GE1S011 - Introduction to Natural History and Media 01 Apr 2025 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: GE1S011
Module Title: Introduction to Natural History and Media
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Earth and Environmental Science
Module Leader: Anthony Caravaggi
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: MAR 2019 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100346 - biology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Apr 2025
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module is designed to introduce students to the basics in filming and photography in Natural History including some specialist techniques specific to wildlife and nature filmmaking.

It will also introduce students to sound and audio techniques in filmmaking and investigate the basics of ecological surveying techniques such as bat detection and bird song identification.

Students will also be provided with an extensive grounding in professional media and editing software which will be used throughout the course.

Content Summary

Introduction to Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras.

Introduction to Editing (Adobe Premiere Rush, Pro and Lightroom).

Introduction to specialist imaging (Macro, Underwater, Drones, Infra-red and thermal cameras). Use of in Natural History surveying and monitoring. Use of remote surveying techniques in Natural History surveying such as camera traps and fibre optic cameras.

Introduction to Sound Techniques (Microphones, Audio Capture). Use of audio in ecological surveying.

Introduction to Story Telling. Use of Blogs in Science Communication

An introduction to the place of ethics in Filmmaking.

An exploration of new and emerging Media such as Podcasts, YouTube and Whatsapp,

Review of online apps for taxonomic identification.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 8
Practical classes and workshops 40
Independent Study 76
Directed Study 76
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the various media techniques and their application within natural history
LO2 Develop technical knowledge in the use of media software

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 2 Photography Portfolio - Submission of a portfolio of Natural History based photographs 0 1500 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Film Making - Submission of a fully edited film based on a Natural History theme 0 1500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 2
Portfolio 1

Reading List

The Advanced Photography Guide: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Manual for Getting the Most from Your Digital Camera Hardcover 2018 David Taylor

Complete Guide to Digital Photography Paperback 2017 Ian Farrell

Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera: A beginner’s guide to filmmaking on a budget. 2018 Kurt Lancaster

Making Media: Foundations of Sound and Image Production Jan Roberts-Breslin 2017

Science Communication: A Practical Guide for Scientists Paperback 2012 Laura Bowater and Kay Yeoman