BIMASA-Animal 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: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez
Email: manuela.gonzalez@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding and practical experience of the methods used to survey and monitor animal populations (vertebrates and invertebrates). Emphasis is on species found in the UK and routinely involved in conservation and consultancy projects. The module will cover material on general biology and ecology of different animal species, and provide context for how survey and monitoring contribute to biodiversity assessment and conservation strategies.

Aims:

To provide students with knowledge and practical experience of diverse methods used to survey and monitor animal populations and covering survey design and protocols, industry best-practise, species handling and identification, and data collection and reporting.

To provide context for the role of survey and monitoring methods in biodiversity assessment and protection.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Recognize and know to correctly apply diverse animal survey and monitoring techniques


• Identify and describe a variety of animal species


• Design and carry out a survey to relevant industry best practice and appropriate guidelines


• Report the findings from an animal survey


• Describe and discuss the legislation and legislative restrictions associated with the study of vertebrates and invertebrates within the UK

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop their written and analytical skills and 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 animal populations. Students will learn best practice for the design and implementation of these techniques with practical experience with several methods. We will discuss legislative issues associated with surveying and monitoring different species and standard practices for different animal groups currently monitored in the UK by governmental and non-governmental organisations. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will consist of a series of lectures, practical field-based exercises conducted in conjunction with field trips to illustrate and practice the techniques discussed. Lectures will be delivered by Ecological Consultants, external speakers, and members of staff.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		15
Practicals classes and workshops		20
Fieldwork		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		35
Essay preparation		110
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One (1) essay/report: individual written assessment in which students will report on the findings from an animal survey designed and conducted by them. Surveys may be designed and conducted in small groups for safety reasons but the interpretation of findings and writing of the report will always reflect individual work.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive regular verbal feedback on their performance during and after each practical activity and fieldwork day. Feedback will cover their knowledge and application of survey methods, species identities, and safety protocols.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework

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: 22 September 2022