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2015/16 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE1180 Environment and Ecology

10 creditsClass Size: 76

Module manager: Dr Colin Pitts
Email: C.S.Pitts@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module examines some of the very basic structures and processes in ecosystems. Many of the examples and illustrations used are from the aquatic environment.However, there are some studies and examples from the terrestrial environment. It also attempts to place emphasis on some of the more applied aspects of the use of biological information in an environmental context (eg pollution ecology). - The module is taught in semester 2 through a series of one hour lectures, a data analysis workshop and 2 field and lab studies.- The module assumes no previous knowledge and so can be taken by anyone.

Objectives

On completion of this module students will understand some of the key relationships and interactions between the ecological communities and the physico-chemical environment on local scales.

Applied aspects of ecology will also be examined through case studies of the human demands and responses to environmental pressures and exploitation.

Key concepts and principles of ecological monitoring and the use of indicator species will also be explained, particularly with respect to the aquatic environment.

Skills outcomes
(See key at end of section)

- Categories for intellectual skills

B1: recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles (3)
B2: analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research (3)
B3: collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses (3)
B4: applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems (3)
B5: recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct (2).

- Categories for practical skills
C4: referencing work in an appropriate manner (2).

- Categories for communication skills

D1: receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical) (2)
D2: communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form (2).

- Categories for numeracy and C&IT skills

E1: appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collecting, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory (3)
E2: preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages (2)
E3: solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques (3)
E4: using the Internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information (1).

- Categories for interpersonal and teamwork skills

F1: identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles (1)
F2: recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members (1)
F3: evaluating performance as an individual and a team member (1).

- Categories for self management and professional development skills

G1: developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills) (1)
G3: developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work (2).


Key:
0 = no weight; 1 = little weight; 2 = moderate weight; 3 = considerable weight.


Syllabus

1. Introduction and module orientation
2. Structure and function of ecosystems and communities
3. Aquatic ecosystems and pollution
4. Monitoring air pollution
5. Fisheries and Aquaculture
6. Terrestrial ecology
7. Vegetation surveys.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Fieldwork24.008.00
Lecture141.0014.00
Practical22.004.00
Private study hours74.00
Total Contact hours26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

- 3 hours per lecture = 42 hours
- 1 hour per lab or practical = 4 hours
- report writing = 28 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Observation during project and fieldwork.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Report2 x 1,000 word reports on the data, field and lab workshops100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 24/07/2015

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