Research Methods and GIS for Zoology, and Tropical Zoology Conservation Genetics Honours Project Module Leaders: Andrew Golley Angus Jackson Brender Wilmott Jason Birt Katherine Cooper Lawrence Moores Peter McGregor Rebecca Allen Robert Mansfield Samantha Hammond Thais Martins Modules: Introduction to Zoology Zoology and Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems Conservation Project Management Monitoring Marine Ecosystems Key Professional Skills Health, Hygiene and Welfare Vertebrate Zoology Animals and their Environment Fieldwork Invertebrate Ecology and Survey Reptile and Amphibian Ecology Survey Wildlife Conservation Applications of Zoology Biosecurity and Invasive Species Marine Vertebrate Biology and Conservation Primate Behaviour and Conservation Population Genetics and Community Ecology Diversity, Evolution and Classification Zoological Conservation in Practice Avian Behaviour and Ecology Other Module Staff:
Examination Coursework Practical MODULE CODE Examination Test Coursework Type Coursework Type Practical Type Practical Type Level 4, Year 1 Core CORN115- Diversity, Classification and Evolution Examination 40% Portfolio 60% CORN154 -Hygiene, Health and Welfare of Captive Animals Test 50% Evaluative Poster 50% CORN162 -Key Professional Skills Test 30% Presentation 35% Mock application & Interview 35% CORN163- Animals and their Environment Test 50% Observations & Behavioural study 50% CORN171- Introduction to Zoology Test 30% Communication 28% Report 42% ZOO6 - Fieldwork Management Plan 30% Scientific Report 70% Level 5, Year 2 Core CORN272 Vertebrate Zoology Examination 40% Report 60%
CORN273 Population Genetics and Community Ecology Examination 40% Essay/review 60% CORN274 Biosecurity and Invasive Species Examination 50% Report 50% CORN275 Zoological Conservation in Practice Reflective Presentation 40% Report 60% CORN276 Research Methods and GIS for Zoology Test 40% Project Proposals 30% Poster 30% Options CORN213 Behavioural Ecology Examination 50% Management Plan 50% CORN270 Marine Vertebrate Biology and Conservation Examination 40% Conservation Project Proposal 60% CORN292 - Advanced Ecology and Survey Techniques Test 50% Report 50 CORN278 Primate Behaviour and Conservation Examination 40% Report 60% Year 3, Placement CORN326 Placement Project Placement Portfolio/ Report 100% Level 6, Year 4
Core CORN306 Applications of Zoology Briefing Document 30% Review Article 70% CORN310 Honours Project Literature Review 20% Final Report 60% & Poster/Spoken Paper 20% CORN314 Conservation Project Management Test 20% Viva Voce 32% Report/Multi- media Communication 48% CORN315 Conservation Genetics Examination 60% Literature Review 20% Report 20% Options CORN304 Zoology and Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems Examination 60% Plan Research Project 40% CORN313 Wildlife Conservation Examination 60% Report 20% Case Study 20% CORN316 Monitoring Marine Ecosystems Essay 50% Poster/Media 50%
Developing graduate attributed and skills, at any level of HE , is dependent on the clarity of strategies and methods for identifying the attributes and skills relevant to the programme and where and how these are operationalised. The interrelated factors of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these are inclusive in nature, are fundamentally significant to these strategies and methods, as are where and how these are specifically distributed within the programme. Ordered by graduate attributes and skills, the following table provides a map of the above, plus an exposition to describe and explain the ideas and strategy of each. Therefore, subsequent to the initial completion for approval, maintenance of this table as and when programme structure changes occur is also important: Level 4: BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation Definitions of Graduate Attributes and Skills Relevant to this Programme Teaching and Learning Strategy / Methods Prog Aims Prog intended Learning Outcomes Range of Assessments Related Core Modules Knowledge / Understanding: For this bachelor level programme the following has been informed by the QAA Subject Benchmark(s): Bioscience (2007) Engagement with the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with the chosen discipline. Knowledge of the processes and mechanisms that have shaped the natural world in terms, for example, of the spread of time from the geological to the present and of complexity from the environmental to the cellular. The influence on living systems of human activities (and the converse) could also be considered Threshold standard: Describe how organisms are classified and identified. Primary: Lectures and tutorials Practical laboratory and husbandry sessions Industry visits Guided independent Learning from extended work placements Secondary/Supplementary: Site visits to animal collections, Natural History Museum, Eden Project. Additional lecture information available on VLE- Moodle. A1, A3, A4, A5 LO1, LO2, LO3, LO6 Essays In tests Exams Management plans Reports Poster/ presentations Level 4 CORN163: Animals and Environment CORN115: Diversity, Classification and Evolution CORN171: Introduction to Zoology
