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 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ECOLOGY AND MARINE BIOLOGY
Code ENVS301
Coordinator Dr JA Green
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Jonathan.Green@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ Whole Session 30

Aims

This module aims to develop a number of skills, attributes and experiences required by graduates in ecology and marine biology. The Overseas Trip develops self-confidence, interpersonal communication skills adaptability and initiative through travel. Field Studies Council Courses provide specialist identification skills useful in the workplace.  The Honours Field Course increases experience of the variety of UK biota and further develops the ability to carry out an independent research project. Research Seminar and Tutorials broaden experience of current research and policy in the fields of ecology, conservation, biodiversity and marine biology.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An advanced ability to design, execute and report on a research project.

(LO2) Increased confidence to plan and work independently.

(LO3) Develop an awareness of the current state of the students' Honours fields

(LO4) Develop communcation skills, both interpersonal and written.

(S1) Adaptability

(S2) Organisational skills

(S3) Teamwork

(S4) International awareness

(S5) Communication skills

(S6) Lifelong learning skills

(S7) Numeracy

Syllabus
 

This module comprises four activities:

Honours Field Course
Students undertake a visit to a field station and under instruction, design, plan and carry out an investigation into some aspect of ecology, behaviour or biodiversity with either marine or terrestrial organisms. The students will work as a part of a small group, and within the context of that group be responsible for some aspect of the overall task for the group and will submit a report in the form of a scientific paper.

Overseas Trip
Students will either visit a location of their choice overseas, to investigate a topic of personal interest relevant to their degree programme. This will involve background reading, interviews/discussions with local experts and visiting relevant sites. The information will be used to write a 'briefing paper' as might be submitted to a UK government minister or Field Studies Council Course. Alternatively, students may take a residential identification course with the Field Studies Council. The information from the course will be used to create display boards about their chosen group of species suitable to be viewed by the general public.

Research Seminars
Students are required to attend at least six research seminars within the School, wider University or with external organisations during the course of the academic year. Attendance will serve to inform students about a wide diversity of current research topics and provide the opportunity to broaden their experience beyond the formal curriculum.

Tutorials
Students meet their personal tutor in tutorial group sessions at least three times per semester. Tutorials are organised by students and follow a degree-specific programme of activities designed to provide opportunities to consolidate their learning experience, evaluate progress, discuss contemporary issues and consider career options.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Seminar
Description: Research Seminars
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: During the year students to attend at least 6 research seminars.

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Three student-led tutorials per semester

Teaching Method 3 - Field Work
Description: Honours Field Course
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Residential, project based, field course immediately prior to the autumn term.

Teaching Method 4 - Other
Description: Overseas Trip/Field Studies Council Course
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Visit to Overseas Institution currently active in the field of personal interest to students. Alternatively a specialist identification course with the Field Studies Council

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

 6

   96

 42

 150
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 150
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
General paper. An open-book examination of based on a portfolio of evidence. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. As  180 minutes.    30       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Scientific report on independent research project from Honours Field Course There is a resit opportunity. Non-standard penalty applies for late submission - Assessment completed on field course. No      35       
Overseas Trip Briefing Note/Display Board There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :First  Approximately 3 page    30       
Cultural Report There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :First  1-2 pages but altern    5       

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