Module Information

Module Identifier
BR10810
Module Title
The Development and Management of British Habitats
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Mr David R Powell
Semester
Semester 2
Mutually Exclusive
BG10810
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 30 x 1 Hour Lectures
Field Trip 2 x 4 Hour Field Trips
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Woodland visit report.  25%
Semester Assessment Grassland visit report.  25%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Short-answer question paper.  50%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  50%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Outline their classification in a range of appropriate systems;

2. Describe the natural factors influencing their development;

3. Explain the role of humans in their historical development;

4. Describe their current management, usage and issues that arise as a consequence;

5. Identify their conservation value, status and potential;

Brief description

This module will explore the interrelationships between natural factors and human actions which result in the development of the main groups of terrestrial habitats found in Britain: woodlands; grasslands; coastal, upland and montane communities; heaths and mires, swamps and fens; marginal and transitional habitats; and arable lands. Use of these habitats for varied commercial purposes will be considered alongside their value for wildlife and landscape. The module will consider the extent to which different types of habitat can serve as key components of multi-functional landscapes; the pressures upon these habitats from competing interests; and the designations, policies and schemes that are in place to influence the management of these habitats.

Content

For woodlands; grasslands; coastal, upland and montane communities; heaths and mires, swamps and fens; marginal and transitional habitats; and arable lands the following will be considered:

Classification of habitats, the main types of habitat and factors influencing their development.
Historic and modern systems of management and their impact on the habitat.
Commercial and other uses.
Conservation status and condition.
Key species and communities of conservation interest.
Policies, schemes and other mechanisms for the conservation and management of the habitat.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Limited analysis of data undertaken as a component of an assessed report.
Communication Reports to be written in an appropriate scientific writing style.
Improving own Learning and Performance
Information Technology Data presented graphically using Excel in assessed reports.
Personal Development and Career planning
Problem solving
Research skills Field visits may involve some data collection.
Subject Specific Skills Plant identification in field.
Team work Data collection will be undertaken in small teams.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4