to read and use appropriate literature with a full and critical understanding, while addressing such questions as content, context, aims, objectives, quality of information, and its interpretation and application. Threshold standard: be able to access bioscience information from a variety of sources and to communicate the principles in a manner appropriate to the programme of study. Independent guided study Practical workshops Group seminars Secondary/Supplementary: Additional information and tasks available on VLE- Moodle Essay Reports Presentations. CORN162: Key Professional Skills CORN115: Diversity, Classification and Evolution By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate the ability to think independently, set tasks and solve problems. Threshold standard: have ability in a range of practical bioscience techniques, including data collection, analysis and interpretation of those data, and testing of hypotheses Primary: Independent guided study Practical workshops Secondary/Supplementary: Additional information and tasks available on VLE- Moodle A1, A2, A4, A5 LO2, LO3, LO6 Assessed practicals In class tests Project report and presentations Level 4 CORN162: Key Professional Skills CORN115: Diversity, Classification and Evolution By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate, analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including published research or reports. Threshold standard: be able to access bioscience information from a variety of sources and to communicate the principles in a manner appropriate to the programme of study Primary: Lectures Independent guided study Practical workshops Group seminars Secondary/Supplementary: Additional information and tasks available on VLE- Moodle A1, A2, A4, A5 LO2, LO3, LO6 Literature reviews Essays Reports Presentations Level 4 CORN162: Key Professional Skills CORN115: Diversity, Classification and Evolution By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate obtain and integrate several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses. Primary: Lectures Independent guided study Practical workshops A1, A2, A4, A5 LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6 Reports Presentations Practical workshops Level 4 CORN171: Introduction to Zoology
have ability in a of practical bioscience techniques, including data collection, analysis and interpretation of those data, and testing of hypotheses CORN163: Animals and their Environment By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate the ability to design, plan, conduct and report on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data (eg from a survey database). These data may be obtained through individual or group projects. A threshold pass: • be able to record data accurately, and to carry out basic manipulation of data (including qualitative data and some statistical analysis, when appropriate). • be able to plan, execute and present an independent piece of hypothesis-driven work (eg a project) within a supported framework in which qualities such as time management, problem solving, and independence are evident. • have ability in a range of practical bioscience techniques, including data collection, analysis and interpretation of those data, and testing of hypotheses. Primary: Lectures Independent guided study Practical workshops Research tutorials Secondary/Supplementary: Visits to Electron Microscope, MBA Guest workshops run by ecological consultants and specialists. Additional lecture information available on VLE- Moodle A1, A2, A4, A5 LO3, LO5, LO6 Reports, presentations, assessed practicals, in class tests, exams Level 4 CORN162: Key Professional Skills ZOO6: Fieldwork CORN171: Introduction to Zoology CORN115: Diversity, Classification and Evolution CORN154: Hygiene, Health and Welfare of Captive Animals CORN163: Animals and their Environment By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to undertake field and/or laboratory investigations of living systems in a responsible, safe and ethical manner. For example, students must pay due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations, issues relating to animal welfare Primary: Lectures Independent guided study Practical workshops Research tutorials A1, A3, A4, A5 LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6 Reports, presentations, assessed practicals, in tests, exams Level 4 CORN162: Key Professional Skills ZOO6: Fieldwork
