BI2ECFC: Ecology and Conservation Field Course

Module code: BI2ECFC

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Summer / Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez, email: manuela.gonzalez@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Mr Simon Boulter, email: simon.boulter@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): Before taking this module, you must have pre-approval from the Module Convener (usually in Semester 1 of Part 1). (Open)BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI1FE2 OR TAKE BI1EC2 (Compulsory)

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: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Study nature in a hotspot of biodiversity. This 2-weeks residential 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. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Identify a range of animals and their signs, including insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, from different habitats
2. Recognise 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
3. Design, undertake, analyse and report on a small group research project that aims to address a specific ecological question using the scientific method
4. Work collaboratively as part of a team

Module 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. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Nearly all contact hours for the module will be during the residential trip (students will present their research back on the University of Reading campus during Semester 1). Attendance at the residential trip is required in order to complete the assessment. 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 diverse 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.

Study hours

At least 107 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.

Feedback will be given regularly throughout the course on field skills, safe working practices, and data collection and interpretation. Feedback on data collection, data analyses and presentation skills will be given during the field course and semester 1. 

Reassessment

Additional costs