Module Identifier
RD10210
Module Title
STUDYING THE DYNAMIC COUNTRYSIDE
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Mr David R Powell
Semester
Semester 2
Mutually Exclusive
RD10510
Mutually Exclusive
RD16810
Pre-Requisite
RD16220
Pre-Requisite
RD10120
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Other 4 - 6 day field course
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Detailed scientific report  100%
Supplementary Assessment submission of an essay based on the field studies  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Outcome 1
interpret, through field observation, the development of key landscapes and habitats in relation to environmental factors and historical and current management practices.

Outcome 2
Apply appropriate field techniques to describe and quantify the distribution and abundance patterns of organism in relation to environmental factors.


Outcome 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 students? ability to interpret landscape 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 maintenance component of the cost of the course.

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.
This skill will be assessed ? Outcome 16: Use a range of technological equipment and systems.

.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
Numerical field data will be collected, displayed and analysed.
This skill will be assessed - Outcome 15: Apply numerical skills and techniques.

.4 Writing in an academic context
The field report must be submitted in an appropriate scientific style.
This skill will be assessed - Outcome 8: Receive and respond to a variety of information,
Outcome 9: Present information in a variety of visual forms, Outcome 10: Communicate in writing.

.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.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication The field reports must be submitted in an appropriate scientific style. Assessment of this skill will contribute to the mark for the module.
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.
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 Text
Chapman 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