Module Details

Module Code: ENVR S7008
Full Title: Applied Ecology
Valid From:: Semester 2 - 2018/19 ( February 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Siobhan McCarthy
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to key concepts and processes in ecosystem functioning. Students will explore the links between humans and environmental systems and gain a knowledge of solutions to environmental problems
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Describe ecological concepts and relate these to ecosystems and environmental issues
MLO2 Identify the impacts of humans on the global environment and appraise methods for restoration of damaged ecosystems
MLO3 Perform a variety of biological techniques used in ecosystem studies.
MLO4 Develop the skills to collect, record, analyse, present and interpret data generated from the field and laboratory techniques.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Ecological Concepts
Levels of biological organisation and scale; community and population dynamics; species interactions; ecological energy flow
Ecological Diversity
Major ecosystems and habitats; factors that influence diversity; invasive species; regulation of populations
Role of Humans in Ecosystems
Human impacts on the environment, including environmental issues ; ecology of food production (ecological perspective in agriculture, increasing production for growing populations, GMOs, climate change); restoring damaged ecosystems (mitigation, restoration and legislation); sustainability and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Practicals
Practical will include both laboratory based skills and field trips and site visits. Sample practicals: Determination of population size using mark-recapture methods; virtual lab for simulations of energy flow through food chain; niche identification using owl pellets. Sample field trips/site visits: Exploring the importance of diversity and sustainablity (site visit SONAIRTE); diversity in streams - collecting and analysising invertebrate samples.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work20.00%
Practical30.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Portfolio % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will complete an e-portfolio on a chosen community or ecosystem. The e-portfolio will emphasise threats to the ecosystem and solutions for mitigation
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Regular lab reports
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Practical Contact Practical techniques will be taught in laboratory practical classes and on field trips. Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 11.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Botkin, D.B and Keller, E.A.. (2014), Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet, Wiley.
  • Begon, M., Townsend, C. and Harper, J.. (2005), Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems, Wiley-Blackwell, [ISBN: 9781405111].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jones, A.M.. (2000), Environmental Biology, Routledge.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources