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 Prof AG Hirst
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
A.G.Hirst@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 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 around Liverpool and on a residential field course to SW Wales. The skills used will have a wide application to many fields of environmental sci ence 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

Apply a quantitative approach to field science

Work safely under lab and field conditions

Describe plant and animal communities and relate these to environmental factors

Sample plant and animal communities and relate these to environmental factors

Appreciate landscape and ecological features

Measure and understand the relevance of ecological processes

Identify selected plants and animals

Investigate animal behaviour


Syllabus

 
Part 1A series of exercises in and around the Liverpool which might include:

1. How to record well in the field and laboratory using a field/lab notebook, linked to a laboratory practical, and using EXCEL for basic data entry and manipulation (CTL).

2. Introduction to mapping distributions of vertebrates using GPS and GIS (CTL with field excursion into Liverpool).

3. An eco-physiology practical assessing the efficiency of Mussels for water filtration in the Liverpool Docks (CTL and field excursion).

4. Size distribution of organisms, using cockles on the sandy shore (field excursion with computer lab). 

5. Sampling theory and practice: using different types of methodology (CTL with field excursion into Liverpool).

Part 2A one-week residential field course in SW Wales.

This practical course will be held on 4 days throughout a single week near the end of term. 

The class will be split into two and each group taught four activities on rotation. Both groups will be further divided into working groups of 4/5 . Each session will be preceded by a (1h) lecture session to provide background in theory and procedures, and followed by a (1h) lecture/workshop session to discuss learning outcomes. In each field session students will work individually or within small groups and receive help in the planning, execution and interpretation of the experiments from demonstrators. Course manuals will provide theoretical background, detailed protocols and procedures, and examples of worked data.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Lecture introduction to each of laboratory and field days

Field Work - Laboratory and field work in both the CTL and local environs

Field Work - Field Work - Residential at Dale Fort


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 9
Lecture introduction to each of laboratory and field days
      28
Laboratory and field work in both the CTL and local environs
48
Field Work - Residential at Dale Fort
  85
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 65
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen Written Exam  60  Sem 2 week 12  20  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  MCQ exam on material from Residential field course There is no reassessment opportunity, Must be present on field course to take it. Reassessment not possible Notes (applying to all assessments) - none 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Practical Assessment  N/A  2nd semester  10  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Practical 1: Online test There is no reassessment opportunity, Assessment dependent on participation in lab/field work on the day. Extenuating circumstances required to avoid zero marks.  
Practical Assessment  Na  Sem 2  10  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Practical 2: Online test There is no reassessment opportunity, Assessment dependent on participation in lab/field work on the day. Extenuating circumstances required to avoid zero marks.  
Practical Assessment  NA  Sem 2  10  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Practical 3: Online test There is no reassessment opportunity, Assessment dependent on participation in lab/field work on the day. Extenuating circumstances required to avoid zero marks.  
Practical Assessment  NA  Sem 2  10  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Practical 4: Online test There is no reassessment opportunity, Assessment dependent on participation in lab/field work on the day. Extenuating circumstances required to avoid zero marks.  
Practical Assessment  NA  Sem 2  10  No reassessment opportunity    Practical 5: Online test There is no reassessment opportunity, Assessment dependent on participation in lab/field work on the day. Extenuating circumstances required to avoid zero marks.  
Practical Assessment  NA  Field course week 12  30  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment of field course Notebooks on Dale field course There is no reassessment opportunity, Must attend field course to complete output. Reassessment not possible 

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: