Course Catalogue

Biogeography of Europe GEOG4101

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2 (Alternate Years)
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course covers the biogeography of Europe and principles of landscape ecology, species distribution and the human pressures on ecosystems.

Timetable

One two-hour lecture a week in the first 5 weeks of the semester.

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Level 3 Geography or Level 3 Earth Science

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

A 90 minute exam at the end of the course.

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

The overall aim of this course to assess which processes determine past and present habitat and species distribution in Europe. The course will provide an overview of general biogeography with a focus on ecological biogeography and conservation biogeography.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ explain the processes determining global and local species distribution in relation to the physical environment

■ describe ecological principles such as dispersal, succession and nutrient fluxes

■ discuss basic taxonomy and principles of food webs

■ critically assess the biogeographic regions of Europe

■ evaluate the differences between the present vegetation cover and the potential natural vegetation

 

Students will also be able to:

■ develop an interdisciplinary approach to the topic

■ explain landscape processes and human interactions within the environment

■ perform literature searches (potentially outside the subject area)

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions