Module Specification
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 Tropical Ecology Field Course
Code LIFE222
Coordinator Dr S Plaistow
Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour
S.Plaistow@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE120; LIFE124 None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 6

 3

     79

 12

1

 101
Timetable (if known) This refers to lectures at the end of each session in the field
  		This refers to briefings before the field course commences
  		    This refers to the time spent in the field carrying out group-study and research projects
  		This refers to group design of research projects and preparation of oral presentations
This refers to time for oral presentation (summative assessment)
  		 
Private Study 49
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  2000-2500 words  Semester 2  40  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
Coursework  Completed during fie  Semester 2  40  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 
Coursework  1 hour (includes pre  Semester 2  10  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 3 There is no reassessment opportunity,  
Coursework  Completed during fie  Semester 2  10  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 4 There is no reassessment opportunity, Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 222 is a project write up Assessment 222.1 is the completion of a field note book Assessment 222.2 is an oral presentation Assessment 222.3 is satisfactory completion of tasks on the field course 

Aims

  • This module aims to: 

    Introduce students to the ecology of tropical ecosystems and the field techniques used to study them, through staff-led field visits, seminars and student executed field studies;

  • Train students in how to design, execute and present research projects conducted in the field;

  • Allo students to explore interactions between man and tropical ecosystems, with sustainable development, effects of forestry and human wildlife conflict and eco-tourism being addressed;

  • Develop in students knowledge and understanding in tropical ecology, and the ability to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve ecological problems.

    		•

    Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this module, the students should be able to: 

    Explain the origin and maintenance of the tropical forest ecosystems of Uganda and processes influencing biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics in tropical habitats;

    Identify the basic groups of tropical taxa, with emphasis on insects, mammals, birds, reptiles and plants and the natural history of important plant and animal taxa in Uganda;

    Appraise conceptual issues underlying current research programmes in tropical environments including issues of human impact, conservation biology and sustainable use of tropical forests;

     Collate, analyze and interpret field data;

    Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of ecology, and how this knowledge has been applied to solve ecological problems.

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    This refers to lectures at the end of each session in the field

    Seminar -

    This refers to briefings before the field course commences

    Group Project -

    This refers to group design of research projects and preparation of oral presentations

    Field Work -

    This refers to the time spent in the field carrying out group-study and research projects

    Assessment -

    This refers to time for oral presentation (summative assessment)

    Syllabus
    1 

     

    Concept and origins of tropical diversity
    Geography and climate of Uganda/tropical Africa
    Biogeography of African biodiversity
    Insect taxonomy
    Mammals of Uganda
    Herpetofauna of Uganda
    Avifauna of Uganda
    Forest dynamics
    Deforestation and tropical forestry issues
    Predator-prey interactions
    Animal – plant interactions
    Pollination biology
    Dung beetle ecology
    Herbivory, seed predation and dispersal
    Primate behavioural ecology

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