BI2EV3P-Part 2 Zoology Field Course

Module Provider: AMS
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level: I (Intermediate)
Terms in which taught: Summer
Module Convenor: Dr A Callaghan
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email: a.callaghan@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
This module, designed for zoologists, aims to build on the principles and practice of field ecology gained through the previous ecology module. Students will receive an intensive training in insect taxonomy, cover basic entomology and will conduct independent research.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
• Identify a range of animals from different temperate habitats, in particular, insects.
• Design, undertake and critically assess censuses of animal populations and communities in different habitats to examine abundance, habitat use and community composition.
• Design, undertake, analyze and report on a small group research project that aims to address a specific ecological question.
• Develop their field and presentational skills.

Additional outcomes:
• Students are strongly encouraged to review their approach to teaching and learning and consider if it needs changing.
• During the course students are given questionnaires to assess their views on research and research skills.

Outline content:
The field course will be divided into two parts.
Part 1 will consist of class exercises. The first will be to familiarize students with the invertebrates they will find at the site and to learn and/or revise their taxonomic knowledge. The second practical will be to compare two streams where one appears to have organic pollution. Students will collect animals and apply a biotic index to assess water quality. The third practical will be to look at biodiversity in dry and wet habitats.
Part 2 will consist of a research project that is directly supervised by a member of staff. Students will either design their own project or choose a title provided by staff.
Weather permitting, during the course there will be opportunities for field visits to look for birds and other vertebrates.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Each practical session will broadly be divided into an initial briefing and discussion session, a field trip to collect animals and other data, a session in the laboratory to identify animals, and compile and analyse data, followed by reporting sessions in which results are presented and discussed.
At the end of the practical sessions, students will be set a practical examination to test their ability to identify animals.

There will be an initial planning session with the supervisor to design the project, before data collection begins. Informal advice from the supervisor will be available throughout the data collection and subsequent reporting of results within the course.

Zoology students have been the focus of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning – Applied Undergraduate Research Skills in Zoology. We have adopted student-focussed approaches placing emphasis on evaluating students understanding and knowledge of research skills by allowing them to reflect on their own educational experiences. This group will already have received a session in freshers week before starting their degree. Students are given research skills questionnaires for the second time during this field course.

Throughout the course students will have classroom sessions to help them think constructively about their approach to learning, research and assessments. They are specifically asked to hand in two practical write-ups during the course to allow them to receive formative feedback from staff.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures			20
Tutorials/seminars
Practicals			50
Other contact (eg study visits)			30
Total hours			100
Number of essays or assignments			3
Other (eg major seminar paper)			1 Practical Exam, 1 Oral Presentation

Assessment:
Coursework
Assessment is partially in-course and consists of:
40% - two written reports of class exercises,
40% - written report in the form of a scientific paper of the small group project work,
10% - practical examination.
10% - oral presentation

Relative percentage of coursework:
100%

Penalties for late submission
In accordance with University policy.

Examinations
Practical exam 10% - held during the course.

Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August/September only.