Programme Specifications

The course aims to provide students with a core and breadth of in-depth knowledge in Ecology. A detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of the subject is provided to develop a holistic view of Ecology and its components ranging from micro-scale systems and processes to global scale issues, resources and energy. Through optional modules students can gain more specialist knowledge and experiences on understanding novel habitats, education and in-depth zoological knowledge leading to threats to wildlife and biodiversity conservation.

Subject specific skills

• To provide students with the knowledge that helps them understand how ecosystems work, processes and interactions, energy / nutrient flow and biogeochemistry.

• To understand what dictates the abundance and distribution of specific organisms and systems including geology, climate and human influences (direct and indirect impacts).

• To place the above against the context of global challenges and threats including human impacts, pollution, global climate change, habitat loss and biodiversity loss.

• To acquire relevant and up to date field and ID skills for surveying of species, populations, communities and ecosystems.

• To develop an awareness of the legal, moral, ethical and social elements of Ecology alongside other human activities including leisure and agriculture.

Generic and graduate skills

• To develop a critical and analytical approach in all aspects of study and problem solving, including the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively and be able to communicate their understanding.

• To enable and develop effective teamwork and communication skills, particularly via field and laboratory activities.

• To engender a confidence to learn by responding positively and proactively to feedback provided.

• To develop strong communication skills both orally and in writing.

• To show awareness of associated industries, stakeholders needs and impacts.

Overall aim of the scheme

To provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical (field) and transferable skills required for a career in ecological sciences including nature conservation, teaching, research and development, and advisory work within the field.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• A1 Ecosystems, biogeochemical cycling and pathways.

• A2 Nutrient flows through individuals, populations and communities.

• A3 The biogeography and diversity of ecosystems as determined by climate, geology and evolutionary factors.

• A4 The patterns of distribution of organisms in relation to biotic and abiotic factors.

• A5 Population processes, dynamics and associated theoretical models.

• A6 Community structure, development of biodiversity and associated theoretical knowledge.

• A7 The significance of the wider relevance of the subject to more applied sciences in terms of the significance of species, resources, human impacts and environmental damage, remediation and mitigation (practical and legislative)

• A8 Ecological methods and data analysis for the surveying of species, populations, communities and ecosystems.

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; tutorials; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Written examinations and coursework to include: survey assessment and report writing, short-answer questions, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• B1 Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.

• B2 Critically evaluate research methodologies and a variety of types of information and evidence and where appropriate propose new hypotheses.

• B3 Critically analyse information from a number of sources, including current research and scholarship, in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice.

• B4 Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.

• B5 Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems.

• B6 Design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test a hypothesis or proposition.

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; tutorials; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Written examinations and coursework to include: survey assessment and report writing, short-answer questions, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• C1 Design, apply and analyse various research/study techniques.

• C2 Plan, conduct, and report on field and laboratory investigations.

• C3 Collect and record information or data in the library, laboratory or field, synthesizing it appropriately.

• C4 Conceive, plan and undertake field and laboratory investigations in a responsible, ethical and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, habitats and associated flora and fauna, relevant health and safety regulations, legislation concerning access to field location and activities, the impact of investigations on the environment and personnel.

• C5 Write for a range of audiences including academics, practitioners, special interest groups and the wider public.

Learning and Teaching

Practical skills are acquired and promoted through practical laboratory classes, field visits, class activities, case studies undertaken in a range of real-life situations and experimental research for the dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Coursework to include: the submission of scientific / practical reports, oral presentations, research posters and essays. Students are expected to demonstrate critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their course work and written.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• D1 Problem solving (using a scientific approach)

• D2 Research skills

• D3 Communication

• D4 Improving own learning and performance

• D5 Team work

• D6 Information technology

• D7 Application of number

• D8 Personal development and career planning

Learning and Teaching

Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students further learn and develop skills through tutorials / seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations and experimental dissertation work.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Transferable / key skills are embedded throughout the various assessments Generic skills include note taking, researching, problem solving, report writing, oral presentation, interview and communication skills.