Module: BIO5003-20 Ecology and Biodiversity

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Joanne Carnell

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.carnell@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module aims to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of ecology and its applications to the study of biodiversity. It examines the importance and complexity of interactions between individuals, populations, communities and the abiotic environment. It also develops practical ecological field survey skills, data analysis and monitoring techniques, based on industry standards, used to assess the diversity of habitats and the distribution and abundance of species. It will develop core skills and understanding needed for careers related to nature conservation, ecological consultancy, biodiversity and environmental science.

This module also aims to develop the following graduate attributes:

1. Employability: equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in and lead teams; produce reports in appropriate formats, according to industry standards.

2. Digitally literate

3. Creative thinking, doing and making;

4. Critical thinking: Able to express ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy.

2. Outline syllabus

The approach is a mixture of theory and practical skills. A range of ecological principles are studied, including: predator-prey interactions; herbivory; competition; population dynamics; ecosystem structure and community ecology. Given the global influence and relevance of ecology and biodiversity, appropriate international case studies will be used to illustrate issues in that subject area.

A residential field trip, practical workshops and field visits will introduce ecological field techniques and other skills such as Phase 1 habitat surveys, data analysis, plant identification, bird and bat surveys and GIS.

3. Teaching and learning activities

This module begins with a residential field trip in which you develop biodiversity survey, recording and assessment skills. During the Semester you normally attend for four hours of lectures or practical work per week. Directed time will be available to work on data collation for assignments and Q & A sessions for guidance in preparing assignments. You are required to collate and input data collected on field trips and to use and evaluate this data in subsequent assignments.

Lectures focus upon key concepts and theories, and will introduce applications. The Minerva will be used to provide support learning material, collated data sets and other resources. You are required to interpret and critically review published data on topics covered in the module. Fieldwork and practical sessions are employed to complement and enhance the lecture programme and enable you to develop practical skills. You will evaluate ecological methods and the results obtained in the practical sessions.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Scientific/Technical Report (3000 words)

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: In class test

• Description: In class test (2hrs)

• % Weighting: 40%