Module BIOL4101: FIELD COURSE MBiol

Department: Biosciences

BIOL4101: FIELD COURSE MBiol

Prerequisites

• BIOL2461 Ecology and at least one level 2 module from the following list: BIOL2511 Behaviour; BIOL2451 Evolution; BIOL2571 Plant and Algal Physiology. At least two level 3 modules from the following list: Advanced Topics in Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour BIOL3561; Conservation Biology BIOL3551; Ecology in the Anthropocene BIOL3541; Stress and Responses to the Environment BIOL3491; Crops for the Future BIOL3611, Genomics BIOL3651.

Corequisites

• • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Level 4 Workshop L4 (BIOL4111).

Aims

• To allow students to undertake a series of virtual 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.
• Critical understanding of relevant research to the limits of current knowledge.

• To develop a critical understanding of 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