ES2S207 - The Invisible World 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | ES2S207 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | The Invisible World | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Earth and Environment | ||
| Module Leader: | Anthony Harris | ||
| Module Team: | Eiry Bateman, Amelia Grass, Ian Skilling, Angela Morris, Marios Miliorizos | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100345 - biological sciences | 100381 - environmental sciences | |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 50 | 50 | |
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
The module will introduce students to a range of microscopy techniques for analysing biological and geological materials. It will provide technical and laboratory experience to prepare and analyse samples and allow students to consider the range of factors that affect the preservation or quality of samples analysed.
Students will acquire data through microscopy, taxonomic analysis and consider how this can be used to solve environmental and ecological challenges.
Content Summary
Introduction to Natural History and Microscopy including Optical Microscopy, Digital Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
SEM basics and uses. collection, preparation and storage of samples for SEM. SEM imaging and variables, imaging comparing coatings.
Plants under the microscope.
Pollen analysis.
Fungi, lichen and slime moulds under the microscope.
Plankton analysis.
Use of microscopic materials for solving ecological challenges, including informing and developing biodiversity and conservation targets.
Use of microscopic materials as solutions for monitoring environmental pollution and ecological changes.
Microfossil biostratigraphy linked with sedimentary lithostratigraphy from an evolving ocean basin sequence, including oozes and the Tethyan enigmatic sequence.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 16 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 28 |
| Independent Study | 144 |
| Directed Study | 8 |
| Problem / challenge based learning | 4 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Prepare, classify, interpret and identify a range of microscopic biological and geological materials using a range of different microscopes and techniques. |
| LO2 | Critically consider the factors affecting microscopic materials including production, preservation and wider environmental context. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Coursework 2 (Asynch) | An analysis of landscape change and biodiversity case study and (2) a coastal eutrophication case study. Both involving original data collection through microscopy | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) | A submission of specified microscopic materials prepared and analysed by the student. | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Practical Coursework 2 (Asynch) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) | ✔ | ✔ | |