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 Mr M Gomes
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
M.Gomes@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 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 South West Wales. 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) Sample plant and animal communities and relate these 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
 

Part 1

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

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 (CTL).

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

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

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

Sampling theory and practice: a plant-based exercise, making use of different types of methodology (CTL and campus grounds).

Part 2

A one-week residential field course in South West Wales. This practical course will be held on four 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 four or five. Each session will be preceded by a one hour lecture session to provide background in theory and procedures, and followed by a one hour 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

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lecture introduction to each of laboratory and field days
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Field Work
Description: Laboratory and field work in both the CTL and local environs
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 6

Teaching Method 3 - Field Work
Description: Field Work - Residential at Dale Fort
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 9

       28

28

 6

6

 77
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 59
TOTAL HOURS 136

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
MCQ exam on material from Residential field course Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2 week 12  60 minutes.    20       
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    10       
Practical 2: Online test Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2  Na    10       
Practical 3: Online test Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2  NA    10       
Practical 4: Online test Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2  NA    10       
Practical 5: Online test This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2  NA    10       
Assessment of field course Notebooks on Dale field course Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Field course week 12  NA    30       

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