Module Descriptors
ECOLOGICAL SURVEY AND IDENTIFICATION SKILLS
BIOL70394
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Paul Mitchell
Email: P.Mitchell@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 40
Independent Study Hours: 110
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- TEST - ONE weighted at 50%
- TEST - SECOND weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
40h flexible delivery with a mixture of Identification workshops and fieldwork
Developing ID skills and preparing for assessments - 110 hrs
Developing ID skills and preparing for assessments - 110 hrs
Module Additional Assessment Details
1. Identification test (approx. 2 hours, 30 species) on grasses, herbs, trees, and non-flowering plants. 50%. To assess outcome 1.
2. Identification test (approx. 2 hours) on the chosen taxon. 50%. To assess outcome 2.
Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:
There will be a formative assessment of your knowledge base undertaken at an early stage of the module. This will enable you to benchmark your plant ID skills to what is required.
2. Identification test (approx. 2 hours) on the chosen taxon. 50%. To assess outcome 2.
Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:
There will be a formative assessment of your knowledge base undertaken at an early stage of the module. This will enable you to benchmark your plant ID skills to what is required.
Module Indicative Content
Identification skills are a vital component of being a professional ecologist. The module begins with a brief introduction to the principles of taxonomy, followed by a series of practical workshops/field visits involving identification of a range of taxa. We also look at how information is obtained via desktop studies, use of recording software, and licensing issues when protected species are involved.
A number of industry-standard survey techniques will also be carried out in order for you to obtain living specimens to identify. Subjects vary but would include some of the following: mammals, reptiles, birds, terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates, and the National Vegetation Classification.
You will then choose a group to specialise in (e.g. grasses, freshwater invertebrates, spiders, small mammals) to a taxonomic level and breadth negotiated with the tutor. This aspect is carried out by you independently, with tutor support, and will involve you using personal responsibility and initiative in order to become proficient in the identification of your chosen taxon.
A number of industry-standard survey techniques will also be carried out in order for you to obtain living specimens to identify. Subjects vary but would include some of the following: mammals, reptiles, birds, terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates, and the National Vegetation Classification.
You will then choose a group to specialise in (e.g. grasses, freshwater invertebrates, spiders, small mammals) to a taxonomic level and breadth negotiated with the tutor. This aspect is carried out by you independently, with tutor support, and will involve you using personal responsibility and initiative in order to become proficient in the identification of your chosen taxon.
Module Texts
Anonymous (undated) Guidance on Survey Methodology, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management pp.46 (free web download http://www.ieem.net/ecia/references.html)
Sutherland, W.J. (2006) Ecological Census Techniques, Blackwell, Oxford
Various taxon-specific identification keys
Sutherland, W.J. (2006) Ecological Census Techniques, Blackwell, Oxford
Various taxon-specific identification keys
Module Resources
Adequate number of specialist identification keys/guides, sampling equipment, access to a suitably equipped laboratory, use of the University Nature Reserve, and transport to field sites.