BIOL4101: FIELD COURSE MBiol

• BIOL2461 Ecology and at least one level 2 module from the following list: BIOL2511 Behaviour; BIOL2451 Evolution; BIOL2571 Plant and Algal Physiology. At least two level 3 modules from the following list: Advanced Topics in Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour BIOL3561; Conservation Biology BIOL3551; Ecology in the Anthropocene BIOL3541; Stress and Responses to the Environment BIOL3491; Crops for the Future BIOL3611, Genomics BIOL3651.

• None

• Level 4 Workshop L4 (BIOL4111).

• To allow students to undertake a series of virtual field-based exercises to investigate the influence of the environment on the distribution, adaptations and behaviour of plants and animals.

• Virtual field investigations of the impacts of a range of environmental parameters upon the distribution, adaptations and behaviour of plants and animals in their natural environment.
• Training in application of data field-based techniques underpinning the above.
• Field-application of organism identification and classification.
• Analysis and interpretation of data collected in the field.
• Training in health and safety aspects of fieldwork.
• Project design for a field environment.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the application of a variety of fieldwork methods to investigate ecology and behaviour of plants and animals.
• Knowledge of the role of the environment in determining the patterns of distribution of plants and animals, including organismal interactions and community structure.
• Understanding of key issues related to the role of the environment in the adaptions and behaviour exhibited by plants and animals.
• Critical understanding of relevant research to the limits of current knowledge.

Subject-specific Skills:

• To develop a critical understanding of field-based research techniques and appreciate the importance of good working practice in field environments.

Key Skills:

• Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
• Data analysis, in interpreting the patterns of distribution and abundance of species, species ecology and behaviour, and the structure and composition of communities.
• Communication skills, in presenting oral and written report.
• Team work.
• Self-motivation, in independent work on report.

• Virtual field work: allows for gathering data using online resources and webcam footage. Support for exercises will be given through Videoconferencing, DUO messaging and email, including individual interaction, and group discussion.
• Tutorials: develop team skills in small group working and give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Report gives experience in scientific writing, data visualization and critical analysis.

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