University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJ9R-20-2 Title: Applied Ecology Version: 5
Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10
Module type: STANDARD
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field: Applied Sciences
Valid from: September 2004 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites: USSJNS-40-1 Living World
Co-requisites: NONE
Excluded combinations: USSJAT-20-3 Applied Ecology (L3)
Learning outcomes:
Students will be able to:
• understand the principles of ecology which underlie its applications;
• be familiar with a range of habitat types in the British Isles, the processes operating therein, and appropriate strategies for their conservation;
• gain experience and develop expertise in the collection of ecological data and the identification of organisms.
Syllabus Content:
Population harvesting
Applications and theory of predator-prey models. The problem of maximum sustainable yields, predictions of harvesting rate using different methods and examples e.g. fisheries, deer culling, forestry. Effects of over-exploitation.
Pest control
The ecological characteristics of pests and weeds. Pest control methods reviewed with advantages/disadvantages. Problems of biomagnification in relation to pesticide use. Modern trends in pest management. The causes of pest outbreaks and the theoretical background to this in predator-prey dynamics. r- and K- selected pest species. The introduction of alien species and associated problems.
Ecological stability
Effects of stress on ecosystems. Examination of the proposition that diversity promotes stability. Trophic complexity and stability. Maintenance of steady state by predation and/or competition.
Conservation biology
Aims of conservation. Island biogeography; species-area relationships; colonisation and extinction. Habitat fragmentation, buffer zones and the role of wildlife corridors. In-situ and ex-situ conservation. Meta-populations. Introduction to the principles and applications of landscape ecology.
Restoration ecology
Restoration of derelict land; choice of suitable species; community structure, mechanisms of colonization and species' persistence; minimum viable populations. Whole habitat translocation. Reintroduction of species into existing habitats.
Theory and practice of wildlife conservation
The structure and function of a range of habitats in Britain. Current threats and appropriate management strategies. Conservation of key species. The use of printed and computer keys for the identification of organisms in the field.
Ecology of Agriculture
Energy flows and nutrient cycles within agricultural ecosystems. Management of grazing systems; including overgrazing. Impacts of UK agricultural systems on wildlife.
Teaching and learning methods:
Module delivery is via formal lectures, problem-solving sessions, field and laboratory practical sessions. Material will be supported by case studies where appropriate, and the results of key investigations from the literature will be discussed. Computer-aided learning packages will be used where appropriate.
Visits are made to suitable local habitats to facilitate familiarisation with habitat structure, identification of key species and discussion of management strategies.
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
Sutherland, W.J. & Hill, D.A. (1995) Managing habitats for conservation. Cambridge University Press.
Edwards, P.J., May, R.M., Webb, N.R. (1993) Large-scale ecology and conservation biology. Blackwell Scientific Publications.
Gaston, K. (1994) Rarity. Chapman & Hall.
Getz, W.M. & Haight, R.G. (1989) Population harvesting: demographic models of fish, forest and animal resources. Princetown University press, Princetown.
Jordan, W.R., Gilpin, M.E. & Aber, J.D. (1987) Restoration ecology: a synthetic approach to ecological research. Cambridge University Press.
E.I. Newman (2000) 'Applied Ecology and Environmental Management', Blackwell Scientific.
B. Green (1996) 'Countryside Conservation', 3rd ed., E&FN Spon.
Krebs, C.J. (2001) 'Ecology: the experimental analysis of distribution and abundance'. 5th edition, Harper & Row.
Begon, M., Harper, J.L. & Townsend, C.R. (1996) 'Ecology: individuals, populations and communities'. 3rd edition, Blackwell Scientific.
Journals
Journal of Ecology
Journal of Applied Ecology
Journal of Animal Ecology
Functional Ecology
Biological Conservation
Freshwater Biology
British Wildlife
Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 30% B: 70%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A Element weighting
EX3 |
Examination (3 Hours) |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
CW1 |
Taxonomic collection |
4 |
ES1 |
Essay |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes) NO
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
EX3 |
Examination (3 Hours) |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
CW1 |
Taxonomic collection |
4 |
ES1 |
Essay |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes. YES
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)