BI1M10: Biodiversity
Module Provider: |
AMS |
Number of credits: |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
C (Certificate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn |
Module Convenor: |
Prof
FA
Bisby |
Pre-requisites: |
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Co-requisites: |
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Modules excluded: |
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Module version for: |
2006/7 |
Aims:
This course aims to provide an overview of the diversity of life, the evolutionary relationships between organisms, and the ecology of species, populations, and ecosystems. The course will be an essential platform for more detailed study of evolution and ecology later on in degree courses. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
An understanding of concepts of genetic, species, ecological and cultural diversity.
Understand the use of the comparative approach and the concept of homology in describing and ordering the categories of organisms from species to kingdoms and domains.
Describe the evolutionary relationships between major forms of life, and define their characteristic features (prokaryotes and Eukaryotes; eubacteria, archaea, protozoans, fungi, ferns, mosses, flowering plants, invertebrates, vertebrates).
Describe and illustrate the climatic and vegetational contrasts between the major biomes on earth, and their composition in terms of flora and fauna.
Distinguish between the concepts of population, domesticated race and species, and between ecosystem, biome and biogeographic zone.
Awareness of the scientific, economic and cultural values of biodiversity.
Skills
Use of library and information technology including the World-Wide Web.
Use of binocular microscope.
The role of hypothesis, data and explanation in scientific debate. |
Additional outcomes:
Students will also gain
Practical experience of working with living organisms, including micro-organisms
Experience of record-keeping and presentation of result |
Outline content:
Through use of lectures, discussions, videos and practicals and private study, students will learn about the levels at which biodiversity is studied. They will study genetic variation within species, including domesticated organisms; the evolutionary relationships between major groups of life, and the nature of complexity in plants and animals. They will then be introduced to ecosystem diversity, the world biomes, and the major bio-geographic zones with specific examples (e.g. soils, rainforests). A structured debate and an assessed ecological field survey task build upon concepts introduced in lectures. Video sessions provide many examples to broaden the student's knowledge. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
There will be one 50-minute lecture each week. Students will acquire additional information from directed reading allied to the lecture material. For practical work, students will be divided into two groups, each following a program of three 2-hour practicals, alternating weekly with three shorter sessions of videos plus private study. Students will also participate in a debate on a contentious issue in biodiversity. Small groups of students will undertake a basic ecological field survey on campus, which will be interpreted and presented in written form. |
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
18 |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
2 |
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| Practicals |
8 |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
Debate 2; Video 3 |
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| Total hours |
33 |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
Assessed practicals |
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Assessment:
Coursework
Assessed coursework will consist of several assessed practicals (30% in aggregate).
Relative percentage of coursework: 30%
Penalties for late submission: In accordance with University Policy.
Examinations
1½ hour paper examination requiring the answer of 50 multiple-choice questions.
Requirements for a pass:
40%
Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in September only. |
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