AD0FEE: Ecology and the Environment

Module code: AD0FEE

Module provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development

Credits: 20

Level: Foundation Level

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Ms Rebecca Jerrome, email: r.m.jerrome@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 20 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will bridge the knowledge gap for students intending to undertake an undergraduate with a focus on the natural world. The module will explore key concepts and processes associated with both the physical and living environment; and the interactions of both within ecosystems. In addition to lectures, students will also undertake a field project with the opportunity to develop critical scientific skills  and to integrate module knowledge into the formation of a scientific report. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Describe and explain the principles and processes underpinning the functioning of the Earth’s chemical and physical systems. 
2. Describe and explain key ecological concepts including species, populations; communities and ecosystems and apply knowledge to recognise the interactions and complexities within ecosystems and how changes may lead to ecological decline. 
3. Use standard practical techniques in ecology, both in the laboratory and in the field to understand how data can be used in environmental decision making.  

Module content

• Structure, properties and processes involved around the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere 
• Key nutrient cycles (N, P and K) 
• Global historical and contemporary climatic changes 
• Definitions and concepts based on the levels of biological organisation 
• Concepts around key biotic interaction  
• Definition, concepts and complexities of ecosystems 
• Introduction to nature conservation and restoration 
• Introduction to standard practical techniques in ecology 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Majority of knowledge content will be delivered through face-to-face lectures.  Seminars will provide an opportunity for formative learning including reflection on, and application of, content delivered in lectures.

Other opportunities for formative learning sessions that will support summative assessment will include: a field practical session, follow-up field reflection and experimentation session, IT workshop, and a debate session. Online learning opportunities include; optional question sheets, recommended reading and weekly quizzes based on the weeks learning. 

Support for academic writing will be delivered through the relevant key skills module, including writing with academic integrity. 

Study hours

At least 50 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

A variety of formative assessment activities will be used to support student learning, including short homework tasks which will be used and discussed in seminars.

Reassessment

Additional costs