with the chosen discipline. Knowledge of the processes and mechanisms that have shaped the natural world in terms, for example, of the spread of time from the geological to the present and of complexity from the environmental to the cellular. The influence on living systems of human activities (and the converse) could also be considered Threshold standard: Describe how organisms are classified and identified. Describe mechanisms for the life processes and appreciate how the physiology of an organism fits its environment. Describe the of the organisms studied in the living world. have an understanding of the explanation of biological phenomena at a variety of levels (from molecular to ecological systems) and be able to explain how evolutionary theory is relevant to their area of study. demonstrate awareness of interactions with natural populations and ecosystems, including habitat modification, pollution, exploitation and conservation. Practical laboratory and husbandry sessions Industry visits Guided independent study Learning from extended work placements Secondary/Supplementary: Site visits to animal collections, Natural History Museum, Eden Project. Additional lecture information available on VLE- Moodle. Exams Management Reports Poster/ presentations CORN272: Vertebrate Zoology CORN274: Biosecurity and Invasive Species CORN273: Population Genetics and Community Ecology Competence in the basic experimental skills appropriate to Zoology and Conservation. Threshold standard: have ability in a range of practical bioscience techniques, including data Primary: Lectures Independent guided study Practical workshops A1, A4, A5 LO3, LO4, LO8 Reports Assessed practicals In tests Exams Level 5 CORN275: Zoological Conservation in Practice CORN274: Biosecurity and Invasive Species
appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment. A threshold pass: describe the structure, diversity and reproduction of the organisms studied describe organism structure and diversity describe mechanisms for the life processes and appreciate how the physiology of an organism fits it for its environment show knowledge of the genetic principles relating to, and evolution of, the organisms studied Describe the place of the organisms studied in the living world. appreciate the importance of the 'behaviour' of the organisms studied. demonstrate knowledge of biogeochemical cycles and pathways describe and exemplify nutrient and energy flow through individuals, populations and communities describe and exemplify patterns of distribution of organisms in relation to biotic and abiotic factors demonstrate knowledge of population processes, dynamics and interactions, and associated theoretical models Independent guided study Practical workshops Group seminars/group work Secondary/Supplementary: Research seminars Additional lecture information available on VLE- Moodle. Management Reports Poster/ presentations
• have ability in a range of practical bioscience techniques, including data collection, analysis and interpretation of those data, and testing of hypotheses. By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to undertake field and/or laboratory investigations of living systems in a responsible, safe and ethical manner. For example, students must pay due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations, issues relating to animal welfare and procedures for obtaining informed consent. They should show sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment, on the organisms or subjects under investigation, and on other stakeholders. A threshold pass: • appreciate the interactions of organisms with each other and the environment • have some understanding of ethical issues and the impact on society of advances in the biosciences • have developed strategies to enable them to update their knowledge of the biosciences. Primary: Lectures Independent guided study Practical workshops Research tutorials Secondary/Supplementary: Additional lecture information available on VLE- Moodle. Information through Home Office, RSPCA, ethical review process A1, A3, A4, A5 LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6 Reports, presentations, assessed practicals, in tests, exams Level 5 CORN275: Zoological Conservation in practice CORN274: Biosecurity and Invasive Species CORN273: Population Genetics and Community Ecology An exposition for embedding Practical Skills through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme: Learners will have demonstrated an ability to apply practical skills developed within the course to a wide variety of industry related scenarios and will be required to complete a range of practical based skills assessments throughout this unit. Level 6: BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation
