Population and Community Ecology

Cod y Modiwl: BR33920
Teitl y Modiwl: Population and Community Ecology
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2027/2028
Semester: Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Niall Mckeown
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Sarah Helyar; Dr Ruth Wonfor; Dr David Wilcockson; Dr Daniel Mills; Dr Ifat Shah

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Report on community and population ecology practical.: 4000 Words	40%
Arholiad Semester	Essay paper: 2 Awr	60%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Resit report: Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. 4000 Words	40%
Arholiad Ailsefyll	Resit exam: 2 Awr Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.	60%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. Describe and discuss the conceptual models that are used to account for the distribution and abundance of organisms in natural systems.
2. Describe the evidence that underpins the models and to assess critically its value.
3 Apply appropriate methods to measure ecological characteristics, such as population size, population growth rate, community diversity.

Disgrifiad cryno

The course starts from an elementary level and introduces theoretical developments in population and community ecology, with theory related, where possible, by reference to empirical studies. The need to assess the underlying assumptions of the models is emphasised throughout.

Cynnwys

The subject addresses two main problems. What factors determine population abundance and the changes in that abundance in space and time? What factors determine the number of species that can co-exist in a given area?
The population ecology component covers the following topics: estimation of population abundance, the construction and use of life tables, the concept of density dependence, life history theory, and population growth models emphasising the logistic model. The population dynamics of species with overlapping and non-overlapping generations are compared. Spatially explicit models introduce the concept of metapopulations.
The community ecology component discusses two-species models for predator-prey and competitive interactions. It develops these into the niche-based concept of community composition and examines the evidence for this view. It covers the factors affecting species diversity, including island biogeography and considers the functioning of food webs. The relevance of community ecology for conservation is considered.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	Report writing and presentation of the results of workshops.
Datrys Problemau	Through applying the principles of ecology, and through using workshop data to test specific hypotheses.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	Through practice in independent learning and time management.
Rhifedd	In completing practical workshops and assignments which require handling of numerical data.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	Through use of analytical techniques appropriate from ecological data.
Sgiliau ymchwil	Reading primary literature and critical assessment of the value of sources.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	Searching and accessing primary literature.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 6