Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
Code ENVS157
Coordinator Dr AJ Hacket Pain
Geography and Planning
Andrew.Hacket-Pain@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

The module aims to introduce students to the key principles that govern the interactions between organisms and their environment, and how these can be used as the basis for conservation.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Understand and explain fundamental principles of how ecological systems are structured and how they function at the scale of individuals, populations and communities

(LO2) To understand the effects of human activities on communities and ecosystems at a range of timescales

(LO3) Develop an ability to critically evaluate how ecological understanding and data can be used to inform conservation policy

(S1) Global perspectives demonstrate international perspectives as professionals/citizens; locate, discuss, analyse, evaluate information from international sources; consider issues from a variety of cultural perspectives, consider ethical and social responsibility issues in international settings; value diversity of language and culture

(S2) Positive attitude/ self-confidence A 'can-do' approach, a readiness to take part and contribute; openness to new ideas and the drive to make these happen

(S3) Learning skills online studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal

(S4) Information literacy online, finding, interpreting, evaluating, managing and sharing information

Syllabus
 

Key themes and topics covered in the lectures will include:
1. Biodiversity. Key concepts and definitions, measurement, and patterns in space and time.
2. Ecosystem organisation and structure . Productivity and energy flows through ecosystems. Species interactions within communities, including predation, herbivore, competition and mutualism. Food webs, trophic interactions, and population dynamics.
3. Ecosystem ecology and dynamics . Disturbance and succession. The response of ecosystems to environmental change, including at Geological and historical scales, and the response of the biosphere to current climate change.
4. Conservation ecology. Key principles, including the value of biodiversity and the concept of ecosystem services. Major current threats to biodiversity. Managing ecosystems, including ecosystem restoration and rewilding.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

All synchronous lectures will be recorded and available via the VLE. Asynchronous content will also be delivered by the VLE.
Lectures will be supported by unscheduled blogs and other posts, and a discussion board.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

           20
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 130
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 4 - final module MCQ examination [Exam period] There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  90 minutes    50       
Assessment 3: MCQ Online Test [Week 11] There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2  30 minutes    15       
Assessment 1 - First MCQ online test [Week 3] There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2  20 minutes    10       
Assessment 2: MCQ Online Test [Week 8] There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2  50 minutes    25       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.