Description
Ecology and Environment
| Module title | Ecology and Environment |
|---|---|
| Module code | BIO2076 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Kirsten Thompson (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 100 |
|---|
Description - summary of the module content
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 some computer-based models of ecological systems.
- 3. Use a spreadsheet 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 and in writing
- 8. Use a spreadsheet for advanced computation and data analysis
- 9. Complete research-related tasks under guidance
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
We will cover four areas: FORM, DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE and HUMAN IMPACTS
Specific topics will include the following:
FORM: natural history of an organism; adaptation.
DISTRIBUTION: landscape ecology; species distribution models (SDMs) and climate change; habitat fragmentation and metapopulations.
ABUNDANCE: species interactions; explanations of ‘common vs. rare’.
HUMAN IMPACT: overexploitation and sustainable harvesting; conservation demography; protecting species and protected areas.
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 | 15 | Laboratory practical |
| Guided Independent Study | 113 | Guided reading |
Assessment
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice essay | 500 words | All | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay examination | 60 | 1 hour | All | Written via tutor |
| Data analysis report | 25 | 1500 words | All | Written via lecturer |
| Slideshow with commentary | 15 | 10 minute presentation | All | Written via lecturer |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay examination | Essay examination | All | August Ref/Def |
| MCQ assessment | Essay examination | 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
-
A list of journal articles will be provided on the module’s ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=316
-
Core reading: K. J. Gaston &T. M. Blackburn (2000) Pattern and Process in Macroecology. Wiley. Online ISBN:9780470999592
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Module has an active ELE page
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| 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 | 10/08/2020 |