BI2EY5-Birds: Diversity, Behaviour and Conservation

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Chris Foster
Email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

From ancient mythology to modern ornithology, birds have captured the imagination of people for thousands of years. This module will introduce the fabulous diversity of bird life, taking a closer look at their evolutionary origin, anatomy, behaviour and conservation through a series of engaging lectures on topics such as feathers, flight and migration. Practical sessions in the lab and field, along with a coursework assignment, will provide hands-on experience of ornithology offering the chance to develop science communication and field skills. The Cole Museum collections and the fantastic bird habitats on Whiteknights campus will be used to support teaching on this module.

Aims:

This module aims to provide an introduction to the study of avian biology, particularly in helping to develop an integrated understanding of their evolutionary history, diversity, adaptations, behaviour, reproduction and conservation.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Describe and explain the origins and diversity of birds.


• Describe and explain the physiological adaptions that have enabled birds to inhabit most of the globe.


• Describe and explain the behavioural ecology of birds.


• Describe and explain the primary threats to bird populations.


• Describe and explain the research methods used in bird conservation. 

Additional outcomes:

Students will have the opportunity to:

• Gain experience of teamwork and leadership


• Practice their communication skills


• Develop their scientific writing skills


• Develop their research skills

Outline content:

This module will introduce the diversity of bird life, before considering in detail the structure and function of key adaptive features, such as those associated with flight. Moving from physiology to ecology, we consider the diversity of reproductive, territorial and dispersal behaviour of birds, including a deeper consideration of the role of migration in bird ecology. We also consider the conservation status of birds, and how active conservation techniques can be used in situ. Practical classes cover a range of workshops focusing on research, identification and survey skills.  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures will be delivered in-person on every week of the term. Weekly classes will also include interactive elements such as quizzes to reinforce learning. There will be three hands-on practicals.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		14
Practicals classes and workshops		6
Guided independent study:		80
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Set exercise	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One-and-a-half-hour paper

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Field and laboratory group work. 

The breakdown of assessment will be: 

Set exercise - 20%

Set exercise - 10%

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: 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:

Re-sit examination in August

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: 30 March 2023