Population & Community Ecology (C1861)
Population & Community Ecology
Module C1861
Module details for 2024/25.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
Community formation and interactions within populations are fundamental to ecosystem function, controlling and how species survive, thrive and go extinct. This module introduces core principles of population dynamics, predator-prey interactions, analyses of different levels of diversity (alpha, beta), trait analyses and community assembly rules. The module blends lectures, practicals, and lab work to develop the knowledge and skills required to understand community and population ecology, and to apply them in fieldwork. Using the data sets generated from monitoring on campus we will apply analytical methods learnt on the module including species accumulation curves, rarefaction and trait analyses. The module expands on material introduced in Biodiversity and Ecology to develop knowledge and skills that underpin for employment and advanced study in ecology and conservation, from ecological restoration to the conservation of endangered species.
Module learning outcomes
Discuss and explain key principles in population and community ecology (e.g., trophic networks and energy flow, measures of biodiversity, community assembly rules)
Use long-term monitoring data appropriately, taking into account their limitations, to address a key question in population and community ecology
Write concisely, with scientific rigour and to present complex data clearly to a lay audience
Critically assess and interpret population and community ecology datasets using appropriate statistical methods.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Report | T2 Week 11 | 60.00% |
| Test | T2 Week 6 (1 hour) | 40.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Laboratory | 3 hours | 01000000000 |
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 00000001110 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 22222220000 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Claudia Drees
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/504890
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