BIO2028 : Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Emmi Hall
- Lecturer: Dr Marion Pfeifer, Dr James Kitson
- 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
Field visits will explore the role of collections and archives in biodiversity research and education, and visit a local conservation area.
Field and computer practicals will cover ecological theory and data analysis of:
Life history tables, keystone species, intermediate disturbance hypothesis and quantitative analysis of biodiversity.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Assessed practical write up |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 19 | 1:00 | 19:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Final Exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 18 | 0:30 | 9:00 | Revision for exam |
| 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 | 2:00 | 36:00 | Lecture follow up |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 5 | 4:00 | 20:00 | Field class & practical preparation and follow up |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 2 | 4:00 | 8:00 | Completing SimBio computer practical work |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Data analysis practice |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Museum collections |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 2 | 5:00 | 10:00 | Wallington & Woodland invertebrate diversity |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 18 | 3:00 | 54:00 | Background reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
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 collecting and analysing ecological data sets, and exploring computer simulated scenarios. The fieldwork expands on biodiversity and conservation issues and practice.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 30 | Field practical Results and Discussion (1000 words + figures). |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 2 x SimBio Computer practical worksheet, peer marked in class, with a model answer |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The field 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 exam 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