BI2S214 - Community Ecology 01 Sep 2025 - 31 Aug 2031 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | BI2S214 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Community Ecology | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Biological and Forensic Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biological Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Anthony Caravaggi | ||
| Module Team: | Cerith Jones | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2025 | Final Year of Intake: | 2030 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 101457 - community ecology | 101458 - population ecology | |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 50 | 50 | |
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2025 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2031 |
Module Aims
This module uses a combination of theory, fieldwork, and global case studies to explore the study of biodiversity. It is informed by the conservation need to understand and measure the biodiversity composition of different landscapes and prioritise their importance.
On successful completion of this module, students will have:
Gained a practical introduction to the biodiversity of landscapes explored during the field course and the drivers of these patterns.
Practical experience of contemporary field techniques used to quantify composition and spatiotemporal change in selected biological communities.
An applied understanding of scale-related factors that drive spatiotemporal patterns and gradients of change, including biogeography, climate, altitude and latitude, and land use.
Developed scientific methodological skills in field ecology, through identifying relevant scientific questions, designing robust studies, and collected data so that rigorous conclusions may later be drawn.
Examined, statistically analysed, interpreted, and communicated patterns of community composition using field data collected on the field course and, if required, supporting global datasets for selected taxonomic groups.
Interpreted scientific outputs describing patterns and processes in biodiversity.
Through a combination of theory, fieldwork, and global case studies, students will develop their skills in communication, enquiry and analysis, problem solving, information technology, critical reflection, and working with others, including experience of different working cultures.
In engaging with the module appropriately, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:
Commercial Awareness: Behaviour 1 Communication: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1, 2
Project Management: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
Leadership: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.
Content Summary
This module has a field course component, which is delivered alongside BI1S202 Wildlife Biology, and a university-based
component in which analytical and interpretation skills are developed using data collected whilst in the field. Module content and delivery use regional case studies, particularly the location of the field course, to explain spatiotemporal patterns and processes and encourage the application of these principles to other regions and scenarios.
Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
Evolutionary, ecological, and biological concepts underpinning biodiversity. Biogeographic histories and species distributions.
Abiotic and biotic processes that explain patterns in biodiversity at different spatial scales, e.g., edaphic, climatic, latitudinal, and altitudinal gradients, productivity, habitat heterogeneity, landscape management.
Designing research-driven field studies and collecting robust field data using appropriate techniques to support scientific aims and hypotheses.
Measuring and quantifying biodiversity.
Analysing community assemblages using statistical software and interpreting and reporting these data scientifically.
Note: This module includes an overseas field course. The delivery or location of the field course may change to consider global events at the time of study (e.g., pandemic, UK Government Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice, security issues in the location).
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 12 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Fieldwork | 24 |
| Independent Study | 52 |
| Direct Study | 100 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Apply practical field methods and analytical techniques used for the study of biodiversity and interpret these outcomes scientifically. |
| LO2 | Explain the ecological processes that shape patterns and gradients in biodiversity at different spatial scales. |
Module Requisites
| Code | Title | Requisite Type |
|---|---|---|
| MOD012884 | Wildlife Biology | pre-requisite |
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Report 1 | Interpretive account of spatial patterns in biodiversity based on field data | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Report 2 | Critical scientific report based on student field data and associated statistical analyses | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Report 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Report 2 | ✔ | ✔ | |