This module will introduce you to fundamental ecological concepts and theories as well as starting to develop your skills as a field biologist.

We will begin by asking: what is ecology? We will then look briefly at the various ways in which ecological understanding can be gained (e.g. experimentation, observation, modelling), and the limitations of each of these approaches.

We then move on to investigate aspects of the ecology of individuals, including aspects such as reproductive strategies and more general life history strategies.

We will then cover fundamental aspects such as how populations grow and are regulated, the various ways in which species can interact (predation, competition, parasitism and mutualism), how communities change in time (succession), ecology at the landscape level, food webs, trophic levels and nutrient cycling.

We will also look at large-scale concepts such as biogeography, biogeochemical cycling, and end with a look at the ideas of the 'balance of nature', Gaia and climate change.

Throughout the module we will explore how ecological ideas can be applied to issues such as controlling pests, managing habitats and species for conservation, sustainable harvesting of natural resources.

An EXAM length 2 HOURS weighted at 100%.

100% 2-hour Exam (To assess all learning outcomes)

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment):
There will be formative problem-solving questions set at intervals throughout the module.

The 50 hours of contact time equates to 5 hours per week over 10 weeks. This would typically consist of a 2-hour lecture-based session covering ecological theory, and a 3-hour practical/workshop. Practicals will be a mixture of lab- and field-based activities. The practicals/workshops will be used either to expand on the concepts covered in the lectures or to develop fieldwork and identification skills.

The 100 hours of independent study will be used to carry out a structured programme of guided reading and tasks (60 hours), and to prepare for and carry out the assessment (40 hours). Formative feedback will be provided on the tasks carried out.
(n.b. up to 10 of these hours may become compulsory attendance, see *)

*Based upon ongoing module performance students may be required to attend a number of compulsory extra sessions as directed by the tutors. These sessions may vary according to student need and timing of occurrence, but are considered as essential and compulsory.

Begon, M., Howarth, R.W. & Townsend, C.R. (2014) Essentials of Ecology. 4th Edition. Wiley

Reece, J.B. et al. (2014) Campbell Biology. 10th Edition Pearson Education eBook.

Access to the University Nature Reserve
Access to an appropriately resourced laboratory

1.Explain fundamental ecological concepts and theories
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Carry out a range of basic ecological techniques, and evaluate their advantages and limitations
Problem Solving

3. Interpret results from ecological experiments
Enquiry