An exposition for embedding Knowledge and Understanding through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme: The learner has demonstrated a given factual and/or conceptual knowledge base with emphasis on the nature of the field of study and appropriate terminology and can demonstrate awareness of ethical issues associated with the subject. Cognitive and Intellectual Skills: For this bachelor level programme the following has been informed by the QAA Subject Benchmark(s): Bioscience (2007) By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment. A threshold pass: describe the structure, diversity and reproduction of the organisms studied describe basic organism structure and diversity describe mechanisms for the life processes and appreciate how the physiology of an organism fits it for its environment show knowledge of the basic genetic principles relating to, and evolution of, the organisms studied Describe the place of the organisms studied in the living world. appreciate the importance of the 'behaviour' of the organisms studied. Primary: Lectures Independent guided study Practical workshops Group seminars/group work Secondary/Supplementary: Research seminars Additional lecture information available on VLE- Moodle. A1, A4, A5 LO4, LO5, LO6 Essays Management plans Reports Poster/ presentations ALL CORE MODULES
For this bachelor level programme the following has been informed by the QAA Subject Benchmark(s): Bioscience (2007) By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate the ability to design, plan, conduct and report on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data (eg from a survey database). These data may be obtained through individual or group projects. A threshold pass: be able to record data accurately, and to carry out basic manipulation of data (including qualitative data and some statistical analysis, when appropriate) be able to plan, execute and present an independent piece of hypothesis-driven work (eg a project) within a supported framework in which qualities such as time management, problem solving, and independence are evident have ability in a range of practical bioscience techniques, including data collection, analysis and interpretation of those data, and testing of hypotheses Primary: Lectures Independent guided study Practical workshops Research tutorials Secondary/Supplementary: Visits to Electron Microscope and MBA Guest workshops run by ecological consultants and specialists Additional lecture information available on VLE- moodle A1, A2, A4, A5 LO3, LO5, LO6 Reports Presentations Assessed practicals In class tests Level 6 CORN310: Honours Project CORN314: Conservation Project Management By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate the ability to design, plan, conduct and report on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data (eg from a survey database). These data may be obtained through individual or group projects. A threshold pass: Primary: Lectures Independent guided Practical workshops Research tutorials Secondary/Supplementary: A1, A2, A4, A5 LO3, LO5, LO6 Reports, presentations, assessed practicals, in class tests, exams Level 6 CORN310: Honours project CORN314: Conservation Project Management
• be able to record data accurately, and to out basic manipulation of data (including qualitative data and some statistical analysis, when appropriate). • be able to plan, execute and present an independent piece of hypothesis-driven work (eg a project) within a supported framework in which qualities such as time management, problem solving, and independence are evident. • have ability in a of practical bioscience techniques, including data collection, analysis and interpretation of those data, and testing of hypotheses. Visits to Electron Microscope, MBA Guest workshops run by ecological consultants and specialists. Additional lecture information available on VLE- Moodle By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to undertake field and/or laboratory investigations of living systems in a responsible, safe and ethical manner. For example, students must pay due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations, issues relating to animal welfare and procedures for obtaining informed consent. They should show sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment, on the organisms or subjects under investigation, and on other stakeholders. A threshold pass: • appreciate the interactions of organisms with each other and the environment • have some understanding of ethical issues and the impact on society of advances in the biosciences Primary: Lectures Independent guided study Practical workshops Research tutorials Secondary/Supplementary: Additional lecture information available on VLE- Moodle. Information through Home Office, RSPCA, ethical review process A1, A3, A4, A5 LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6 Reports, presentations, assessed practicals, in tests, exams 6 CORN310: Honours Project CORN314: Conservation Project Management
