BI2EC3-Ecology and Conservation Field Course

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites: BI1EC2 Ecology
Non-modular pre-requisites: co-requisite: Student applying has been through the selection process
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Module Co-convenor: Mr Simon Boulter
Email: simon.boulter@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Study nature in a hotspot of biodiversity. This summer field course that will take you to protected areas and sites of conservation and biodiversity interest abroad (currently South Africa, but locations can vary in different years). Guided by University of Reading staff and local researchers and guides you will learn about species interactions and ecosystems functioning, conservation challenges and successes, and the culture of local communities. You will learn to survey different species of vertebrates and plants, with opportunity to become familiar with different surveying approaches which may include spoor tracking, camera traps and telemetry. During the trip you will complete your own research project on site learning how to collect, analyse and present your data. This course takes place in Summer after the Part 1 Exams with pre-registration taking place during Part 1.

Aims:

To introduce students to the diversity of animal life, ecological processes and conservation challenges in natural habitats. To develop practical field research skills. To conduct and communicate scientific research (designing, conducting and presenting a student-led research project).

Location may vary (current location is South Africa).

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the unit it is expected that the students will be able to: 

• Identify a range of animals, such as insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, from different habitats.


• Recognize and know how to correctly and safely apply diverse field sampling techniques such as those used to measure abundance, habitat use and community composition of animal populations.


• Design, undertake, analyse and report on a small group research project that aims to address a specific ecological question using the scientific method.


• Work collaboratively as part of a team.

Additional outcomes:

Students should gain international perspective on conservation biology with insight into the human pressure on natural environments (e.g. in terms of subsistence farming, illegal mining and logging, burning, poaching) and the focus on international demand for natural resources and ecotourism.

Outline content:

This module expands student knowledge of the principles and practice of zoology, taxonomy, animal behaviour, ecology, and conservation biology. An integral part of this work is the identification of organisms, and students will be shown how to use field guides and keys to do this. Students will have the opportunity to stay and/or visit protected areas and local communities to apply a range of field sampling techniques to monitor biodiversity and learn about how humans interact and live with wildlife. An important part of scientific research is to be able to design and conduct a study to answer a specific question and then to communicate its results. Students will integrate knowledge about the local system and learnt practical skills to conduct a focused research project as part of a small group.  The project will be on a subject of their own choosing aiming to answer an ecological question of local relevance.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Nearly all contact hours for the module will be during the residential trip abroad (students will present their research back on the University of Reading campus during their Autumn term). Teaching will be primarily based on practical activities conducted in the field, and occasionally may occur in on-site laboratories (e.g., for processing of collected samples or specimen identification with microscope). Teaching will also be based on informal and formal talks and discussion sessions (on the field and during the evenings at camp/accommodation). An important learning component will take place via student-led student projects that also focus on working collaborative as a team. The assessments of the course will emphasize the development of research ideas and presentation of results and reflections.

The particular activities and specific content may vary from year to year and by location.

During the practical activities students will learn diver se techniques for observation, sampling and identification of species. Throughout the module the role of human in the environment, including the conflict between people and wildlife will be emphasized. Students will experience how to gather field data and work in different environmental conditions and constraints compared to what they have been used to. Student will develop communication, observational, team working and problem-solving skills.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures			5
Seminars			5
Project Supervision			5
Fieldwork			85
Guided independent study:
Preparation for presentations	20
Preparation for performance			20
Carry-out research project			60
Total hours by term	20	0	180
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Oral assessment and presentation	65
Practical skills assessment	35

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment is entirely in-course and consists of:

35% - Practical skill assessment. During the residential trip students will be tested on their field skills, their ability to work in teams, and to implement and follow safety protocols. This will be an individual assessment.

65% - Oral presentation. A presentation on the conducted research project in the format of a scientific conference presentation. This will be a group assessment.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback will be given regularly throughout the course on field skills, safe working practices, and data collection and interpretation.

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: 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 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of a written report.

(Requires discussion with the module convenor).

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:  The costs of travel are borne by the student, including flights, accommodation, food, visas, permits, and vaccinations as required.

Last updated: 13 April 2023