Professional/Short course Conservation Research Methods
15 credit level 7 module
About
This 15 credit module, Conservation Research Methods, is a skills module, with a focus on enhancing skills that are important for employability within the conservation science sector. It'll provide you with botanical species identification and data analysis skills that will aid you with assessments for other modules on the programme (e.g. Conservation Science Project) and your future career. The focus on botanical identification skills is due to these being the basis for a range of ecological surveys.
The module aims to increase your confidence and employability within key areas of conservation science, predominantly data analysis and botanical species identification. The module is designed to be flexible, centred around online mini-courses and associated discussion forums, allowing you to learn at your own pace throughout the duration of the course.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced botanical species identification skills.
- demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to use data analytical skills which are relevant to conservation science and practice.
Careers / Further study
This module can contribute towards the MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation, and the Professional Development Awards. If you have any queries, please contact the Professional Development team (pd@uwe.ac.uk).
How to apply
Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.
Please read our Terms and Conditions.
For further information
- Email: pd@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 81158
Structure
Content
The module syllabus will teach and assess a range of key conservation skills, typically including:
- botanical identification and analytical skills
- an Introduction to GIS (Geographic Information System)
- qualitative data analysis
- multivariate analysis
Learning and Teaching
The bulk of the module will deliver computer-based skills and be presented via online mini-courses, which combine video lectures and practical tasks. Learning will be supported via online discussion forums and regular drop-in sessions where tutors and peers provide support to learners. The subjects of the mini-courses will complement the provision of key skills in other modules.
Assessment
Assessment for this module comprises a portfolio of outputs from a range of mini courses (1,000 words maximum). You'll have to complete five compulsory minicourses that cover a range of particularly key skills (e.g. GIS, botanical identification and ecological modelling in R). There will then be a series of optional mini courses that the you can select from, allowing you to select the courses most relevant to your specific interests and future careers. A total of ten minicourses (five compulsory and five optional) will count towards their final grade. If you complete more than five of the optional mini courses, your best five marks will count.
The submissions expected will differ depending on the topic of the minicourse. For example, for the botanical identification mini course, you'll need to submit annotated botanical specimens, appropriately preserved, and identified to species level. For the data analysis mini course, assessment of your learning and ability will be tested at the end of the mini course via an automated test. Each student will receive random questions from a wider question bank for each test. As well as general questions to test understanding of the techniques, these will include conducting the analyses, inputting output values from these and uploading visual outputs, such as GIS maps and data visualisation using R.
Prices and dates
Supplementary fee information
For information on fees, managing your money and determining your fees status, please visit our Health professional development fees webpage.
Please note priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts.
Dates
Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.
If no course dates are shown below this could be due to high demand or no availability. If your course is being funded by your employer and they have bought places in advance, you will need to contact them to be given the links to apply.
Features
Study facilities
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
The College of Health, Science and Society at UWE Bristol and Bristol Zoological Society have excellent reputations for the quality of their teaching and the facilities they provide, including online study skills support and library services.
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If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.