Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ECOLOGY PRACTICAL SKILLS
Code ENVS261
Coordinator Prof CL Parr
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Kate.Parr@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

To provide students with practical experience of a range of techniques used in terrestrial ecology;

To develop students’ ability to use analytical instruments and techniques, and to execute experiments;

To develop knowledge and understanding of ecological methods, the ability to apply this knowledge, and evaluate and interpret data to answer ecological questions.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) To plan and execute a series of experiments employing techniques used in ecology, use laboratory and field equipment correctly and safely to generate data.

(LO2) To obtain, critically evaluate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative ecological data, and record procedures and protocols.

(LO3) To analyse data, interpret validity, and, where appropriate, apply statistical analysis.

(S1) Numeracy: general mathematical awareness and its application in practical contexts, e.g. measuring, weighing, estimating, and applying formulae

(S2) Problem solving: critical thinking, and creativity, analysing data and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions

(S3) Team working: respecting others, co-operating, negotiating, awareness of interdependence with others.

(S4) Communication skills: verbal and written

Syllabus
 

Dendrochronology - how to age trees, measure annual growth increments and link this to environmental factors.

Assessment of plant health and productivity – measurement of biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic and respiration rate.

Introduction to Rapid Biodiversity Assessment, including invertebrate sampling methods and basic sampling design.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Introductory sessions to practicals
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Lectures/discussion sessions that provide briefing and debriefing (instructions on data analyses, write-ups,etc.) for each of the practical exercises.

Teaching Method 2 – Laboratory/field work
Description: Practical and field sessions
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Four practical exercises are based in the Central Teaching Lab and environs. Two of the exercises are linked.

Teaching Method 3 - Field Work
Description: Self-directed group learning
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Visit to site of conservation interest
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: self-organised field trip to local nature reserve - in groups

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 3

     20

 8

   31
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 44
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Lab report based on dendrochronology practical. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When): semester 2  1000 words    20       
Lab report based on the two plant productivity practicals. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2  1500 words    40       
Report based on self-directed field study (rapid biodiversity assessment). Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :sem 2  1500 words    40       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.