2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY2313 Mediterranean Ecology Field Course

10 creditsClass Size: 32

Module manager: Dr Alastair Ward
Email: A.I.Ward@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisites

BLGY1300

Coastal and Upland Habitats Field Course

Module replaces

BLGY2311

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The Mediterranean Ecology Field Course will take place during the Spring recess at a Field Station in a semi-arid region in southern Spain. The module will be provided free of charge for students enrolled on the BSc in Ecology and Conservation Biology, whilst other students will be required to pay the costs of the trip (determined annually). Students will work in small groups. Each group will work with project supervisors to develop research protocols, and assess and address Health & Safety and Ethics issues for their research. Each student will review scientific literature relevant to their research topic prior to the field course. Teams will spend the duration of the field course carrying out their research and compiling and analysing their results, and at the end of the field course, each group will present a seminar outlining its findings.

Objectives

This module will introduce students to the ecology of a semi-arid Mediterranean environment, and provide detailed knowledge of at least one focal system within it. They should be able to review the published scientific literature relevant to some aspects of their planned research. They should also be able to design and carry out simple ecological field research projects: developing research proposals, considering field safety and research ethics, conducting field work, collecting and analysing their data, and presenting their findings in the form of a research seminar.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should have gained:
- Increased familiarity with semi-arid Mediterranean habitats and specific focal taxa;
- Experience in fieldwork health and safety and ethics considerations;
- Experience in experimental design and field protocol testing;
- Experience in carrying out ecological research in field settings;
- Experience in standardised data collection and compilation;
- Experience in statistical analysis of research data;
- Experience in reviewing and applying published research findings;
- Experience in composing and presenting a research talk;
- Experience in teamwork and collaboration.

Skills outcomes
Students are expected to demonstrate flexibility, good communication skills, time management and planning & organisational skills.

Syllabus

The module begins with introductory meetings on campus, at which the nature of the field course, logistics and potential project topics are discussed.
- Students will organise themselves into small research teams, typically of 3, and designate preferred project topics. Topics and supervisors will then be assigned by the module manager to maximise preference and balance.
- In preparation for the trip, teams will design research protocols in consultation with their supervisors, fill in Health & Safety/Research Ethics forms and compile a list of needed supplies and equipment.
- Each student will review an aspect of the scientific literature relevant to their project, and submit a written report shortly before the trip.
- During the field trip, groups will test and perfect their field protocols, collect data, analyse their results, and present them as a team in a symposium on the final full day before departure.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	2	1.00	2.00
Practical	8	8.00	64.00
Seminar	1	4.00	4.00
Private study hours			30.00
Total Contact hours			70.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress monitoring and formative feedback is given on-the-spot by project supervisors throughout the field course.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Literature Review	Literature review - 1,500 word	45.00
Presentation	Group presentation	45.00
Self/Peer Assessment	Field performance	10.00
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: 12/05/2023 15:37:19

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