The module will set the scene for practical work with a lecture series that reviews the ecology of the major UK terrestrial and freshwater biotopes (woodland, grassland, heathland, wetlands including standing and running water), and organismal groups (including freshwater and terrestrial invertebrates, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles). Lectures will also include some of the theoretical underpinning of the term 'habitat¿, and issues relating to spatial integrity of populations e.g. habitat complementation, connectivity, fragmentation, isolation, attrition, minimum viable area and metapopulations. Fieldwork will introduce students to the practical aspects of sampling different species groups and using keys for identification. Techniques covered may include: use of quadrats (different sizes and shapes); pitfall traps, sweeping and beating, kick sampling; McKinnon lists; radio-tracking and harmonic radar. Population estimation using mark-recapture will be addressed using model organisms. The techniques used in the module are directly related to employability skills within the environmental/ ecological work sector.

50% 2 hour Practical Examination (covers outcome 3)
50% 3000-word critical literature review of sampling methodology for a range of species, including an analysis of how sampling approaches are modified by use in different biotopes and species¿ ecologies (covers outcomes 1, 2).

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback on species identification and techniques during practical sessions.

Lectures: 20x1h = 20h
Practicals/ workshops 20x3h = 60h
Field visit: 4x5h = 20h

Total= 100

Independent study hours

75 hours reading into the ecology of habitats and organisms 50 hours researching methodologies, and 75 hours researching and preparing for the assessments including practicing ID skills

Brower, J.E.; Zar, J.H. & von Ende, C.N. (1997) Field and Laboratory Methods for General Ecology 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill, Boston.
Cain, M.L.; Bowman, W.D., & Hacker, S.D. (2011) Ecology 2nd Edition. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland.
Dobson, M. & Frid, C. (2008) Ecology of Aquatic Systems 2nd Edition. Longman
Smith, T.M. & Smith, R.L. (2009) Elements of Ecology 7th Edition. Benjamin Cummings/Pearson International, San Francisco
Sutherland, W. J. (2006) Ecological Census Techniques. A Handbook 2nd Edition. CUP, Cambridge

Lecture room with computer and projector
Laboratory equipped for ecological work including access to ID keys
University Nature Reserve
Field equipment
Appropriate identification keys and guides
Transport to field sites