BSc (Hons) Marine and Freshwater Conservation

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This BSc (Hons) Marine and Freshwater Conservation degree program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become experts in aquatic conservation. It combines freshwater and marine conservation, providing a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity and its conservation. The program emphasizes practical, field-based learning, with opportunities for species reintroduction, conservation volunteering, and field trips. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in marine conservation, freshwater ecology, and other related fields.

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Degree Overview:

This BSc (Hons) Marine and Freshwater Conservation degree program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to become future experts in the field of aquatic conservation. The program is unique in that it combines freshwater and marine conservation into a single degree, allowing students to explore the full range of aquatic environments. Students will receive a thorough introduction to a range of marine and freshwater environments, from upland springs to coastal zones, and gain a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity and its conservation. The program boasts a strong emphasis on practical, field-based learning, providing students with hands-on experience in species reintroduction, conservation volunteering, and field trips across the UK and overseas. The location of the Ambleside campus, situated within the Lake District National Park, provides unparalleled access to charismatic wildlife and diverse ecosystems, offering students a unique opportunity to study in a vibrant conservation-focused community.

Outline:

The program is structured over three years, with each year featuring a curated selection of modules designed to build upon foundational knowledge and practical skills.

Year One:

• Conservation Skills & Practice: Develops core scientific and practical skills essential for a conservationist, preparing students for both their studies and future employment.
• Introduction to Conservation Biology: Provides a strong foundation in conservation principles, including history, organizations involved, legislation, policy, international agreements, and the importance of conservation biology strategies and practices.
• Biodiversity 1: Introduces the diverse range of biodiversity on the planet through lectures, field sessions, and laboratory work, enabling students to identify major taxonomic groups.
• Biodiversity 2: Focuses on practical identification skills, using both field guides and microscopes for detailed observation of specimens collected by students in the local environment.
• Introduction to Ecology: Provides a broad understanding of ecological processes and interactions between organisms and their environments, forming a framework for managing and working with various ecosystems.
• Aquatic Environments: Uses an integrated approach to explore aquatic environments from freshwater catchments to deep ocean trenches, laying the groundwork for the study of aquatic ecosystem conservation.

Year Two:

• Biodiversity Monitoring: Builds upon first-year identification and field skills, enabling students to put their knowledge into practice with biological monitoring techniques, survey design, and monitoring schemes.
• Evolution and Biogeography: Explores the mechanisms of evolution, including the history of the Earth, major extinction and diversification events, and the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the distribution of plants and animals.
• Freshwater Ecology: Examines topical issues related to freshwater ecosystems, including sustainable water resource use, pollution, catchment management, and conservation of freshwater biodiversity.
• Research Methods and Data Analysis: Introduces students to the scientific method, research design, unbiased data collection, and analytical skills required for completing an undergraduate honours dissertation project.
• Marine Ecology: Delves into the biology, biodiversity, and ecology of marine habitats, recognizing the importance of conserving over 50% of the world’s biodiversity found in these ecosystems.
• Conservation Genetics (Optional): Offers a fundamental understanding of genetics and genetic diversity, applying this knowledge to various ecological and conservation issues.
• Geographic Information Systems (Optional): Introduces the theory and practical application of GIS in relation to conservation and natural resource management.
• Valuing the Environment (Optional): Explores concepts related to valuing the environment, including natural capital, nature’s contribution to people, and ecosystem services, critically evaluating these frameworks for promoting environmental appreciation.

Year Three:

• Dissertation: Allows students to undertake an independent research project on a topic related to animal conservation science and conservation biology, enhancing research skills, project management, and research dissemination capabilities.
• Management of Aquatic Resources: Examines the crucial role of water in shaping landscapes, supporting ecosystems, and providing essential resources for human society.
• Applied Field Studies: Provides practical experience in collecting, analyzing, and reporting scientific data sets, developing advanced analytical skills in hypothesis testing and scientific communication.
• Conservation in Marine & Freshwater Ecosystems: Builds upon previous learning to explore the significance of aquatic systems for global biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, addressing conservation issues in these ecosystems.
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (Optional): Equips students with skills to plan and implement projects using GIS and remote sensing to address conservation and natural resource management challenges.
• Conservation Strategies (Optional): Integrates socio-ecological and economic perspectives into applied conservation strategies, fostering an understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainability.
• Wildlife Management (Optional): Applies knowledge of wildlife and conservation to real-life situations, emphasizing planning, administration, and funding for effective wildlife management practices.

Assessment:

The assessment strategy for the program is designed to promote learning, with a balanced approach that uses a variety of methods to assess student understanding and skills. These assessment methods may include:

• Unseen examinations
• Open-book examinations and practical tests
• Laboratory and field reports
• Computer-based assessments (statistical analysis)
• Problem solving
• Critical analysis of case studies and field work problems
• Oral, audio-visual, and poster presentations
• Production of scientific papers
• Research plans
• Dissertations
• Peer and self-assessment
• Group work
The program emphasizes feedback as a crucial part of the learning process, with formative feedback opportunities provided throughout modules to guide student development towards summative assessments.

Teaching:

The teaching team for the BSc (Hons) Marine and Freshwater Conservation Science program consists of members of the Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas, an interdisciplinary research center focused on natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. This ensures that students benefit from the expertise of a research-active team with diverse interests and strengths in marine and freshwater ecology, animal behaviour, mammal and marine science, human aspects of conservation, conservation genetics, marine protected areas, species restoration, and rewilding. The program employs a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles. These methods include:

• Practical sessions in the field and in the classroom
• Lectures and seminars
• Field visits and laboratory practicals
The location of the Ambleside campus provides access to diverse ecosystems, allowing for immersive field experiences. The teaching team has also developed strong links with local conservation organizations, providing opportunities for guest lectures, seminars, and site tours.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the field of conservation, including:

• Marine conservation officer
• Freshwater ecologist
• Biodiversity consultant
• Environmental educator
• Research scientist
The program's focus on practical skills and field experience enhances graduates' employability and allows them to contribute to the conservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Other:

• The program is designed to meet the growing demand for marine and freshwater scientists in the UK, addressing the shortage of professionals in this field.
• The program provides students with opportunities to develop valuable skills in data analysis, research, communication, and teamwork, making them highly competitive in the job market.
• The program's strong emphasis on field-based learning prepares students for the realities of working in conservation, providing them with practical experience in real-world settings.
• The location of the Ambleside campus provides students with access to a wealth of recreational opportunities and a vibrant community within the Lake District National Park.
• The program offers a "with placement" option, allowing students to gain valuable work experience through a year-long placement in the UK or abroad.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK: £9,250 per year
• International: £13,575 per year