BIO2028 : Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Gavin Stewart
- Lecturer: Dr Evelyn Jensen, Dr Kirsty McInnes
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
To develop students’ appreciation of biodiversity science, ecological theory and conservation biology as evidence-based scientific disciplines; to provide the background for further study of biodiversity, ecology and conservation at Stage 3.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module deals with the diversification of life from its origins to the present day, and the natural and anthropogenic influences that have produced patterns of biodiversity observed in space and through time. The module develops theory of ecological patterns and processes. Against this background it also deals with conservation biology, focusing on the presentation and interpretation of evidence about impacts on species and ecosystems, and the exploration of potential solutions to problems based on both science and practice.
Lectures cover the following topics:
Ecological concepts in population, community and ecosystem biology
Ecological models
Measuring biodiversity and assessing patterns in space and time
Ecosystem functioning and resilience
Conservation of populations and ecosystems
Protected area selection, design and management
Challenges in conservation science
Practicals will cover ecological theory and data analysis of:
Life history tables, keystone species, and quantitative analysis of biodiversity.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 18 | 0:30 | 9:00 | Revision for exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Final Exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Assessed practical write up |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | Summative assessment based on analysing data on life history tables (2 weeks allowed for this) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 19 | 1:00 | 19:00 | Online lecture materials via Canvas |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | Computer practicals using SimBio & multivariate diversity data analysis |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Online lecture material follow up |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 2 | 4:00 | 8:00 | Completing SimBio computer practical work |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Field trips |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 45:00 | 45:00 | Background reading |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Field trip follow up |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Online lectures provide a conceptual understanding of and evidence for patterns in diversity, the underlying ecological theory of patterns and processes and the need for and design of conservation action at different scales. Practicals give students experience of analysing ecological data sets, and exploring computer simulated scenarios. The fieldwork classes expand on some biodiversity and conservation issues. Reading expands on biodiversity and conservation issues and practice.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 30 | Data analysis and interpretation |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 70 | Written exercise analysing data on life history tables |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | SimBio Computer practical worksheet, peer marked in class, with a model answer |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The practical write up is designed to assess the students’ skills in applying theory to biodiversity and community ecology; data analysis, interpretation and presentation skills; plus scientific writing, with use of supporting literature. The written exercise will assess understanding of concepts and relevant knowledge of example material; including understanding of terminology and synthesis through data interpretation.
The formative SimBio computer practical worksheet allows students' to apply their knowledge and assess their learning, receiving immediate feedback in class.
Use software to analyse data, compare ecological communities and produce figures.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BIO2028's Timetable