| Module Identifier |
RS14110 |
| Module Title |
STUDYING THE DYNAMIC COUNTRYSIDE |
| Academic Year |
2002/2003 |
| Co-ordinator |
Mr David R Powell |
| Semester |
Semester 2 |
| Pre-Requisite |
RS11720 , RS14020 |
| Course delivery |
Other | 4 - 6 day residential course at a location in the UK |
| Assessment |
Semester Assessment | Detailed scientific field report Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3 | 100% |
| |
Supplementary Assessment | Candidates will be required to submit an essay based on the field studies | 100% |
Learning outcomes
On 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 historical 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 appropriate scientific terminology and style.
Aims
This module is intended to provide students, particularly those of Countryside Management and Countryside Conservation, with an integrative field based learning experience within which they can draw and develop upon material delivered across the range of their first year environmental science modules. The module will take the form of a residential field course of between 4 and 6 days duration to be held within the United Kingdom. The aims of the module are:
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To develop an understanding of the complex interrelationships between geology, geography, history and current management practice that contribute to the development of landscapes and habitats.
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To illustrate fundamental ecological principles.
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To develop skills in the recording and interpretation of field observations.
Transferable skills
.1 Independent project work
The final field report will be produced as an individual piece of report writing.
.2 IT and information handling
Collection and analysis of field data will make use of appropriate information technology.
Assessment of this skill will contribute to the mark for the module.
.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
Numerical field data will be collected, displayed and analysed.
Assessment of this skill will contribute to the mark for the module.
.4 Writing in an academic context
The field report must be submitted in an appropriate scientific style.
Assessment of this skill will contribute to the mark for the module.
.6 Careers need awareness
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 involved in the management of sites.
.7 Self-management
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.
.8 Group activity
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 to students to operate in a ‘community’ environment.
Reading Lists
Books
Chapman J L and Reiss, M J. (1992)
Ecology: Principles and application. Cambridge University Press
Rackham O. (1993)
The history of the countryside. J M Dent
Rieley, J O and Page, S E. (1990)
Ecology of plant communities - a phytosociological account of the British vegetation. Weidenfeld and Nicholson
Rose, F. (1981)
The wildflower key. Warne
Toghill, P. (2000)
The geology of Britain: an introduction. Swan Hill