BIMETID: Entomology: Techniques and Identification

Module code: BIMETID

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 80

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Full year

Module convenor: Dr Chris Foster, email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Graham Holloway, email: g.j.holloway@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: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

An innovative and integrative module introducing students to the variety of skills and techniques 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 all the learning will be based in the field and laboratory. In keeping with this approach, nearly all elements of assessment will be practical based. 

This module aims to develop students 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. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Identify and describe a variety of insect species
2. Demonstrate proficiency in standard field-based collecting techniques
3. Develop and construct an insect collection demonstrating ability to present, preserve and catalogue insects for scientific purposes using a range of different techniques
4. Design scientific experiments and analyse associated data

Module 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 and recognising insect feeding signs. A significant component of the module will be training in how to collect, organise and analyse data in readiness for deployment during BIMRES. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

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

Study hours

At least 200 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 50% 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.

Reassessment

Additional costs