Module overview
Linked modules
Pre-Requisite: BIOL1029 OR ENVS1008 OR GGES1004
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Interpret the role of animal movement in shaping metapopulation and distribution dynamics.
- Describe and apply the different concepts and measures of biodiversity, and their relationship to ecosystem function.
- Examine the ecological roles of symbiotic interactions and how community dynamics shape ecosystem structure and function.
- Understand the basic predator-prey and parasite-host models (Lotka-Volterra, Nicholson-Bailey) as well as the basic epidemiology model (S-I-R) and its relevance to disease dynamics.
- Explain how populations grow, interpret their dynamics, and evaluate how life history strategies affect species survival and reproduction.
- Understand the key aspects of trophic cascades and food webs.
- Why competition occurs, why predator-prey. interactions tend to cycle, and, generally, how heterogeneity stabilises species interactions.
Syllabus
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 23 |
Practical classes and workshops | 20 |
Independent Study | 98 |
Total study time | 141 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Colin R. Townsend, Michael Begon and John L. Harper. Essentials of Ecology. Blackwell Publishing.
Magurran, Anne E.. Measuring Biological Diversity. Blackwell Publishing.
Michael Begon, Colin R. Townsend and John L. Harper. Ecology: from individuals to Ecosystems. Blackwell Publishing.
R.J. Putman. Community Ecology. Chapman and Hall.
James M. Bullock, Robert E. Kenward and Rosie S. Hails. Dispersal Ecology. British Ecological Society.
Rockwood, L. R. (2015). Introduction to Population Ecology. Blackwell.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Practical | 25% |
Written assignment | 25% |
Practical | 25% |
Practical | 25% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assessment | 25% |
Coursework | 75% |