Module BIOL3161: FIELD COURSE

Department: Biosciences

BIOL3161: FIELD COURSE

Prerequisites

• Level 2 Ecology BIOL2461.

Corequisites

• • At least two other level 3 modules in Biological Sciences, selected from the following list: Advanced Topics in Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour BIOL3561, Conservation Biology BIOL3551, Ecology in the Anthropocene BIOL3541, Advanced Topics in Development BIOL3521, Stress and Responses to the Environment BIOL3491, Crops for the Future BIOL3611, Biochemistry and Biotechnology BIOL3601, Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering BIOL3531, Ageing and Age-Related Diseases BIOL3591, Advanced Cell Biology BIOL3481, Genomics BIOL3651.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Level 3 Workshop (BIOL3581)

Aims

• To allow students to undertake a series of field-based exercises to investigate the influence of the environment on the distribution, adaptations and behaviour of plants and animals.

Content

• Virtual field investigations of the impacts of a range of environmental parameters upon the distribution, adaptations and behaviour of plants and animals in their natural environment.
• Training in application of data field-based techniques underpinning the above.
• Field-application of organism identification and classification.
• Analysis and interpretation of data collected in the field.
• Training in health and safety aspects of fieldwork.
• Project design for a field environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the application of a variety of fieldwork methods to investigate ecology and behaviour of plants and animals.
• Knowledge of the role of the environment in determining the patterns of distribution of plants and animals, including organismal interactions and community structure.
• Understanding of key issues related to the role of the environment in the adaptions and behaviour exhibited by plants and animals.

• To develop a critical understanding field-based research techniques and appreciate the importance of good working practice in field environments.

• Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
• Data analysis, in interpreting the patterns of distribution and abundance of species, species’ ecology and behaviour, and the structure and composition of communities.
• Communication skills, in presenting oral and written report.
• Team work.
• Self-motivation, in independent work on report.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Virtual field work: allows for gathering data using online resources and webcam footage. Support for exercises will be given through Videoconferencing, DUO messaging and email, including individual interaction, and group discussion.
• Tutorials: develop team skills in small group working and give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Report gives experience in scientific writing, data visualization and critical analysis.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University