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UoR Home > Module Descriptions > BI1S12: Field Course

BI1S12: Field Course

Module Provider:

AMS

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

C (Certificate)

Terms in which taught:

Spring

Module Convenor:

Prof FA Bisby

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Module version for:

2005/6 [module in process of revision]

Aims:
The module aims to provide a broad knowledge and hands-on practical experience of biodiversity of plants, animals and microbes, focussing on species diversity, ecosystem diversity and cultural diversity.

Assessable learning outcomes:

  • A well-developed understanding of the concepts of genetic, species, ecological and cultural diversity.
  • Familiarity and direct observation of field examples of genetic species, ecological and cultural diversity.
  • Direct observation and field experience in collection, handling and identification of the major phyla.
  • Direct observation and field experience in analysing field communities.
  • Direct observation and field/lab. Experience with plant/insect relations such as pollination and herbivory.
    Skills
    Field collection techniques
    Field identification techniques
    First steps in ecological survey

  • Additional outcomes:
    Cohesive community spirit amongst staff and students of the Biological Sciences Degree.
    Awareness of approach to biodiversity on an international scale.

    Outline content:

  • Fieldwork in southern Andalucia, Spain during the Easter vacation.
  • Intensive small group tuition on the major phyla, families of flowering plants and orders of insects, with additional observation of Mediterranean ecosystems and Andalucian biodiversity culture.
  • Short field project carried out in pairs on topics such as pollination, herbivory, community ecology.
  • Final day of short project seminars by pairs of students.

  • Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

  • Intensive field observation organised in small groups, each with a member of staff of demonstrator, followed by a laboratory class and lecture.
  • Field project work near the field centre, done in pairs and with each pair supervised by one of the demonstrators.
  • All students give a demonstration/seminar outlining the project they have carried out.

  • Contact hours:

      Autumn Spring Summer
    Lectures     10 
    Tutorials/seminars     10 
    Practicals     80 
    Other contact (eg study visits)      
           
    Total hours     100 
           
    Number of essays or assignments    
    Other (eg major seminar paper)      

    Assessment:
    Coursework
    In-course test 1 (30%)
    In-course test 2 (30%)
    Project report and seminar (40%)
    Relative percentage of coursework
    (100%)
    Penalties for late submission
    In accordance with University policy
    Examinations
    None
    Requirements for a pass
    40%
    Re-assessment arrangements
    Re-sit examination in September

    Page last updated 27/Mar/2006
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