1. Saved on: Thursday 06 November 2014 08:55PM
BI1S49 - Principles of Ecology 09 MAY 2012 - 30 SEP 2018 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
Module Code: BI1S49
Module Title: Principles of Ecology
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Sciences
Module Leader: Peter R Wiles
Module Team: David Lee , Edward Morgan
First Intended Intake: NOV 2012 Final Year of Intake: SEP 2017
Date Validated: 09 MAY 2012 Date Closed: N/A
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4 (Certificate (C))
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module: N/A
JACS Code:
ASC Code:
Document Version Information
Version: 1
Valid From: 09 MAY 2012
Valid To: 30 SEP 2018
Module Aims
Identify and evaluate the importance of natural systems and cycles
Develop a critical understanding of ecological processes, habitats, systems and successions.
ICIS Module Spec - BI1S49 Principles of Ecology
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2. Content Summary
The basic concepts of population and community ecology will be explored:
The ecosystem: air, rock, soil, water and biotic phases and their inter-relationships
Population dynamics, strategies and habitat structure. Food webs, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, trophic
levels and their relevance to pollution.
Ecological successions and climatic, edaphic and biotic climaxes. Limiting factors and the ecology of
decomposition. Niche, habitat, microclimate and phenology. Quantitative and qualitative descriptions of habitats
and ecosystems.
Lotic and lentic freshwater habitats – characteristics and distribution of organisms in these habitats.
Estuarine, seashore and marine habitats – characteristics of various types, distribution of organisms in these
habitats and along environmental gradients within them.
The environment as a source of renewable resources and assimilator of wastes. Environmental conflict.
Learning and Teaching Methods
Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 9
Fieldwork 14
Independent Study 153
Total Hours Selected 200
Learning Outcomes
# Learning Outcome
1
Apply fundamental concepts in ecology to real-world situations.
2
Have acquired a knowledge and understanding of the laboratory techniques
associated with this academic discipline.
3
Conduct fieldwork in a safe and efficient way and analyse and report the data
collected.
4
Analyse data and communicate scientific information.
ICIS Module Spec - BI1S49 Principles of Ecology
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3. Module Requisites
Pre / Co Requisites
Not Yet Completed
Other Requisites
Other Prerequisite(s):
N/A
Other Corequisite(s):
N/A
Assessment Criteria
Assessment
Category
Assessment Description Duration Word
Count
Weight
(%)
Best
of?
Practical Field trip 1 Fieldtrips N/A N/A 25 No
Written
Assignment
Practical written
work 1
Laboratory
Practical
assessments
N/A 2500 25 No
Written Exam Written exam -
closed book
(unseen) 1
Unseen exam 120 N/A 50 No
Assessment Matrix
Learning Outcomes
Assessment Criteria 1 2 3 4
Written exam - closed book (unseen) 1 Yes - - Yes
Practical written work 1 - Yes - -
Field trip 1 - - Yes -
Reading List
# Reading List Entry
1 Smith T. M. & Smith R. L. (2012) Elements of Ecology (8th Edition) Benjamin Cummings
2 Begon M, Townsend, C.R. & Harper, J.L. (2006) Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems (Blackwell)
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4. Key Skills
# Key Skill
1 1. Intellectual skills
2 2. Organisational skills
3 3. Interpersonal/teamwork skill
4 4. Numeracy Skills
5 5. Computing and IT skills
ICIS Module Spec - BI1S49 Principles of Ecology
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