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 2018-19 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to experience and gain familiarity with a range of scientific, practical techniques that are used to study the terrestrial environment and its biota.
Provide students with an opportunity to experience and gain familiarity with a range of scientific, practical techniques that are used to study the terrestrial environment and its biota.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Measurement of plant productivity – measurement   of photosynthetic rate

(LO2) Measurement of respiration

(LO3) Measurement of biomass increment – dendrochronology – how to age trees, measure annual growth increment and link this to climate change.

(LO4) Rapid Biodiversity Assessment

(LO5) In groups undertake a survey in a local nature reserve

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Numeracy

(S3) Teamwork

(S4) Organisational skills

(S5) Adaptability

(S6) Communication skills

Syllabus
 

Syllabus

Practical One : Laboratory/field exercise: Measurement of biomass increment dendrochronology how to age trees, measure annual growth increment and link this to climate change.

Lecture One: Lecture and demonstration: Introduction to major plant groups

Practicals two & three: Laboratory exercise: Measurement of plant productivity – measuring the photosynthetic units within a community and measurement of photosynthesis rates on a range of species. Measurements of respiration – how much carbon is lost from the ecosystem through respiration.

Practical Four: Laboratory/field exercise: Laboratory/field exercise: Introduction to Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RBA) – introduction to the use of RBA and some basic sampling design. Setting pitfall traps and invertebrate identification.

Practical Five: Self-instructional exercise: Ecology in action - Students will travel to a nature reserve near Liverpool (eg Dibbinsdale ) and students will make a preliminary assessment of the factors that drive the distribution of these species and ecosystems. Note practicals may be run in a different order because of timing of Easter and Week 9 (Geography & Planning\Geology field week) and the need for a 3-4 week growing period between Practicals 2 and 3. Note practica


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Introductory session to practicals (x4) +1 lecture on the plant kingdom
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Lectures/discussion sessions that provide briefing and debriefing (instructions on data analyses, write-ups,etc.) for each of the 4 practical exercises.

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: Practical and field sessions
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Four x practical exercises are based in the CTL and environs. 6 hours are required for each of the exercises. - 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: eg MartinMere , Dibbinsdale, Southport
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): Self-organised field trip to local nature reserve - in groups

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 5

     24

 8

   37
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 38
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
Assessment 1 lab report write-up based on practs 2+3 (Production & Respiration) Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :sem  1500 words    30       
Assessment 1 lab report write-up based on practical1 (dendrochronology) Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2  1500 words    30       
Assessment 3 based on self-directed field study 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.