BIO2028 : Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Dr Roy Sanderson
- Lecturer: Dr Marion Pfeifer, Dr Emmi Hall, Dr Colin Tosh
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
To introduce biodiversity science, ecological theory and conservation biology as evidence-based scientific disciplines; to complement other Stage 2 content on vertebrate Biology and evolution; 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 introduces ecological theory and underlying models to quantify ecological processes and simplify complex ecological datasets. Against this background it also introduces conservation biology, focusing on the presentation and interpretation of evidence about human impacts on species and ecosystems, and the exploration of potential solutions to problems based on both science and practice.
Lectures cover the following topics:
Measuring biodiversity and assessing patterns in space and time.
Biogeography and islands
Utility and overexploitation of biological resources
Human wellbeing and social impacts of biodiversity
CBD, Red list and IUCN policy frameworks
Alien species introductions and disease.
Population biology
Patterns in community diversity
Ecosystems and foodwebs
Ecological models
Extinction risk and Population viability analysis.
Landscape ecology and conservation.
Fragmented habitats.
In situ and ex situ conservation.
Protected area selection, design and management
Practicals will cover ecological theory and data analysis of:
Life history tables, measuring diversity. Keystone species and intermediate disturbance hypothesis.
Field visits will explore the role of collections and archives in biodiversity research and education. And visit a local conservation area.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 12:00 | 12:00 | Preparation of formative assessment |
| 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 final exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 18 | 2:00 | 36:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 4 | 3:00 | 12:00 | Practicals |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Fieldtrip follow up |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 59:00 | 59:00 | Study of lectures, Recap, Blackboard etc. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 4 | 6:00 | 24:00 | Practical write up |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | lecture follow up |
| 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. The practical’s give students experience of analysing ecological datasets and exploring simulated scenarios using advanced numerical and computer based applications. The fieldwork classes expand on some biodiversity and conservation issues.
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 | Structured report(s) to test understanding of practical |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | Structured report to test understanding of practical |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The practical write ups are designed to assess the students skills in applying theory to problems in community ecology. The written exam will assess understanding of concepts and relevant knowledge of example material; including understanding of terminology and synthesis through data interpretation.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BIO2028's Timetable