Description
The dual threats of climate change and the biodiversity crisis mean that understanding the natural world has never been more important. In this module you will learn key concepts that underpin ecological theory and the structure of ecological systems. You will integrate this knowledge with methods in environmental and biodiversity monitoring, from populations to ecosystems. You will understand the range of survey and statistical methodologies used and how data from different sources can be applied to biodiversity surveying and monitoring in terrestrial and aquatic environments. You will also be introduced to how statistical methods are being used to process and analyse these big biodiversity data. Applying newly developed ecological insight and a grasp of survey and monitoring methodologies, you will complete this module knowing how to apply the right tools, to collect the most informative data, within the appropriate ecological context. Key subject areas will include:
- Ecological theory
- Population dynamics
- Landscape ecology
- Survey design and sampling
- Survey techniques
- Biodiversity data modelling
- Citizen Science
- Ecological applications
Learning outcomes:
After taking this module students will be able to:
- Explain the central themes in theoretical ecology pertinent to monitoring biodiversity and the impacts of climate change, and summarise multiple aspects of assessing, monitoring, and managing ecosystems and wildlife populations.
- Discuss the varied approaches of data collection technology across ecological, spatial, and temporal scales.
- Assess case study materials to extrapolate benefits and shortcomings of different methodological approaches to monitoring and managing ecosystems and wildlife populations.
- Explain complex information, ideas, and their significance to a lay audience via a video/multimedia presentation.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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