Preparing for Ecological Consultancy
| Module title | Preparing for Ecological Consultancy |
|---|---|
| Module code | BIOM4014 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Kelly Moyes (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
This module acts as an introduction for any students that are interested in pursuing a career in terrestrial ecological consultancy in the UK. Throughout the module you will be given an overview of ecological consultancy and gain a more detailed understanding of key legislation, habitat surveys, protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments. During this module you will have the valuable opportunity to gain practical experience of completing habitat surveys and species survey techniques. This module will provide you with an excellent platform for a future career in ecological consultancy.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module deals with the key issues and techniques involved in terrestrial ecological consultancy, an intended sector for graduates from the programme. Although focused on the skills needed for an ecological consultancy career, the module would be beneficial for anyone considering a career in UK conservation. The module will include a sectoral overview, and theory, process and practice of key techniques. As parts of this programme will be conducted in the field, you may wish to consider the physical demands of these aspects of the module before embarking on it.
The module deals with real world problems in terms of understanding how to balance development and conservation. Some examples of research are explored regarding methods of mitigation and enhancement of sites. You will carry out your own research on an example proposal site. Although students from other EU nations and overseas will find this a useful module, it should be noted that it focuses on the sector within the UK.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Explain the role of ecological consultancy, the ecological impact assessment process and the techniques most widely used within the arena in the UK
- 2. Illustrate the skills necessary to gain employment in this sector
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Describe systematically and critically current problems and/or new insights in biodiversity and conservation
- 4. Illustrate comprehensively some techniques applicable to biodiversity and conservation in the UK
- 5. Apply knowledge originally, describing how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- 7. Tackle and solve problems independently and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
- 8. Work independently to advance your knowledge and understanding and develop new skills to a high level
Syllabus plan
This module is taught using in person lectures, workshops and practical sessions with some supplementary online material.
Whilst the module’s precise content will vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover the following themes:
-
Overview of ecological consultancy
-
Key Legislation
-
Habitat survey
-
Protected species surveys
-
Ecological impact assessment
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 118 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 12 | Lectures covering topics such as legislation, desk studies, habitat survey, dormice, otters, reptiles, bats, great crested newts, invasive species, water voles and an introduction to botany. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 3 | Two workshops discussing formative assessments. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 13 | Practical sessions will enable you to undertake surveys and to practise your field identification skills. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 4 | Workshops to learn Ecological Impact Assessment methods and put it into practice. |
| Guided independent study | 118 | Additional research, reading and preparation for module assessments. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short answer questions during lectures | Ongoing throughout the module | 1-8 | Oral |
| Practice reports, providing formative assessment through peer and module convenor discussion in workshop | 2 hours for each | 1-8 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecological Appraisal | 65 | Up to 2,500 words with figures | 1-8 | Written |
| Recommendations report for a client | 35 | Up to 1,200 words | 1-8 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecological Appraisal | Ecological Appraisal | 1-8 | During an appropriate specified time period before the end of July |
| Recommendations report for a client | Recommendations report for a client | 1-8 | During an appropriate specified time period before the end of July |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral 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 overall (i.e., a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to redo the original assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey, Parkins H
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2008 |
| Last revision date | 14/07/2023 |
