BIO3040 : Applied Ecology
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Gordon Port
- Lecturer: Professor Darren Evans, Professor Angharad MR Gatehouse
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
Human activity has major impacts on the ecology of both managed and unmanaged ecosystems, and it is important for modern ecologists to understand the effects on individuals, populations and communities of plants and animals. To do this successfully, ecologists require both a thorough understanding of the underlying theories that can be used to describe the behaviour of ecological systems, and also the ability to apply these theories so as to predict the likely results of human activity. Applied ecologists must also be able to communicate effectively scientific knowledge into clear guidance that can be used by policy-makers; this may include control of crop pests or alien invasives, or conservation of rare and endangered species.
Outline Of Syllabus
Lectures will be under four broad themes:
• Population management of pest and beneficial species in agro-ecosystems
• Ecological networks, with examples from agro-ecosystems and landscape ecology
• Efficacy and biosafety of GM crops
• Scientific knowledge and policy – how to communicate scientific findings for policy-makers
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 16:00 | 16:00 | Online via Canvas - A combination of short recordings of lecture material and text published on VLE |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 18 | 0:30 | 9:00 | Preparation for written assignment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Written assignment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Policy brief |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 19:00 | 19:00 | Project presentations |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Online - group presentation preparation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Online - group presentations |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Project presentation preparation and reflection |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | Online - guidance, consultation and feedback |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Lecture follow up |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 18 | 2:00 | 36:00 | Study of lectures and other provided material |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 18 | 2:00 | 36:00 | Directed Reading |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Module talks |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will include case studies to demonstrate the application of ecological theory in practical contexts. Students will also give group presentations on ecological practice, and learn the skills needed to communicate scientific findings to policy makers.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 40 | Policy or Management Brief 6-8 pages |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 60 | N/A |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | Group presentations on life history ecology theory and applied ecology. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examination will give students an opportunity to demonstrate that they have a thorough understanding of both underlying ecological theory, and how this can be applied in real-world situations and broader areas of the module content. Students will be expected to integrate material from multiple lectures, plus additional study, in order to answer the questions effectively.
The Policy Brief will assess students’ abilities to communicate often complex ecological concepts in clear, concise yet precise language, suitable for non-scientists to understand and make informed decisions.
An alternative assessment will be set for any Semester 1 Study Abroad student taking this module, who will not be in Newcastle during the January assessment period
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BIO3040's Timetable