Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Module Identifier
RD10210
Module Title
STUDYING THE DYNAMIC COUNTRYSIDE
Academic Year
2011/2012
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Mutually Exclusive
Mutually Exclusive
Pre-Requisite
Pre-Requisite
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Other | 4 - 6 day field course |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Report Field reports for each study undertaken Outcomes 1-3 | 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Candidates must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module Outcomes 1-3 | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Interpret, through field observation, the development of key landscapes and habitats in relation to environmental factors and historic and current management practices.
2. Apply appropriate field techniques to describe and quantify the distribution and abundance patterns of organism in relation to environmental factors.
3. Analyse and interpret field observations in an appropriate manner, producing a report using scientific terminology and style.
Brief description
The module consists of a residential 4-6 day field course. The module is intended to develop the student's ability to interpret landscapes and habitats in relation to the variety of factors that have contributed to their development. The complex interrelationships between geology, geography, history and current management practice will be explored. Practical application of field study techniques will help develop an understanding of fundamental ecological processes within a range of key habitats.
STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE SUBSISTENCE COMPONENT OF THE COST OF THE COURSE.
STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE SUBSISTENCE COMPONENT OF THE COST OF THE COURSE.
Content
The exact content may vary according to the location used for the field course but is likely to include:
Factors determining distribution and abundance patterns of organisms in a range of habitats.
Management of habitats to achieve a range of ecosystem services.
Interrelationships between natural factors and human activities in development of a range of landscapes.
Forces for change in the countryside.
Application of practical techniques for field recording of ecological and environmental data.
Factors determining distribution and abundance patterns of organisms in a range of habitats.
Management of habitats to achieve a range of ecosystem services.
Interrelationships between natural factors and human activities in development of a range of landscapes.
Forces for change in the countryside.
Application of practical techniques for field recording of ecological and environmental data.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Numerical field data will be collected, displayed and analysed. |
| Communication | The field reports must be submitted in an appropriate scientific style. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | As the module will take the form of an intensive residential field course, a high level of organisation and personal responsibility will be required of the participants. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Field visits are likely to involve opportunities for discussion of current issues in management of the countryside related to careers for graduates. There may be opportunities to meet with individuals inolved in the management of sites. |
| Research skills | Collection, analysis and interpretation of field data. |
| Team work | Field data collection will take place in small groups who will be responsible for reporting back results to the whole class. The residential nature of the field course will require students to operate in a 'community' environment. |
Reading List
General TextChapman J L and Reiss, M J (1992) Ecology: Principles and application Cambridge University Press Primo search Fitter R, Fitter A and Blamey M (1996) Collins pocket guide: wildflowers of Britain and Northern Europe 5th edition Harper Collins Primo search Rackham O (1994) The illustrated history of the countryside Weidenfeld and Nicholson Primo search Rieley, J O and Page, S E (1990) Ecology of plant communities - a phytosociological account of the British vegetation Weidenfeld and Nicholson Primo search Rose, F (1981) The wildflower key Warne Primo search Toghill, P (2000) The geology of Britain: an introduction Swan Hill Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4