
- UCAS course code
- F852
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Introduction to Ecology and Conservation
Unit code | PLAN10502 |
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Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 1 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
WEEK | OUTLINE OF CONTENT |
1 | Introduction to course: ecology and biodiversity conservation |
2 | Principles of population ecology |
3 | Principles of community ecology |
4 | Biodiversity conservation and management: international and UK contexts |
5 | The ecology of semi-natural ecosystems with field visit |
6 | Study week |
7 | Managing and conserving semi-natural ecosystems |
8 | The ecology of agricultural systems with field visit |
9 | Managing conservation in agricultural ecosystems |
10 | The ecology of urban ecosystems with field visit |
11 | Managing and conserving biodiversity in urban ecosystems |
12 | Course conclusion and revision |
Aims
- To introduce key ecological concepts, including those relating to population and community ecology and biodiversity conservation
- To provide an understanding of the important role that ecology plays in our understanding and management of the environment
- To explore human impacts on ecological structure and function
- To provide insight into the changing conservation priorities and associated environmental management of semi-natural, agricultural and urban ecosystems
- To develop an understanding of the principal tools used to assess ecological quality and their application in the field
Syllabus
WEEK | OUTLINE OF CONTENT |
1 | Introduction to course: ecology and biodiversity conservation |
2 | Principles of population ecology |
3 | Principles of community ecology |
4 | Biodiversity conservation and management: international and UK contexts |
5 | The ecology of semi-natural ecosystems with field visit |
6 | Study week |
7 | Managing and conserving semi-natural ecosystems |
8 | The ecology of agricultural systems with field visit |
9 | Managing conservation in agricultural ecosystems |
10 | The ecology of urban ecosystems with field visit |
11 | Managing and conserving biodiversity in urban ecosystems |
12 | Course conclusion and revision |
Teaching and learning methods
This module will be delivered through lectures, workshops and field visits to ensure a range of practical, academic and transferable skills will be acquired. The specific skills that students will gain relate to research and data acquisition, Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, data analysis, writing reports and team working and management, all of which, are important for a range of careers in environmental management and related professions
Knowledge and understanding
- Be able to demonstrate an understanding of ecological structure and functions in different environments
- Have developed an understanding of key biomes, ecosystems and habitat types
Intellectual skills
- Develop understanding of the ecology and management of one taxonomic group
- Have developed an understanding of the priorities and challenges of biodiversity conserevation
Practical skills
- Be able to apply different mapping and interpretation skills to explore ecological structure and function at site and landscape scales
- Develop skills in the collection and analysis of environmental data
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Prepare a report analysing primary and secondary data on ecological management practices of a given taxonomic group
Assessment methods
ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY | LENGTH REQUIRED | WEIGHTING WITHIN UNIT | FEEDBACK |
1. Individual project report | 2,000 words | 50% | Individual summative feedback will be provided through Turnitin within 15 working days of sub mission. |
2. Exam | 1.5 hours | 50% | Verbal feedback will be provided on request. |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be provided through formal feedback for assessed work and through verbal feedback during the workshop sessions each week as well as through Blackboard.
Recommended reading
Barrow, C. (1999) Environmental Management: Principles and Practice, Routledge, London
Francis, R.A. and Chadwick, M.A. (2013) Urban Ecosystems: understanding the humans environment. Routledge, Oxon.
Gaston, K.J. (Ed) (2010) Urban Ecology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Hadjobiros, K. (2014) Ecology and Applied Environmental Science, CRC Press, Boca Raton.
Selman, P. (2000) Environmental Planning, Paul Chapman, London.
Selman, P. (2006) Planning at the Landscape Scale, Routledge, London.
Wheater, C.P., Bell, J.R. and Cook, P. (2011) Practical Field Ecology: A Project Guide. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester.
Williamson, T. (2013) An Environmental History of Wildlife in England: 1650-1950. Bloomsbury, London.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Fieldwork | 24 |
Lectures | 20 |
Practical classes & workshops | 2 |
Seminars | 6 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 148 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Anna Gilchrist | Unit coordinator |