Core Module Information
Module title: Ecology and Sustainability

SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: ENV08107
Module leader: Gavin Ballantyne
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the general principles of ecology, from the level of the individual, through populations, to community level patterns and processes.You will study the life history strategy of different organisms, how this influences population growth and how species interact with each other and the environment.Consideration will also be given to how an understanding of ecological processes can be used to provide a basis for the sustainable management of habitats, species and ecosystems in the face of unprecedented environmental change. Module content is linked with the Practical Skills in Biodiversity module. Central ecological concepts and processes theory discussed in Ecology and Sustainability will provide background to the data collection in Practical Skills. In the module you will also explore ways to discuss ecology theory and real world examples with a wider audience using effective science communication techniques.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Understand life tables, life history strategies and how they link to population growth; simple models of population dynamics.

LO2: Demonstrate and give examples of the main population interactions, including models of competition and predation.

LO3: Explore the concepts of the niche, food webs, community and diversity.

LO4: Examine the scientific basis of the sustainable management of habitats, species and ecosystems.

LO5: Compare and contrast methods of science communication aimed at scientific or general public audiences.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Gavin Ballantyne
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Tutorial 8 Tutorials will support the module assessments by providing structure for your discussion of different forms of science communication.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 15 Assessment component 2 is a groupwork assignment, so a considerable amount of structured independent groupwork time and planned group meetings will be essential for you to meet the deadlines.
Online Guided independent study 150 Guided independent study will be required, where you will explore the course reading and prepare for tutorials, practicals and assessments.
Face To Face Fieldwork 5 During fieldwork you will work as a group of practice reliable data collection, with habitat management outcomes in mind.
Face To Face Lecture 22 Lectures will involve the presentation of key ideas and concepts in ecology. They will also involve interactive class and group discussion.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 60 1~2~3 Week 13 HOURS= 2000 words To demonstrate your understanding of the core ecology covered in the module, you will interpret a range of topics during this assessment.
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 40 4~5 Week 9 HOURS= 2900 words For the assessed groupwork you will produce a piece of data interpretation for a scientific audience, a popular science article and a piece of reflective writing about your experience with the groupwork.The report consists of 2500 words of group work. Each group produces a popular science article (1500 words) and a scientific summary (1000 words). Each student individually writes a short reflective piece on the group work experience (400 words).
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
ENV08107 Ecology and Sustainability