BIMVERT-Vertebrate Survey and Assessment

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the methods used to survey and monitor vertebrate populations, with particular emphasis on vertebrates within the UK. In addition material will be covered on the ecology of vertebrates and the wider conservation effort.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the methods used to survey and monitor vertebrate populations, with particular emphasis on vertebrates within the UK. In addition material will be covered on the ecology of vertebrates and the wider conservation effort.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Identify and describe a variety of birds, mammals and other vertebrate species


• Describe and critically assess current survey and research methods used by governmental and non-governmental organisations to survey and monitor vertebrates in the UK


• Describe and discuss the legislation and legislative restrictions associated with the study of vertebrates withi n the UK


• Apply appropriate data analytical techniques

Additional outcomes:

The module will also provide the students with an opportunity to develop their written and analytical skills, and to gain first-hand experience of the work conducted by ecological consultants.

Outline content:

The module will cover a range of techniques used to survey and monitor vertebrate populations including mammal surveys, bird surveys, amphibian and reptile surveys. In each case, particular attention will be given to the legislative issues associated with surveying and monitoring different species and how each species is monitored currently within the UK by governmental and non-governmental organisations. For some components of the module, we will discuss and practice the analytical technique s associated with these survey techniques. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will consist of a series of lectures, field based exercises conducted in conjunction with field trips to illustrate / practice the techniques discussed. Lectures will be delivered by Ecological Consultants.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework: Students working individually in small groups will be expected to produce a consultancy report on data on the abundance of bird species on and around the University’s Whiteknights campus.

Relative percentage of coursework: 100%

Formative assessment methods:

Students will conduct a group exercise in which they have to collaboratively design a bird survey, and then collect and analyse the data before writing the results individually in the form of a report. As a collaborative exercise, students will have the opportunity to discuss the different approaches available amongst themselves, as well as with the module convenor. In addition, students will have access to a range of external speakers and organisations with whom they will be able to critically discuss the topics covered in the module as a whole.

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:

A mark of at least 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 7 April 2020