ES1S207 - Introduction to British Wildlife 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ES1S207
Module Title: Introduction to British Wildlife
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Earth and Environment
Module Leader: Amelia Grass
Module Team: Richard Penrose, Ian Skilling
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100469 - environmental management 101318 - biodiversity conservation
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 50

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

An introduction to basic ecological principles and theory.

To develop an understanding of the diversity and spatial distribution of a wide range of British taxa.

Content Summary

Basic level Introduction to core ecological principles, biodiversity and ecosystems in Britain.

Introduction to the key characteristics of the abiotic and biotic world, with reference to Britain

Investigation of the key levels of organization of biodiversity: ecosystems, species and genes.

Introduction to the primary attributes of biodiversity: composition, structure and function.

Review of key ecosystem functions such as predation, gene flow, natural disturbances and mycorrhizal associations predator-prey systems, and nutrient cycling.

Introduction to and investigation of key British taxonomic groups and their associated ecosystems such as coastal, upland and freshwater.

Introduction to botanical study with reference to British Flora. Develop key taxonomic skills in botanical study.

Introduction to conservation issues in the UK. Biodiversity loss and fragmentation in the U.K. Understanding of the use of keystone species in biodiversity management.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Practical classes and workshops 12
Fieldwork 24
Independent Study 108
Directed Study 44
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Develop taxonomic knowledge and skills in classifying selected British taxa.
LO2 Gain a fundamental understand of British ecosystems, their key characteristics and functions.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) Practical Report 0 1500 50 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Oral Assessment (Externally assessed, Onsite) 1 Oral Presentation 15 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch)
Oral Assessment (Externally assessed, Onsite) 1

Reading List

Molles, M.C., 2013. Ecology: Concepts and Applications, 6th ed. McGraw-Hill.

Smith T. M. & Smith R. L., 2011. Elements of Ecology, 9th ed. Benjamin Cummings.

Sterry (2008). Collins Complete Guide to British Birds. Collins

Rose and O’Reilly (2006). The Wildflower Key. Warne

Streeter (2016) Collins Wildflower Guide. Collins

Sterry (2008) Collins Complete Guide to British Wildlife. Collins

Lake et al. (2020) Britains Habitats: A Field Guide to the Wildlife Habitats of Britain and Ireland. Princeton University Press

Couzens et al. (2021) Britains Mammals. Princeton University Press