Core Module Information
Module title: Species Identification Skills (on-campus)

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 10.00
ECTS credit value: 5

Module code: ENV11120
Module leader: Jennifer Dodd
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 is designed to provide you with foundational knowledge and practical experience in species identification, focusing on plants, terrestrial invertebrates, aquatic invertebrates, and birds. The module emphasises the development of practical skills required for accurate species identification, both in the field and in the laboratory. You will learn to recognise key species, understand their ecological significance, and gain proficiency in field and lab species identification.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Discriminate plant and bird species in the field using field guides and taxonomic keys.

LO2: Test your competence to identify terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates in the lab applying appropriate taxonomic keys and laboratory tools.

LO3: Critically reflect on species identification challenges across the studied taxa.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, 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: Jennifer Dodd
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 9 Lectures will provide an overview of the taxonomy and point to key identification issues across the different taxa considered in the module.
Face To Face Fieldwork 12 Field visits are short field trips in which you will have the chance to practice ID skills. Field visits will concentrate on improving your ID skills for plants and birds.
Face To Face Seminar 12 Laboratory seminars are used to practice your invertebrate ID skills. In seminars, you will have the chance to examine specimens from our collection to enable you determine key features enabling efficient species identification.
Online Guided independent study 67 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to structure in time to reflect upon the learning you have undertaken in your scheduled sessions and to complete your essential reading. You are encouraged to read more widely around the topics you are studying and engage in Moodle activities and resources. You will need to ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare and plan for your assessment tasks.
Total Study Hours100
Expected Total Study Hours for Module100


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Practical Skills Assessment 100 1~2~3 Not Yet Determi HOURS= 3h (x3) + 1h Practical field and lab tests (A1 & A2) are authentic assessments, where you will be tested in the environment you would ID species in real world situations. These are four tests which will be conducted in weeks 3 (birds), 4 (mammals), 6 (invertebrates) & 7 (plants). Your final mark is the average of the four tests.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
ENV11120 Species Identification Skills (on-campus)