4B008B - Biodiversity and Evolution 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 4B008B | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Biodiversity and Evolution | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biology and Chemistry | ||
| Module Leader: | |||
| Module Team: | Rebecca Lakin, Niamh Breslin | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 33 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 101318 - biodiversity conservation | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
To explore the fundamental evolutionary processes that drive biological change and contribute to the generation and maintenance of biodiversity.
To examine patterns of biodiversity across spatial and temporal scales and consider the factors that influence their distribution and dynamics.
To investigate the relationships between evolutionary processes and the functional, genetic, and taxonomic dimensions of biodiversity
Content Summary
course aims.
This module introduces students to the evidence base for evolution. You will develop the ability to evaluate competing evolutionary hypotheses, develop a robust understanding of evolutionary processes and how these processes generate and maintain biodiversity.
In this module you will explore how current biodiversity has been shaped by temporal and geographical influences, explore how evolutionary history shapes current patterns of biodiversity, ecosystem structure, and species interactions. You will examine the role of phylogenetics in classifying biological diversity and interpreting evolutionary relationships between species.
Throughout the module you will critically reflect on historical and contemporary debates in evolution and biodiversity science. Your independent learning will allow you to synthesise and reflect on topics across ecology, genetics, palaeontology, and systematics, which is foundational in our understanding of contemporary biodiversity.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Workshop | 50 |
| FieldWork | 6 |
| Summative Assessment | 60 |
| Directed Study | 13.5 |
| Guided Learning | 10.5 |
| Formative Assessment | 60 |
| Independent Learning | 100 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Reflect on and synthesise evidence and opinions related to evolution and evolutionary processes and how they impact biodiversity. |
| LO2 | Explain how evolutionary processes and genetics inform spatial and temporal patterns of biodiversity. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Student Choice 1 | In this assessment students will be required to work collaboratively in a small group to produce an appraisal/critique of a popular scientific theory related to biodiversity and evolution. | 8 | N/A | 25 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Self Reflective Assessment 1 | Students will be required to complete a Reflective journal which supports the synthesis of knowledge across the module content and encourages reflection on the students’ independent learning journey | 0 | 4500 | 75 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Student Choice 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Self Reflective Assessment 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |