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Study information

Ecology and Environment

Module titleEcology and Environment
Module codeBIO2076
Academic year2023/4
Credits15
Module staff

Dr Kirsten Young (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

100

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 ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
361140

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching22Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching14Laboratory practical and field visit
Guided Independent Study66Lecture consolidation and associated reading
Guided Independent Study48Coursework and exam revision

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Essay structure preparation500 wordsAllOnline

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
40600

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Essay examination601000 wordsAllWritten
Poster presentation40A3 posterAllWritten
0
0
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Essay examinationEssay examination (60%)AllAugust Ref/Def
Poster presentationPoster presentation (40%)AllAugust 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

Key words search

Ecology, biodiversity, environment, conservation

Credit value15
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