Please note: there may be some adjustments to the teaching arrangements published in the course catalogue for 2020-21. Given current circumstances related to the Covid-19 pandemic it is anticipated that some usual arrangements for teaching on campus will be modified to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff on campus; further adjustments may also be necessary, or beneficial, during the course of the academic year as national requirements relating to management of the pandemic are revised.

Ecology, Environment and Conservation DUMF5108

  • Academic Session: 2022-23
  • School: School of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Available to Erasmus Students: No

Short Description

This course examines how organisms interact with each other and their environment; from individuals, through to ecosystems. This will enable students to understand how biodiversity is essential to ecosystem functioning and how it will respond to environmental change-whether natural or anthropogenic.

Timetable

2-3 hours of contact a week

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

Applied Ecology and Conservation DUMF3001

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Report (60%) - a case study paper (on an ecological topic) presented using the author guidance given in an ecological journal.
Oral presentation (40%) - on an ecological topic.

Course Aims

The course aims to:

1. Introduce students to some of the fundamental principles of theoretical ecology;

2. Explore the practical application of these ecological theories in global conservation projects;

3. Examine the effects of a changing environment on biodiversity.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of some of the fundamental principles of theoretical ecology;

2. Critically assess the practical application of these ecological theories in global conservation projects;

3. Identify and evaluate the effects of a changing environment on biodiversity.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.