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ENVB40430

Academic Year 2024/2025

Bioinvasions: Impact to Management (On-line) (ENVB40430)

Subject:
Environmental Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Jan-Robert Baars
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides a foundation in the ecological theory of colonization and invasion and focuses on the introduction and characteristics of plants and animals and their environmental and economic implications. The content focuses on the global threat of invasive species and the issues around managing the risk in a sustainable way. Concepts and issues explored include patterns of introduction, ecological disturbance and succession, herbivory/predation and the role of competition, risk assessment, practical management, biological control, cost and benefits of control in a global context. The content is illustrated with case studies from terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats. A small case study on a species or system of choice will provide relevant local information and assignments will provide information on key concepts through active learning.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

The student should appreciate the wide diversity of invasive species and the role of different sectors in invasions, recognize the characteristics of invasive species and invaded habitats and the challenges of reducing the threats, understand the role of evidence based research in managing ecological threats, indicate the factors responsible for invasions, source and review the ecological impacts and mitigating factors, evaluate and critically appraise methods of control to achieve sustainability. Work to source and appraise information on management options, local species accounts and prepare a case study to address a key concept presented.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

14

Specified Learning Activities

25

Online Learning

86

Total

125


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Active/task-based learning; peer and group work; online discussions; critical writing; reflective learning; enquiry & problem-based learning.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

A general knowledge of invertebrate, plant or vertebrate biology would be helpful.

Learning Recommendations:

Basic module of Ecology


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered

Not yet recorded.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group feedback on all but one assignment will be provided. Individual feedback will be provided on one main assignment

Name Role
Dr Tancredi Caruso Lecturer / Co-Lecturer