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Ecology and Environment

Module description

We begin to explore advanced ways of understanding patterns in biodiversity, the mechanisms that govern ecological systems and their sustainability. We examine how ecologists explain the form, distribution and abundance of organisms and we begin to evaluate the methods used to project the future of ecological systems and the services that they provide. It will suit people seeking a scientific understanding of nature and provide a foundation for interests in conservation and environmental change.  

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module presents some of the fundamental concepts, methods and results in the scientific study of ecology, biodiversity and the environment. Set at an intermediate level, you will begin to read papers in scientific journals under guidance and begin to become proficient in data analysis and interpretation. This module prepares you to study more advanced modules in ecology and environmental change and it is a valuable complement to ecology field courses.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Discuss some fundamental concepts, methods and results in the scientific study of ecology, biodiversity and the environment
• 2. Use and interpret models used to study ecological systems.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Digital data collection, statistical analysis and visualisation
• 4. Drawing evidence-based and independent conclusions

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Working independently
• 6. Exploring & learning with curiosity

Syllabus plan

Specific topics covered are likely to change yearly to focus on the latest developments and to reflect the expertise of speakers, but coverage will include:

• measuring patterns in biodiversity and the processes that generate them
• behavioural ecology
• conservation biology
• use of predictive models in ecology
• conservation genetics
• global change ecology

Accessibility statement:

As part of this module, you will undertake three practical sessions. The first includes independent field work on campus and consolidation in the laboratory which will be 4 hrs in total. The second includes a field visit which is 7 hours duration (including transport).  The third practical session is a computer-based laboratory of 3 hours.  All of these sessions will be undertaken in groups and have been designed to allow for each member of the group to take an extended (30 minute) break for lunch. The sessions can accommodate students who require more frequent breaks for health reasons. Please contact the module coordinator if you require any particular support.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Begon, M, Townsend CR. (2021). Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems, 5th Edition. Wiley & Sons Ltd. ISBN: 1119279356.
• Bowman et al. (2024) Ecology, 6^th Ed. Sinauer Associates. ISBN: 9780197614082
• Frankham et al. (2012). Introduction to Conservation Genetics. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9780511809002

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• A list of journal articles will be provided on the module’s ELE page:
  

Key words search

Ecology, biodiversity, environment, conservation