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 LABORATORY AND FIELD TECHNIQUES FOR [MARINE AND TERRESTIAL] ECOLOGISTS
Code ENVS171
Coordinator Dr M Gomes
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
M.Gomes@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

This practical module will provide training in a range of ecological skills in a series of field exercises, either in person, or through online equivalent exercises, as necessary. The skills used will have a wide application to many fields of environmental science including modern biology, ecology and physical geography. Techniques taught include identification of plants and animals, communities and measurement of selected ecological processes. You will learn quantitative skills in field ecology and how they can be used to solve fundamental and applied problems. You will also learn quite a lot of ecology at the same time.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Apply a quantitative approach to field science

(LO2) Work safely under lab and field conditions

(LO3) Describe plant and animal communities and relate these to environmental factors

(LO4) Appreciate methods used in sampling plant and animal communities and relating patterns in these communities to environmental factors

(LO5) Appreciate landscape and ecological features

(LO6) Measure and understand the relevance of ecological processes

(LO7) Identify selected plants and animals

(LO8) Investigate animal behaviour

(S1) Adaptability

(S2) Problem solving skills

(S3) Numeracy

(S4) Organisational skills

Syllabus
 

A series of five exercises based on practical experience in and around Liverpool, which might include one or more of the following:

How to record well in the field and laboratory using a field/lab notebook, linked to a laboratory practical on classification of organisms, the basic use of keys and using EXCEL for basic data entry and manipulation.

Introduction to spatial variation of species due to an environmental gradient.

An eco-physiology practical assessing the efficiency of Mussels for water filtration in the Liverpool Docks.

Size distribution of organisms, e.g. using cockles on the sandy shore

Sampling theory and practice: a plant-based exercise, making use of different types of methodology

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Online lectures to provide introductory material for each practical and a generla module overview.
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Online classroom
Description: Practicla exercises undertaken online with help from staff and work with peers.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 - Online discussion
Description: Drop-in help sessions where students can get help with their assessments/
Attendence recorded: No

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 6

         30

 36
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

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
Practical 1: Online test Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2nd semester  N/A    14       
Practical 2: Online test Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2  Na    14       
Practical 3: Online test Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2  NA    14       
Practical 4: Online test Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2  NA    14       
Practical 5: Online test This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2  NA    14       
Health and Safety Test Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Field course week 12  NA    10       
E-portfolio on practical activities Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2 week 11  Notes on data collec    20       

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