BI1S49 - Principles of Ecology 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2022 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI1S49
Module Title: Principles of Ecology
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Natalie Lubbock
Module Team: Rhian Newman, David Lee, Anthony Caravaggi, Tracie McKinney
First Intended Intake: NOV 2012 Final Year of Intake: 2017
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100347 - ecology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2022

Module Aims

Identify and evaluate the importance of natural systems and cycles
Develop a critical understanding of ecological processes, habitats, systems and successions.

Content Summary

Students can be expected to learn about:

Basic concepts of population and community ecology, along with key ecological challenges:

Population dynamics, strategies and habitat structure.

Food webs, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles and trophic levels (including pollution pressures)

Ecological successions and climatic, edaphic and biotic climaxes, incorporating introductions to niche, habitat, microclimates and phenology

The ecology of decomposition.

Lotic and lentic freshwater habitats; estuarine, seashore and marine habitats.

The environment as a source of renewable resources and assimilator of waste

Linked field and laboratory work, introducing practical skills and basic taxonomy.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 7
Fieldwork 14
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 53
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 2
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 An applied and theoretical understanding of the techniques involved in obtaining ecological data and an ability to comprehend and communicate its meaning within the context of ecological theory.
LO2 Have a comprehension of fundamental concepts of ecology and their application to real world situations.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Written Examination Written Examination - Open Book (Unseen) 1 Demonstrate knowledge of subject area via timed essays 120 N/A 50 No 40
Practical _Field Trip 1 Sample and data collection via field work followed by laboratory identification and analyses. 0 2000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Written Examination - Open Book (Unseen) 1
_Field Trip 1

Reading List

Smith T. M. & Smith R. L. (2012) Elements of Ecology (8th Edition) Benjamin Cummings

Begon M, Townsend, C.R. & Harper, J.L. (2006) Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems, 4th Edition (Blackwell)

Krebs CJ (2013) Ecology, 6th Edition (Benjamin Cummings)