Overview

This module will investigate and access the factors that control species diversity in our ecosystems and the ecological effect of man’s impact on the environment. Both of these are both strong indicators of the health of the planet and essential background knowledge for any field or conservation ecologist.

Programme

• Unit 1. The Green Planet: Over of Global Biomes
• Unit 2. Population and Community Ecology
• Unit 3. Ecology of the Anthropocene
• Unit 4. Invasive Species
• Unit 5. Ecological Data and Surveys
• Unit 6. Introduction to Stats with R

This module aims to broaden the knowledge and understanding of the interactions of organisms with the environment, gained in the core Ecology 1 module. It considers wider issues and concepts, including plant strategies, ecosystem stability, biodiversity and the ecological impact of man.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Describe factors determining the organisation of organisms into populations, communities, ecosystems and biomes.
2. Critically discuss the ecological value of biodiversity in relation to human impact and conservation.
3. Describe and critically evaluate the effects of human activities on ecological systems.
4. Develop problem solving ability and the ability to analyse data.

Assessments

1. Written Report - 1500 Words (50%)
2. Nature Journal  - 500 Words (50%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.