BI2EMV4-Management of Vertebrate Pests

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Phil Baker
Email: p.j.baker@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide an introduction to the ways that certain vertebrate species interact with people and how the problems resulting from these interactions are dealt with.

Aims:

This module will provide an introduction to the ways that certain vertebrate species interact with people and how the problems resulting from these interactions are dealt with.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Describe the characteristics that result in some vertebrate species achieving pest status.


• Understand the processes followed to alleviate damage or other problems caused by these pest species


• Be familiar with the different types of human wildlife interactions that occur in different parts of the world.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Some vertebrate species interfere with man's activities, in which case they are assigned the label "pest". The first reaction is often to control them. In certain situations (e.g. agriculture), where the objective is to control damage, methods can be applied to reduce the average abundance of the pest species. In other situations (e.g. hospitals, human dwellings, or on islands) the objective can be eradication. Alternatively, where control is unacceptable (badgers) or impractica l (rabbits), physical barriers may be used to exclude the pest species. Where vertebrates impact on the natural environment, their control often becomes an integral part of wildlife management and conservation. Examples of human wildlife interactions from around the world are considered.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures will introduce the broad diversity of vertebrates and in what situations their behaviour evolves so that they are considered pest species. Lectures will cover the impact of pest species on other species in a conservation context, on agricultural productivity and other types of human wildlife interactions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Class test administered by School	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework: Students will be required to carry out a data analysis exercise based upon a stakeholder engagement questionnaire.

In-class test: Students will be required to sit a timed 'in-class' test consisting of a series of short answer questions covering the whole module content. 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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 at least 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

By resubmission of coursework and in class.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 13 August 2021