5B008B - Applied Tropical Conservation 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 5B008B
Module Title: Applied Tropical Conservation
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Science
Faculty Sub Group: Biology and Chemistry
Module Leader: David Lee
Module Team: Natalie Lubbock
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2032
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 33
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 101318 - biodiversity conservation
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2027
Valid To 31 Aug 2033

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are:

  • Aim 1: Apply scientific principles and methods to ecological, conservation, and landscape management challenges across tropical regions of high biodiversity and importance.

  • Aim 2: Gain applied, hands-on experience of tropical ecosystems such as coral reefs and tropical forests, developing field competencies in species identification, ecological survey design, data collection and analysis.

  • Aim 3: Develop professional and transferable skills by formulating scientific questions, adapting research to the realities of tropical fieldwork, and communicating evidence-based findings effectively and ethically within real-world conservation contexts.

Content Summary

This module provides you with applied, experiential learning in tropical ecology and conservation. It combines campus-based study with a residential field course, giving direct research experience across tropical marine and forest environments. You will examine the ecological complexity of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves, and tropical forests, and evaluate conservation measures that balance biodiversity protection with community needs.

Field training builds competence in biological survey design, species identification, ecological sampling, and data analysis. You will conduct species specific surveys, tropical forest habitat structure and diversity assessments, and coral reef surveys. Data gathered contribute to ongoing local monitoring programmes, providing authentic, research-led, and ethically grounded field experience.

The module directly supports degree aims of developing globally aware conservation practitioners capable of applying ecological knowledge to real-world challenges.

Note: This optional module includes an overseas field course with additional costs. This field course will only run if sufficient students are registered on the module. The delivery or location of the field course may change to consider global events at the time of study (e.g., pandemic, UK Government Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice, security issues in the location). It is essential students engage with any and all health and safety training, instruction and materials relating to the field course.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Workshop 56
FieldWork 110
Summative Assessment 60
Directed Study 18.5
Guided Learning 10.5
Formative Assessment 30
Independent Study 15
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Relate in-depth knowledge and practical experience of the characteristics, and ecological processes and gradients that define tropical ecosystems, to evaluate conservation measures for mitigating human impacts and demands on tropical habitats, species, and ecological functionality.
LO2 Apply contemporary field skills and techniques to address ecological and conservation research scenarios for a range of tropical biota in terrestrial and marine habitats and driven by stakeholder needs.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work The portfolio supports the development of core competencies expected within the ecological sector, including species identification, habitat assessment, data handling, and professional reporting. 0 3600 60 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Student Choice Students produce a podcast or short video that translates complex ecological concepts, survey findings, or conservation issues into accessible formats. This reflects real-world demands within the sector, where professionals must engage stakeholders including clients, planners, NGOs, and the public. 18 N/A 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Written Work ✔ ✔
Student Choice ✔ ✔

Reading List

Joiner, J.T. (ed.) (2010). NOAA Diving Manual: Diving for Science and Technology. 4th ed. Revised. Flagstaff, AZ: Best Publishing Company.

Corlett, R.T. and Primack, R.B. 2011. Tropical rain forests: an ecological and biogeographical comparison. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.

Ghazoul, J. and Sheil, D. 2010. Tropical rain forest ecology, diversity, and conservation. Oxford University Press.

Henderson, P.A. 2021. Southwood’s ecological methods. 5th ed. Oxford University Press.

Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification - Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. Jacksonville, FL: New World Publications.

Kaiser, M.J., Attrill, M.J., Jennings, S., Thomas, D.N., Barnes, D.K.A., Brierley, A.S., Hiddink, J.G., Kaartokallio, H., Polunin, N.V.C. and Raffaelli, D.G. (2011). Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Kricher, J.C. 2010. Tropical ecology. Princeton University Press.

Larkum, A.W.D. et al. 2006. Seagrasses: biology, ecology, and conservation. Springer.

Newton, A.C. 2007. Forest ecology and conservation: a handbook of techniques. Oxford University Press.

Sutherland, W.J. 2006. Ecological census techniques: a handbook. Cambridge University Press.

Particularly relevant scientific journals include: Biological Conservation, Biotropica, Conservation Biology, Frontiers in Ecology and Environment, Journal of Tropical Ecology, Nature, PNAS, Science, Trends in Ecology and Evolution, and Tropical Conservation Science.