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ESM328Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Biodiversity Conservation

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity conservation, exploring the varieties of life at ecosystem, community, species, and genetic levels. It examines ecological formations, principal causes of extinction, and effective conservation methods. The course covers ecological, economic, and social values of biological resources, impacts of pollution and climate change, and conservation efforts in West Africa, equipping students with knowledge to conserve biological resources.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
BiodiversityConservationEcosystemExtinctionClimate Change

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Concept of Biological Diversity

2

Economic, Ecological and Social Values of Biological Resources

3

Biodiversity Loss and Extinctions

4

Biodiversity Conservation Methods

5

Environmental Pollution and Biodiversity Loss

6

Climate Change and Biodiversity

7

Biodiversity in West Africa

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Conservation Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Wildlife Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Educator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sustainability Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Environmental ConservationAgricultureTourismGovernment AgenciesResearch Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

10h

Unit 1: Concept of Biological Diversity

5 study hours
  • Define biodiversity and its importance.
  • Describe species richness, diversity, and endemism.
  • Explain the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Unit 2: Economic, Ecological and Social Values of Biological Resources

5 study hours
  • Discuss the economic benefits of forests, including timber, rubber, and medicinal plants.
  • Explain the ecological roles of forests in climate regulation and water cycling.
  • Analyze the social values of forests for indigenous communities and tourism.
Week
2

Module 1:

10h

Unit 3: Biodiversity Loss and Extinctions

5 study hours
  • Identify the main causes of habitat destruction, such as deforestation and urbanization.
  • Explain how habitat fragmentation affects species survival.
  • Discuss the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity.

Unit 4: Biodiversity Conservation Methods

5 study hours
  • Describe in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods.
  • Discuss the role of government policies and community involvement in conservation.
  • Explain the importance of habitat restoration and sustainable resource management.
Week
3

Module 1:

5h

Unit 5: Protocol on Biodiversity Conservation

5 study hours
  • Explain the purpose and scope of biodiversity conservation protocols.
  • Discuss the duties of contracting parties in protecting biodiversity.
  • Analyze the role of international agreements in biodiversity conservation.
Week
4

Module 2:

10h

Unit 1: Environmental Pollution and Biodiversity Loss

5 study hours
  • Identify different types of environmental pollution (air, water, soil).
  • Explain how industrial pollution affects biodiversity.
  • Discuss waste management strategies and their impact on ecosystems.

Unit 2: Climate Change and Biodiversity

5 study hours
  • Define climate change and differentiate it from global warming.
  • Explain the factors driving climate change, including greenhouse gases and human activities.
  • Discuss the role of glaciers, oceans, and volcanic activity in climate regulation.
Week
5

Module 2:

10h

Unit 3: Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity

5 study hours
  • Explain how climate change affects species distribution and migration patterns.
  • Discuss the impact of temperature changes, sea-level rise, and altered rainfall on biodiversity.
  • Analyze the vulnerability of ecosystems to climate change.

Unit 4: Climate Change Mitigation and Biodiversity Conservation

5 study hours
  • Define mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change.
  • Discuss methods of climate change mitigation, such as afforestation and reforestation.
  • Assess the effects of climate change mitigation strategies on biodiversity.
Week
6

Module 2:

5h

Unit 5: Biodiversity in West Africa (Case Study)

5 study hours
  • Describe the habitat diversity in West Africa.
  • Discuss the ecological, economic, and social values of biological resources in West Africa.
  • Analyze the threats to biodiversity in West Africa, including deforestation and poaching.
Week
7

Module 1:

10h

Unit 1: Concept of Biological Diversity

5 study hours
  • Review the concept of biological diversity, including species richness, diversity, and endemism.
  • Discuss the economic, ecological, and social values of biological resources.
  • Analyze the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss and extinctions.

Unit 2: Economic, Ecological and Social Values of Biological Resources

5 study hours
  • Review the economic, ecological, and social values of biological resources.
  • Discuss the environmental benefits of tropical forests and their role in climate regulation.
  • Analyze the importance of biological resources for local communities and global economies.
Week
8

Module 1:

10h

Unit 3: Biodiversity Loss and Extinctions

5 study hours
  • Review the causes of biodiversity loss, including habitat destruction and invasive species.
  • Discuss the consequences of species extinctions on ecosystem functioning.
  • Analyze the role of human activities in accelerating biodiversity loss.

Unit 4: Biodiversity Conservation Methods

5 study hours
  • Review in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods.
  • Discuss the role of government policies and community involvement in conservation.
  • Analyze the effectiveness of different conservation strategies in protecting biodiversity.
Week
9

Module 2:

10h

Unit 5: Protocol on Biodiversity Conservation

5 study hours
  • Review the purpose and scope of biodiversity conservation protocols.
  • Discuss the duties of contracting parties in protecting biodiversity.
  • Analyze the role of international agreements in biodiversity conservation.

Unit 1: Environmental Pollution and Biodiversity Loss

5 study hours
  • Review the different types of environmental pollution (air, water, soil).
  • Discuss the effects of industrial pollution on biodiversity.
  • Analyze waste management strategies and their impact on ecosystems.
Week
10

Module 2:

10h

Unit 2: Climate Change and Biodiversity

5 study hours
  • Review the definition of climate change and its difference from global warming.
  • Discuss the factors driving climate change, including greenhouse gases and human activities.
  • Analyze the role of glaciers, oceans, and volcanic activity in climate regulation.

Unit 3: Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity

5 study hours
  • Review the impacts of climate change on species distribution and migration patterns.
  • Discuss the effects of temperature changes, sea-level rise, and altered rainfall on biodiversity.
  • Analyze the vulnerability of ecosystems to climate change.
Week
11

Module 2:

10h

Unit 4: Climate Change Mitigation and Biodiversity Conservation

5 study hours
  • Review mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change.
  • Discuss methods of climate change mitigation, such as afforestation and reforestation.
  • Analyze the effects of climate change mitigation strategies on biodiversity.

Unit 5: Biodiversity in West Africa (Case Study)

5 study hours
  • Review the habitat diversity in West Africa.
  • Discuss the ecological, economic, and social values of biological resources in West Africa.
  • Analyze the threats to biodiversity in West Africa, including deforestation and poaching.
Week
12

Module 1 and Module 2

8h

TMA and Revision

8 study hours
  • Complete all TMAs
  • Revise all course materials
  • Prepare for final examinations
Week
13

Module 1 and Module 2

8h

TMA and Revision

8 study hours
  • Complete all TMAs
  • Revise all course materials
  • Prepare for final examinations

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key concepts and definitions.

2

Develop concept maps linking the causes of biodiversity loss with potential conservation strategies.

3

Practice applying conservation methods to real-world scenarios, such as the West Africa case study.

4

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and feedback to identify areas for improvement.

5

Allocate specific study time for each module, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all units.

6

Focus on understanding the relationships between climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

7

Prepare concise explanations of international agreements and protocols related to biodiversity conservation.

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