BIMETI-Entomology: Techniques and Identification

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 50 [25 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Graham Holloway
Email: g.j.holloway@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

An innovative and integrative module introducing students to the variety of facets associated with entomological research. Material from the various subjects covered is blended to produce a cohesive learning experience. Everything included relates directly to entomology. Subjects covered include identification and techniques associated with identification, setting and presentation techniques, quantitative methods, and insect plant relationships. The module is highly practical and nearly the learning will be based in the field and laboratory. In keeping with this approach, nearly all elements of assessment will be practical based.

Aims:

This module aims to enable students to develop proficiency in:

• field-based methods used to collect and survey insects,


• laboratory-based techniques to present and preserve insects for scientific study,


• finding and using identification resources,


• identification of plant species relevant to entomology,


• project design and data analysis.

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 insect species,


• use standard field-based collecting techniques,


• present, preserve and catalogue insects for scientific purposes using a range of different techniques,


• design scientific experiments and analyse associated data.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module will consist of face to face teaching in both the laboratory and the field. Students will be shown how to use different items of equipment to collect insects from a variety of situations and under a variety of conditions. Insects collected will be returned to the laboratory where students will be trained in how to set, stage and point insects for long-term preservation for scientific purposes. Students will be provided with a starter kit at the beginning of the academic year containing all the items required to construct an insect collection. Students will then practice and develop these techniques with guidance from the module conveners. Several training workshops will be run in the laboratory, sometimes using external expertise, to train students how to identify insects and where to find resources for identification. Students will also be trained in the recognition of plant species relevant to entomology. A significant component of the module will be training in how tostatistically analyse data in readiness for deployment during BIMEPRO and BIMSPRO.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will consist of a series of PowerPoint presentations, practical demonstrations, field- and laboratory-based exercises, field trips, workshops, self-driven learning with expert guidance. 

Throughout the Spring and Summer terms, support in the laboratory will be available for those students who require it.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20
Practicals classes and workshops	100
Fieldwork	40
External visits	20
Guided independent study:
Other	60	60	200
Total hours by term	240	60	200
Total hours for module	500

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Practical skills assessment	40
Class test administered by School	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

In class assessments will consist of spot tests and in class questions to assess learning of the major components of the module. These tests will occur during the autumn term. The insect collection will be developed throughout the year and submitted towards the end of the academic year. 

Relative percentage of coursework: 100%

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be offered the opportunity to have formative spot tests to assess progress. The module conveners will advise students throughout the year on the progress of their insect collections.

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 failed components of coursework

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