Description
Ecology
Module title | Ecology |
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Module code | BIO1336 |
Academic year | 2018/9 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Robert Wilson (Lecturer) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 180 |
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Description - summary of the module content
Module description
Ecology is fundamental to an understanding of the interactions between organisms and their environments. In this module you will study the key concepts, knowledge and unanswered questions in the ecology of populations, communities and ecosystems. We will look at some important historical figures and their legacy. We will consider the various approaches to ecological science, including description, experiments and theoretical models. Wherever feasible, we’ll look at how a general predictive theory can emerge. In laboratory practicals, you will undertake experiments and also undergo some circuit training in the ‘ecology gym’.
In order to take BIO1336 you must normally have an A Level (or equivalent) in Biology, but adventurous students from any other discipline (mathematics, geography, etc.) are strongly encouraged to consider this module.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to introduce you to key concepts and investigative approaches in ecology. The relationship between ecology and conservation will be explored. Practical investigations will introduce basic scientific testing of ecological hypotheses, including data collection, analysis and interpretation. In particular, this module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding that will enable you to take second and final year modules in organismal biology, ecology and evolution.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Outline some of the major theories that can explain the form, distribution, and abundance of organisms
- 2. Begin to relate ecological knowledge to the conservation of biodiversity
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Summarise essential facts and theory in a sub-discipline of the biosciences
- 4. With some guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation and enquiry within the biosciences
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. With guidance, study autonomously and undertake defined projects
- 6. With some guidance, select and properly manage information drawn from books, journals and the internet
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
Lectures will deal with various aspects of ecology, moving across scales from the individual to the ecosystem. Topics will include:
- definition of ecology;
- behavioural and evolutionary ecology;
- population ecology;
- community ecology and species interactions;
- ecosystems and biogeography;
- global change.
You will undertake three practical investigations:
- spreadsheet simulation of population dynamics;
- human simulation of competition;
- ecology gym (exercises in data analysis).
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
---|---|---|
36 | 114 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Lectures |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 9 | Laboratory practicals (3 x 3 hours) |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 5 | Lab-based drop-in feedback/recap/Q&A sessions (5 x 1 hour) |
Guided Independent Study | 2 | Virtual learning environment tasks |
Guided Independent Study | 67 | Lecture consolidation and reading |
Guided Independent Study | 45 | Revision |
Assessment
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|
Short answer practical write-ups | 2 x 3 hour | All | Model answers presented online and discussed in practical sessions |
Multiple choice questions (provided as virtual learning environment tasks) | 2 x 1 hour | All | Model answers provided online and discussed in class |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
---|---|---|
50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|---|
MCQ test | 30 | 1 hour | All | Model answers |
Short answer practical write-up | 20 | 3 hours | All | Model answers |
MCQ examination | 50 | 1 hour | All | Model answers |
Re-assessment
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 |
---|---|---|---|
MCQ test | MCQ examination | All | August Ref/Def |
Short answer practical write-up | MCQ examination | All | August Ref/Def |
MCQ examination | MCQ xamination | All | August Ref/Def |
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 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and will be capped at 40%.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Reece JB et al. (2011) Campbell Biology, 9th Ed. Pearson. ISBN 0-321-53616-7/0-321-53616-9
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Module has an active ELE page
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- ML Cain, WD Bowman and SD Hacker (2011) Ecology, 2nd edition. Sinauer ISBN-10: 0878936017/ISBN-13: 978-0878936014
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
Module pre-requisites | None |
Module co-requisites | None |
NQF level (module) | 4 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 01/05/2012 |
Last revision date | 18/03/2016 |