Module Information
Module Identifier
BR36620
Module Title
Terrestrial Ecology Fieldcourse
Academic Year
2019/2020
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Field Trip | 1 x 54 Hour Field Trip |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Written essay 1 - (In-course assignment - ca. 2000 wds) | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | 1.5 Hours Exam (during fieldcourse) - Class project data analysis. | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Written essay 2 - Individual report based on group project. (3000wds) | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | Presentation - (Group project seminar) | 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Written essay - 6,000 word report for assessment, of a type and by a date to be agreed with the module coordinator. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Discuss topical and relevant problems in ecology, conservation and environmental science.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in identification of the main species and biotic components in the habitats in which the fieldcourse is taught.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in a range of field-based data collection /analysis techniques.
4. Design research strategies for data collection and analysis that are relevant to the designated research questions.
5. Communicate research findings through written reports.
Brief description
Through analysis of relevant and topical themes in ecology, conservation and environmental science, the module cover the following issues:-
- Application of theoretical, technical and/or scientific laboratory methods to the more complex and uncontrolled field environment in order to appreciate how core processes in ecology and land use are mediated by the climatic and geology of a specific field location.
- Identification of ecological research questions, and development of the requisite skills to solve/answer these through hypothesis testing, robust experimental design, data collection, data analysis and data interpretation.
- Consideration, where appropriate, of logistical (including safety) and ethical aspects of these research processes.
- The development of transferable skills which are core for field research in ecology/environmental science, including teamwork, observation, record-keeping, reporting/communication of experimental data and plant / fungus identification skills.
Content
The module objectives will be delivered through fieldwork, supported by a limited number of lectures and seminar session (e.g. data interpretation /analysis) during a residential fieldcourse. The topics covered in any particular year may vary depending on fieldcourse destination, weather conditions and staffing arrangements but will include themes such as:-
Techniques for vegetation analysis
Human impact on biological communities
Aspects of environmental/climate change and successional processes
Design and execution of field-based research projects
Techniques for vegetation analysis
Human impact on biological communities
Aspects of environmental/climate change and successional processes
Design and execution of field-based research projects
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Where appropriate, students will be trained in statistical techniques required to analyse their field data. |
| Communication | Both written and oral communication of data acquired during fieldwork will be developed via group discussions, reports and oral presentation. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students will be responsible for taking their own field notes, for developing efficient teamwork strategies and for developing realistic and efficient methods of data collection under field conditions within the broader constraints of the fieldcourse timetable. |
| Information Technology | Written reports, data analysis and literature/information searches to be undertaken electronically. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | N/A |
| Problem solving | Analysis of samples and data, synthesis assessed by reports. |
| Research skills | Students will be required to complete a number of research projects and design/execute at least one which will involve: problem identification, research design, data acquisition, analysis, presentation and interpretation. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Identification of plants /fungi using keys. |
| Team work | Developed via the assignment of students to small groups during fieldwork. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6