Module Identifier RS11720  
Module Title HABITAT ECOLOGY  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Mr David R Powell  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Graham P Harris  
Course delivery Lecture   40 Hours  
  Practical   24 Hours 5 x 3 hour practicals/field visits  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam1.5 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 4  50%
Semester Assessment Coursework: Practical Report Book Outcomes assessed: 2, 3, 4, 5  50%
Supplementary Exam1.5 Hours  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Explain the concepts of evolution, populations, communities, ecosystems, habitats, niche, ecological succession,   the cycling of matter and energy flow;

2. Demonstrate familiarity with the characteristics of a range of terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats and be able to account for their geographical distribution and historical development;

3. Use identification keys and demonstrate a knowledge of classification systems for organisms and habitats;

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the adaptations to the environment of plants, animals and micro-organisms;

5. Use appropriate techniques for the recording, presentation, analysis and interpretation of ecological field data.

Brief description

This module will provide, through a range of lectures, practicals and field visits, an introduction to the basic biological and ecological processes and principles operating in a range of British habitats. The fundamental scientific principles underlying all biological systems will be outlined and the basic skills of classification of organisms and habitats introduced. Practical application of field and laboratory techniques will help develop an understanding of the concepts of niche, habitats, populations and communities that will provide a foundation for the study of a variety of important British habitats. Particular attention will be paid to the role of humans in the development and management of these key habitats.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
Preparation of practical report book.

.2 IT and information handling
Results for some field exercises will be collated using spreadsheets.
Supplementary information for the module will be made available via the internet.

.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
Field exercises will comprise data collection using a variety of techniques. Data will be charted, analysed and interpreted as part of the assessed field reports.

.4 Writing in an academic context
Field reports are to be written up in standard scientific report format.

.7 Self-management
Production of practical report book will require good self-management

.8 Group activity
Some fieldwork activities will be carried out in groups.

Reading Lists

Books
Chapman J L and Reiss, M J (1998) Ecology: Principles and application 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press 0521588022
Rose, F (1984) The wildflower key: a guide to plan identification in the field, with and without flowers Penguin 0723224196
Taylor, D T, Green N P O and Stout, G W (1997) Biological Science 1 & 2 3rd. Cambridge University Press.. Combined volume hardback and two volume softback 0521561787 and 9780521561785
Fitter R, Fitter A and Blamey M (1996) Collins pocket guide: wildflowers of Britain and Northern Europe 5th edition. HarperCollins 0002200627

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4