BI2EK3P-Part 2 Zoology Field Course C

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Richard Walters

Email: r.j.walters@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide students with an understanding of the range of techniques used to census and monitor animals and plants in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Students will be provided with training in: - Fauna and flora identification - Drawing and field note taking - Various census and surveying techniques for different habitats and taxonomic groups - Research skills: hypothesis development, experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific writing and oral presentation.

Aims:
This module will provide students with an understanding of the range of techniques used to census and monitor animals and plants in terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Students will be provided with training in:
- Fauna and flora identification
- Drawing and field note taking
- Various census and surveying techniques for different habitats and taxonomic groups
- Research skills: hypothesis development, experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific writing and oral presentation.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will:
- Be able to identify and, where possible, sex a range of species encountered in Scandinavia, from plants and fungi to invertebrates, birds and mammals
- Have gained practical experience and ability with a number of the available census techniques for a range of organisms
- Have an understanding of the benefits and limitations of various ecological census techniques
- Be able to devise, plan and execute a hypothesis-based project related to ecology and/or behaviour
- Be able to analyse, interpret and present biological data.

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain practical experience in: operating field-based projects, drawing specimens and using animal tracking skills.

Outline content:
The course provides an opportunity for 6 days full-time study to provide an in-depth understanding of the main techniques used for surveying, monitoring and studying a range of organisms. The course will be based at Stockholm University's Zoological field station at Tovetorp just south of Stockholm.

During the course students will visit and learn about the various habitats and their associated fauna and flora and their management, namely forest both pristine and managed, the Baltic Sea, meadows and lakes. Daytrips will include visits to Tyresta National Park and Stockholm City to visit Skansen. Guest speakers will give seminars will give talks on a range of topics.

Using techniques learnt both out in the field students undertake an independent project. Students work independently or as part of a group to devise their own project based on a specific ecological or behavioural hypothesis that they wish to investigate. This project forms the basis of the scientific report to be submitted during the Autumn Term.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Short lectures and introductory sessions will be used to introduce concepts, skills and methods to the students. Practical skills will be taught in the field in small groups by two members of staff.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures			8
Practicals classes and workshops			12
Fieldwork			60
Guided independent study:			20
Total hours by term			100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	70
Set exercise	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Assessment is partially in-course and consists of:
70% - Scientific report;
30% - Field notebook
Assignments are to be submitted in the following Autumn Term;

Formative assessment methods:
Students will take place in a range of formal and informal exercises in which they will be able to discuss their work with supervisors and demonstrators and receive oral feedback on aspects of their performance throughout the course.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

re-submission of coursework

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019