation.
Students will have a lab and workshop-based component underpinned by a methodological focus, including techniques such as DNA barcoding, Sanger and Next-Generation sequencing, phylogenetics, and underlying population genetics theory.
A significant component of this module will be focused on bioinformatics, data sources & sequence analysis. Students will be introduced to the analysis of genomic data and will develop molecular markers using large datasets (big data) as a source for genetic sequences. This will involve using a diverse range of genetic databases, online tools and command-line interfaces and effective management and storage of data.
Students will receive a refresher opportunity for genetics concepts and evolutionary processes introduced in BI1S210 Genetics and Evolution that blend into more complex and advanced real case scenarios in conservation aided by lectures before participating in lab and in-silico based workshops for each. In addition, students will further develop critical self-awareness and self-appraisal throughout the module through personal reflection on practice.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 28 |
| Tutorial | 4 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 12 |
| Independent Study | 86 |
| Directed Study | 66 |
| Formative Assessment - Scheduled | 4 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Understand the diverse range of issues involved in evolutionary genetics from a theoretical standpoint and their importance for conservation and management and communicate this to others. |
| LO2 | Gain knowledge on a range of relevant theoretical and practical techniques available to measure genetic diversity and evolutionary distinctiveness for making conservation management decisions. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 1 | A written research proposal builds on material from tutorial and workshops but allows the student to tailor a personal research pathway. | 0 | 2000 | 60 | No | 40 |
| Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment | Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 | An individual presentation (flash talk) on a vulnerable species or population of choice prepared by the candidate and accompanied by slides. For delivery to peers and assessors with opportunity for questions on scientific content and reflection on skill development. | 10 | N/A | 40 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |