6B013B - Conservation Technology 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 6B013B
Module Title: Conservation Technology
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Science
Faculty Sub Group: Applied Science
Module Leader: Emma Higgins
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 6
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: Develop students’ understanding of current and emerging technologies in ecology and wildlife conservation, and their effective and appropriate application in real-world conservation contexts.

Aim 2: Enable students to critically evaluate, troubleshoot, and apply best practice in the use of conservation technologies through practical, case-based ecological problem-solving.

Aim 3: Develop professional and graduate attributes through team-based learning, including communication, leadership, project management, innovation, and reflective practice in collaborative conservation scenarios.

Content Summary

This module explores the rapidly evolving role of advanced technologies in ecological monitoring, biodiversity assessment, and conservation management. Students will critically engage with contemporary tools including remote sensing, environmental DNA (eDNA), artificial intelligence, UAVs, and bio-logging systems, developing both conceptual understanding and applied analytical skills.

Framed around authentic, real-world conservation challenges, the module adopts a research-led and practice-informed approach aligned with current industry and scientific developments. Students will work with complex ecological datasets, applying digital and quantitative methods to inform evidence-based decision-making.

The module contributes to the wider programme by enhancing digital fluency, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and professional competence in conservation science. Learning is designed in accordance with USW Curriculum Design Principles, emphasising authentic learning, collaboration, inclusivity, and the development of autonomous, reflective practitioners prepared for employment within the conservation and environmental sectors.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Workshop 56
Asynchronous 16
Directed Study 56
Summative Assessment 60
Formative Assessment 30
Guided Study 10.5
Independent Study 71.5
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate the principles, capabilities, and limitations of emerging technological approaches used in ecological monitoring, biodiversity assessment, and conservation management.
LO2 Apply appropriate conservation technologies and analytical approaches to interpret ecological data and inform evidence-based decisions in wildlife survey, monitoring, and conservation scenarios.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 A collection of 2-3 pieces of work addressing questions conservation technology relevance or concern. 0 3600 60 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Practical / Clinical Viva (Onsite) 1 This assessment complements the portfolio (A1) by assessing students’ ability to articulate, justify, and critically discuss their understanding in real time. 36 N/A 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1 ✔ ✔
Practical / Clinical Viva (Onsite) 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

Browning.E, Gibb.R, Glover-Kapfer, Jones.K (2017).Passive acoustic monitoring in ecology and conservation. WWWF Conservation Technology Series 1(2). WWF-UK, Woking, UK.

CIEEM (various). Technical Guidance Series. Winchester, UK: Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Hill, D., Fasham, M., Tucker, P., Shewry, M. and Shaw, P. (eds.). Handbook of Biodiversity Methods: Survey, Evaluation and Monitoring. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Melin.M A, Shapiro. A.C Glover-Kapfer.P..(2017)  LIDAR for ecology and conservation. WWWF Conservation Technology Series 1(3). WWF-UK, Woking, UK.

Horning, Ned et al. (2010), Remote Sensing for Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook of Techniques  Oxford Academic, Oxford.

Sutherland, W.J. (2006). Ecological Census Techniques: A Handbook. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Wearn. O.R & Glover-Kapfer (2017), Camera-trapping for conservation: a guide to best-practices. WWWF Conservation Technology Series 1(1). WWF-UK, Woking, UK.