Biogeography: an ecological and evolutionary approach
Module Description
Biogeography follows an ecological and evolutionary approach to understand the spatial and temporal changes in the distribution of species. The module will explore the role of geology, physical geography, and climate in creating new forms and patterns of life.
Through this module, you’ll achieve a comprehensive understanding of our planet’s biota. It travels from the challenges of existing on planet Earth through to the Anthropocene and the biodiversity crisis. The module will also provide opportunities for you to develop your generic skills in analysing spatial and temporal ecological data.
In this module, you’ll learn how biota live together in communities and ecosystems, the geographical patterns of biodiversity, and explore case studies that are relevant to delivering long-term sustainability.
Location/Method of Study
Stirling/On Campus, UK
Stirling
Module Objectives
Biogeography will explore:1) The challenges to existing on planet Earth - patterns of life, niches and the limits to life;2) How biota live together in communities and ecosystems;3) The geographical patterns of biodiversity;4) The engines of the planet: geology and evolution;5) Island biogeography - getting there, adapting and evolving;6) The patterns of life, examples from the past and present;7) Ice age Earth - understanding the past;8) People and problems - the anthropocene and the biodiversity crisis.Biogeography will also incorporate field and laboratory based learning as we take students through the process of generating, interpreting and presenting biogeographical data, and look at issues connected with sustainability.
Generic skills (e.g. Information skills/oral and written communication skills/numeracy/team working/personal organisational skills):access relevant and reliable scientific information from a variety of different sources (G1)demonstrate effective team working skills to prepare a poster presentation (G2)
Cognitive skills (e.g. analytical/problem-solving/interpretative/critical reasoning):apply numerical approaches and techniques to analyse complex datasets (C1)analyse and interpret temporal and multivariate data sets as recorded in the field and generated from laboratory recorded stratigraphical data (C2)demonstrate critical reasoning through the construction of evidence based arguments (C3)
Additional Costs
There are no additional costs associated with this Module.
Core Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
explain the impacts of environmental change (including climate change and human impacts) on ecosystem composition and distribution (K1);
demonstrate a variety of biogeographical techniques used to describe patterns in ecosystem composition and distribution (K2);
evaluate how evidence for past ecological change can be used to understand future ecosystem responses to change (K3);
evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for conserving biodiversity (K4).
Introductory Reading and Preparatory Work
Cox, C.B., Moore, P.D. and Ladle, R.J. (2016) Biogeography: An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach, Wiley Blackwell, Chichester. pp. 482 (ninth ed.)
Delivery
Directed Study 11 hours A discussion or classroom session focussing on particular topics or projects, may be virtual but are available at a specific time or live
Directed Study 9 hours A session involving the development and practical application of a particular skill or technique
Directed Study 80 hours Preparation for scheduled sessions, follow up work, wider reading and practice, completion of assessment tasks, revision, accessing webinars and other materials available on demand
Total Study Time 200 hours
Attendance Requirements
Your engagement with learning materials and activities and attendance at scheduled live sessions and other events is extremely important. Full engagement in your studies will enable you to get the most out of the course and help you perform at your best when it comes to assessment.
We expect you to engage with all aspects of this module and with your programme of study. You should:
Engage with all module materials, activities, and online timetabled teaching sessions
Actively participate in discussions and practical activities
Prepare in advance of live sessions by undertaking the required reading and/or other forms of preparation
Submit coursework/assessments by the due time and date
Complete class tests and examinations at the specified time and date
Make your module co-ordinator aware at the earliest opportunity if you experience problems which may impact on your engagement
Inform the University of absence from study (planned or unplanned), e.g. illness, emergency as outlined at http://www.stir.ac.uk/registry/studentinformation/absence
Respond to e-mails from your personal tutor, module co-ordinator or programme director and attend meetings if requested.
Engage with in-sessional English language classes (if applicable)
We will monitor these aspects throughout each semester to check that you are fully participating and that you are coping well with your studies. Some activities may be prescribed, failure to engage with 2/3 of prescribed activities will result in your module grade being capped at the pass mark (40 for Undergraduate modules, 50 for Postgraduate modules).
Assessment
% of final
grade Learning
Outcomes
Class Test 0 1,3,4
Group (Presentation) 25 1,2,4
Report 30 1,4
Exam (Canvas - on campus) 45 1,3
Coursework: 55%
Examination: 45%
More information at: https://portal.stir.ac.uk/calendar/calendar.jsp?modCode=GEOU3BE&_gl=1*9bvywp*_ga*MTY1OTcwNzEyMS4xNjkyMDM2NjY3*_ga_ENJQ0W7S1M*MTY5MjAzNjY2Ny4xLjEuMTY5MjAzNjkxMi4wLjAuMA..
Presential
TRUE
Biogeography: an ecological and evolutionary approach
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The statements made herein do not necessarily have the consent or agreement of the ASTRAIOS Consortium. These represent the opinion and findings of the author(s).
