AESC4069K Biodiversity and Ecosystem Ecology

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module will explore the concept of biodiversity, and examine how biological diversity can be quantified and summarized in a meaningful way. We will explore the different components of ecological diversity, how biodiversity can vary in space and time, and how the different elements of biodiversity are inter-related. Ecosystems will be portrayed in terms of their biological and physical components, and we will examine the links between biodiversity and ecosystem stability and productivity. By consideration of both natural and agricultural ecosystems, and discussion of the services humans derive from biodiversity, the module will provide
an ecological basis to the causes, and impacts of, biodiversity declines and offer solutions to how these trends may be reversed.

[NOTE: This module is only available to Stage 4 Students on the dual undergraduate degree programme in Biological Sciences at Guangzhou-Dublin International College (GDIC)]

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Appreciate the origin of the term 'biodiversity', how it is defined, and its importance to global conservation legislation
- Understand how biodiversity can be quantified, and be able to calculate and contrast different measures of ecological diversity
- Explain which ecological factors influence patterns in biodiversity over time and space
- Define the ecological meaning of an 'ecosystem' and ecosystem properties such as productivity, functioning, and stability
- Comprehend the links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
- Describe the benefits humans derive from 'ecosystem services'
- Discuss what is meant by 'ecosystem health', and what anthropogenic factors are degrading ecosystems

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Practical

12
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

106
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Tutorials
Practical classes
Guided self-learning


 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

This module is only for Stage 4 Students on the dual undergraduate degree programme in Biological Sciences at Guangzhou-Dublin International College (GDIC)


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: End of term formal examination on all course material (lectures, videos, literature reviews, self reading, computer exercises) 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Graded No

60
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Three online multiple choice quizzes with 20 questions. Each quiz is worth 8% of final mark. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

24
Assignment: Short essay. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

16

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

A checklist of course topics will be provided so that students can monitor their progress through the course material. Group feedback will be provided after each online quiz. Individual feedback will be provided on the final assignment.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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