Guided independent study 140 Employing identification and risk assessment skills, researching information for seminar discussions and application report Total 200 (NB: 1 credit = 10 hrs of learning; 10 credits = 100 hrs, etc) Category Component Name Component Weighting Comments include to learning objectives Written exam E1 Examination 100% = 100% Current issues of INNS and management; application of survey techniques, including INNS identification (LO1 & LO2). T1 0% Coursework C1 Report 100% Total = 100% Report: a bio-security plan for an invasive species (LO3). Practice P1 0% Updated by: K.Haynes Date: Approved by: R.Martin Date: READING LIST: Cadotte, M., McMahon, S. & Fukami, T. 2006 conceptual ecology and invasion biology: reciprocal approaches to nature. The Netherlands: Springer DAISIE, 2009. Handbook of Alien Species in Europe. London: Springer. Dobson, A., Barker, K. & Taylor, S.L., eds., 2013 Biosecurity: the socio-politics of invasive species and infectious diseases. Abingdon: Routledge. Sandland, O.T., Schei, P.J. & Viekn, A., 1999. Invasive species and biodiversity management. The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers Simberloff, D., 2013. Invasive species: what everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Category Name Comments include links to learning objectives Written exam E1 0% T1 In class test 100% 100% Data analysis and interpretation (LO2) Coursework C1 Project proposals Poster 50% 50% 100% Project proposal- identifying research question and design, and proposed analysis. (LO1, LO3) Survey data poster-presenting information through GIS (LO4) Practice P1 0% Updated by: R.Allen Date: 18-03-14 Approved by: R.Martin Date: 18-03-14 READING LIST: Barnard, C., Gilbert, F. & McGregor, P., 2011. Asking questions in biology. 4th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. Chalmers, N. & Parker, P., 1989. The OU project guide. 2nd ed. Milton Keynes: Open University Press. Corbin, J. & Strauss, A., 2008. Basics of qualitative research: techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications. Denscombe, M., 2010. The good research guide: for small-scale social research projects. 4th ed. Buckingham: Open University Press. Dytham, C., 2010. Choosing and using statistics – a biologists guide. 3rd ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. Fowler, J., Cohen, L. & Jarvis, P. 1998. Practical statistics for field biology. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Greenfield, T., 2002. Research methods: guidance for post graduates. 2nd ed. London: Hodder and Stoughton. Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. & Carver, S., 2011. An introduction to geographical information systems. 4th ed. Harlow: Prentice Hall. Longley, P.A.. Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D.J. & D.W., 2010. Geographical information systems and science. 3rd edn. Chichester: John Wiley. Lucey, T., 2002. Quantitative techniques, 6th ed. London: DPP. Sutherland, W. J., 2006. Ecological census techniques. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University
SECTION A: DEFINITIVE MODULE RECORD MODULE CODE: CORN314 MODULE Conservation Project Management CREDITS: 20 FHEQ Level: 6 JACS CODE: N213 PRE-REQUISITES: None CO-REQUISITES: None COMPENSATABLE: Yes SHORT MODULE DESCRIPTOR: Project management is a component of conservation work, as most activities are time-limited projects based on limited funds, a need to maximise planned activity, keep to a budget and regularly report to funding providers. Effective communication of research is a vital skill to increase public awareness of conservation issues, this module will explore how science is effectively and appropriately communicated to a range of audiences and evaluate their effectiveness in the delivery of coherent messages. ELEMENTS OF ASSESSMENT Use HESA KIS definitions] WRITTEN EXAMINATION COURSEWORK PRACTICE E1 (formally scheduled) C1 80% E2 (OSCE) C2 T1 (in-class test) 20% SUBJECT ASSESSMENT Group to which module should be linked: Newquay
Category Component Name Weighting Comments include links to learning objectives Written exam E1 0% T1 In test 100% 100% Using hypothetical situation. Held near the start of the module after block delivery of theory lectures. (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4) Coursework C1 Viva voce Report/Multi media 40% 60% 100% Individual student viva to determine success of conservation project management (LO1, LO2, LO3). Effective communication of findings appropriate for selected audience (LO4) Practice P1 0% Updated by: K.Haynes Date: 18-03-14 Approved by: R.Martin Date: READING LIST: Ausden, M., 2007. Habitat management for conservation : a handbook of techniques. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Boon, P.J. & Raven, P., 2012. River conservation and management. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. P.J., 2013. Sand dune conservation, management and restoration. London: Springer. J.P., Hunter, M.J. & Sterling, E.J., 2008. Problem-solving in conservation biology and wildlife management: exercises for class, field and laboratory. 2nd ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. Primack, R.B., 2010. Essentials of conservation biology. 5th ed. Massachusetts: Sinauer Associates. Journals: Conservation Conservation in Practice