Description
Ecology
Module title | Ecology |
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Module code | BIO1336 |
Academic year | 2020/1 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Dr Orly Razgour (Lecturer) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 150 |
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Description - summary of the module content
Module description
Ecology is fundamental to understanding the interactions between organisms and their environments. In this module you will study the key concepts, knowledge and unanswered questions in the ecology of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. We will look at key theories and their application. We will consider the various approaches to ecological science, including observations, experiments and theoretical models. Wherever feasible, we will look at how a general predictive theory can emerge and how it can be applied to explain patterns and processes. In skills training you will learn about techniques in spatial ecology, undertake a research project on bumble bees and act as a professional ecologist undertaking research on a campus species.
In order to take BIO1336 you must normally have an A Level (or equivalent) in Biology.
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. Relate ecological knowledge to the conservation of biodiversity
- 3. Develop skills in analysis of ecological data and biodiversity surveys
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Summarise essential facts and theory in a sub-discipline of the biosciences
- 5. 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...
- 6. With guidance, study autonomously and undertake defined projects
- 7. 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;
- spatial ecology and biogeography;
- population ecology;
- community ecology and species interactions;
- ecosystem ecology;
- behavioural ecology;
- conservation biology;
- global change.
The three skills sessions will encompass projects: using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map species distribution, analysing video footage from an experiment on bumble bees, and individual student-led research on the ecology and conservation of species occurring on the University campus.
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 |
---|---|---|
37 | 113 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Lectures |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 6 | Ecology Skills (3 x 2 hours) |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 9 | Live contact review/feedback/recap/Q&A sessions (9 x 1 hour) |
Guided Independent Study | 70 | Lecture consolidation and reading, researching for and writing assignments |
Guided Independent Study | 43 | Revision |
Assessment
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|
Practical report | 1 A4 page | 1, 3, 5 | General feedback and discussion in live contact session |
Multiple choice questions (provided as virtual learning environment tasks) | 2 x 30 minutes | 1-2, 4-7 | Model answers provided online and discussed in live contact sessions |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
---|---|---|
40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|---|
2 x Practical write-ups | 40 | 1 A4 page; 1500 words | All | Model answers |
MCQ examination | 60 | 1.5 hour | 1-2, 4-7 | 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 |
---|---|---|---|
2 x Practical write-ups | 2 practical write-ups | All | August Referral/Deferral |
MCQ examination | MCQ examination | 1-2, 4-7 | August Referral/Deferral |
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
- Campbell et al. (2017) Biology, 11th Ed. Pearson. ISBN 9781292170565
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10195
Module has an active ELE page
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 | 10/07/2020 |