BIMWK1-Invertebrate Survey and Assessment

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: g.j.holloway@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Students will undertake field exercises whereby they use different methods to survey invertebrate communities. This will include the application of statistics and biodiversity indices. Students will familiarise themselves with all common invertebrate animal phyla but will concentrate on the Phyla Arthropoda and Mollusca. 



A major component of the assessment will be the ability to correctly identify a small collection of invertebrates and present information on each one. Each student will be given a different collection of invertebrates which have been previously identified. Students will also be tested on their general ability to identify invertebrates with a final spots exam at the end of the Autumn term. Much of the emphasis of this module will be on individual study and skill development. 

Aims:

To introduce students to invertebrate survey and identification skills in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments as required by ecological consultancies, conservation organisations and the Environment Agency. For students who have already some experience in this area, it will provide them with continuity of teaching and learning in a variety of invertebrate identification, taxonomy and field based survey procedures. For students who have had little training in this area, the module will train them to identify all common invertebrate groups and in the use of identification keys. All students will develop their taxonomy skills and learn to appreciate the fine detail that is required for accurate identification. This module aims to be accessible to students from a wide variety of undergraduate degree backgrounds and to provide them with the grounding in the subject that might be required for their career development.

Assessable learning outcomes:

 Taxonomic knowledge of invertebrate groups (mostly arthropods and molluscs) down to order, family or below.

• Develop field survey skills including sea shore survey, freshwater survey, terrestrial collecting techniques.

• Overview of common biodiversity and biotic indices.

• Ability to write a short report based on independent identification work.

Additional outcomes:

 Students will develop an appreciation of the need to recognize detail for identification purposes that cuts across taxonomic groups. 

• Students will improve their organisational skills and attention to detail in both identifying organisms and in reporting names correctly.

Outline content:

The module will be split into four taught blocks in the Autumn term: general terrestrial invertebrate survey techniques, freshwater techniques, surveying the sea shore and use of invertebrate keys. Each element will require field work on or beyond campus to collect material or data.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Students will undertake field exercises whereby they use different methods to survey invertebrate communities. This will include the application of statistics and biodiversity indices. Students will familiarise themselves with all common invertebrate animal phyla but will concentrate on the Phyla Arthropoda and Mollusca. 



A major component of the assessment will be the ability to correctly identify a small collection of invertebrates and present information on each one. Each student will be given a different collection of invertebrates which have been previously identified. Students will also be tested on their general ability to identify invertebrates with a final spots exam at the end of the Autumn term. Much of the emphasis of this module will be on individual study and skill development. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:
None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

In class spots test submitted on day of test

Marine invertebrate identification submitted three weeks after allocation

Final spots test submitted on day of test.

Formative assessment methods:

Staffs are continually in lab and field with students providing feedback

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Provision of second spots test

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: 10 April 2019