Description
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the methods used in ecology to address fundamental and applied questions.
The module will use a combination of theory and practical based work, utilising field locations within Birmingham. The theoretical component introduces a wide range of approaches that can be used to assess abiotic and biotic environmental variables.
We will explore how these approaches have been used by examining a series of seminal research papers from the literature that have resulted in major advances in ecology.
Students will also be introduced to some of the key skills that are required by professional ecologists including taxonomy, national vegetation classification and habitat surveys. Lectures will be supported by a number of practicals that will allow students to directly experience some of the equipment that is in practical ecology.
In two supervised field visits students will experience the practical application of these techniques to address pure and applied ecological questions. Students will design an experiment or field survey to answer an ecological question.
In small groups students will also undertake field and laboratory based project which will be written up as a formal scientific report.
Transferable skills will be developed through the use of an assessed video to demonstrate a practical technique. Theoretical knowledge is tested using a class exam.
Delivery
- Lectures 10 hours
- Computer practicals 5 hours
- Lab practicals 5 hours
- Field work 2 days
Assessment
- Practical write-up of group project (40%)
- Technique video (20%)
- In course test covering lectures (40%)
Key skills
- Experiment and survey design
- Statistics
- Field skills
- Laboratory Skills
- Group work
- Report writing
- Visual presentations