Module Provider: |
Agriculture |
Number of credits: |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
H (Honours) |
Terms in which taught: |
Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
SR
Mortimer |
Pre-requisites: |
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Co-requisites: |
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Modules excluded: |
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Module version for: |
2007/8 |
Aims:
This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of the interrelationship of farming practice and the occurrence of wildlife in the countryside. Sessions will focus on the population and community ecology of invertebrates and vertebrates in agricultural ecosystems, management to promote biodiversity in farmland, and the role of biodiversity in delivering ecosystem services. Consideration will be given to means of modifying farming practice in order to encourage wildlife on the farm. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
• Define how changing farming practices have influenced wildlife populations over the last century
• Critically analyse arable and grassland farming systems to identify the impact of components of the system on wildlife populations
• Critically discuss the role of wildlife in delivering important ecosystem services to agricultural systems
• Formulate strategies allowing wildlife to co-exist with farming
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Additional outcomes:
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Outline content:
This module is designed to give detailed consideration to wildlife and wildlife conservation within farming systems. Aspects of farming activities deleterious to wildlife are identified, as are the important functional roles wildlife play in agricultural ecosystems. Means of modifying farming practice to alleviate pressures on wildlife on farms are considered. The course will be of interest to students of zoology and biology as well as agriculture.
The Lecture Content covers:
Changes in farming practice, and associated changes in wildlife populations since 1900
Effects of hedgerows, woodlands, ponds and watercourses on farm wildlife populations
Effects of arable cropping patterns and practices on wildlife, in particular birds
Effects of grassland management and conservation practices on wildlife
The role of wildlife in pest control, pollination, and soil health
Breeding biology of birds and the likely influence of farming practices
Modifications to farming practices to assist in wildlife conservation
Farmer attitudes and government policy to wildlife conservation on farms
The Practical Content covers:
Study visits to a farm site of conservation interest
Study visit to the University Farm at Sonning |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
There will be a two-hour lecture or seminar (with a short break in the middle) each week. The course will include two study visits, one of which will form the basis of the coursework assessment: in groups, students will produce a wildlife management plan for the Univeristy Farm at Sonning. Groups will report to the class in the form of a presentation and individuals will submit written reports. |
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
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12 |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
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8 |
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| Practicals |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
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8 |
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| Total hours |
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28 |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
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1 project report |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
Coursework
A report to be submitted by the last day of the Spring Term, this will constitute 75% of the coursework assessment. The mark for the presentation will constitute 25% of the coursework assessment.
Relative percentage of coursework: 50%
Penalties for late submission
Standard University rule applies: 10% marks deducted for work submitted up to one week late. Work submitted more than one week late will be awarded a zero mark.
Examinations
A one-and-a-half hour examination paper requiring the answers to two questions from four.
Relative percentage of examination: 50%
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements:
By Re-examination in August/September
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