Explore UCD

UCD Home >

ZOOL40280

Academic Year 2024/2025

Biological Invasions (ZOOL40280)

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

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides a foundation in the theory of invasion ecology and focuses on how invasive alien species are introduced and spread and the key characteristics of invasive plants and animals and their environmental and economic impacts. 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 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 and practicals provide material and examples to illustrate the concepts covered.

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 case studies to address a key concept presented.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

9
Small Group

6
Practical

2
Autonomous Student Learning

108
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures; critical writing; tutorials with problem-based learning.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

General Ecology based course


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
Group Work Assignment: An assignment completed within a tutorial and submitted as a group response. Week 10 Graded No
10
 No
Group Work Assignment: An assignment completed within a tutorial and submitted as a group response. Week 12 Graded No
10
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): A tutorial based exercise completing an illustration and mini report Week 11 Graded No
20
 No
Individual Project: Recorded presentation on chosen species/group Week 14 Graded No
30
 No
Individual Project: Brochure Week 14 Graded No
30
 No

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 will be provided on assignments

Name Role
Dr Tancredi Caruso Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 12:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 29, 30, 32 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 30, 31, 32 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.