Ecology and Environment
Module title | Ecology and Environment |
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Module code | BIO2076 |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Dr Kirsten Young (Convenor) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 100 |
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Module description
We begin to explore advanced ways of understanding patterns in biodiversity, the mechanisms that govern ecological systems and their sustainability. We examine how ecologists explain the form, distribution and abundance of organisms and we begin to evaluate the methods used to project the future of ecological systems and the services that they provide. It will suit people seeking a scientific understanding of nature and provide a foundation for interests in conservation and environmental change.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module presents some of the fundamental concepts, methods and results in the scientific study of ecology, biodiversity and the environment. Set at an intermediate level, you will begin to read papers in scientific journals under guidance and begin to become proficient in data analysis and interpretation. This module prepares you to study more advanced modules in ecology and environmental change and it is a valuable complement to ecology field courses.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Discuss some fundamental concepts, methods and results in the scientific study of ecology, biodiversity and the environment
- 2. Use and interpret models used to study ecological systems.
- 3. Use a spreadsheet and specific software for fairly complex calculations, data analysis and data display
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Summarise the key findings of research papers published in scientific journals
- 5. Locate, select and authenticate ecological information from the internet
- 6. With guidance, use established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the biosciences
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Communicate complex and technically detailed ideas and information orally, visually and in writing
- 8. Use a spreadsheet for advanced computation and data analysis
- 9. Complete research-related tasks under guidance
Syllabus plan
Specific topics covered are likely to change yearly to focus on the latest developments and to reflect the expertise of speakers, but coverage will include:
- measuring patterns in biodiversity and the processes that generate them
- behavioural ecology
- conservation biology
- use of predictive models in ecology
- conservation genetics
- global change ecology
Accessibility statement:
As part of this module, you will undertake three practical sessions. The first includes independent field work on campus and consolidation in the laboratory which will be 4 hrs in total. The second includes a field visit which is 7 hours duration (including transport). The third practical session is a computer-based laboratory of 3 hours. All of these sessions will be undertaken in groups and have been designed to allow for each member of the group to take an extended (30 minute) break for lunch. The sessions can accommodate students who require more frequent breaks for health reasons. Please contact the module coordinator if you require any particular support.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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36 | 114 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Lectures |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 14 | Laboratory practical and field visit |
Guided Independent Study | 66 | Lecture consolidation and associated reading |
Guided Independent Study | 48 | Coursework and exam revision |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Essay structure preparation | 500 words | All | Online |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Essay examination | 60 | 1000 words | All | Written |
Poster presentation | 40 | A3 poster | All | Written |
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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Essay examination | Essay examination (60%) | All | August Ref/Def |
Poster presentation | Poster presentation (40%) | All | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Begon, M, Townsend CR. 2021. Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems, 5th Edition. Wiley & Sons Ltd. ISBN: 1119279356.
- Bowman et al. (2018) Ecology, 4th Ed. Sinauer Associates. ISBN: 9781605357973
- Frankham et al. (2012). Introduction to Conservation Genetics. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9780511809002
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- A list of journal articles will be provided on the module’s ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=9233
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
Module pre-requisites | BIO1336 Ecology or NSC1003 Foundations in Natural Science |
Module co-requisites | None |
NQF level (module) | 5 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 01/11/2011 |
Last revision date | 30/10/2023 |