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BI1511: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (2024-2025)

Last modified: 12 Aug 2024 14:16


Course Overview

This course begins with study of the physical workings of the Earth and the interactions between living organisms and their environments. We then look at the effects humans are having on the planet, potential solutions to global problems and how these are affected by politics, and thoughts on the future.
Teaching is by staff with different subject specialisms who give both variety and immediacy to course material.
Exposure to the problems we are facing both now and in the future will help you make informed choices in your everyday life.
A range of ‘wet’ and computer-based practicals enhance the classroom teaching and develop generic scientific skills.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study Yes
Co-ordinators
  • Cath Dennis
  • Dr Marta Dondini

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2
  • Any Undergraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The study of ecological and environmental issues requires us to integrate information from many different subject areas. This course is designed to give you an introduction to how the Earth functions, in terms of both geography and biology, and then goes on to look at current issues, including political issues, that are affecting those functions. Combining key topics from biology, ecology, environmental science and the earth sciences will provide a solid foundation for further study in any of these areas. By the end of the course, students should have:

  • A sound basic knowledge of how an integrated approach to studying topics from biology, chemistry, ecology and environmental science contributes towards an understanding of how terrestrial and marine systems are sustained.
  • An appreciation of important spatial and temporal aspects of ecology and environmental science and why these are important to the management of natural systems.
  • An ability to carry out and report on basic experimental measurements and data analysis pertaining to aspects of ecology and environmental science.


Over 11 weeks, topics covered include
(note that these may vary slightly between years)
Biogeochemical cycles
Soils
Intra & interspecific interactions
Communities and succession
Human demography and the effects of the 8 billion
Biodiversity
Climate change & mitigation
Sustainable food production
Pollution
Political and industry effects on prevention/mitigation efforts
Data analysis and use of ‘Excel’
Lab skills

 

Associated Costs

DescriptionValue
Students should possess a Howie laboratory coat and safety glasses. Further details of requirements can be found on the course's MyAberdeen page. The cost listed here is approximate. GBP 23.00

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Online Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 12
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Soils Practical - online test

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Online Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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End of term online test

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Report: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 25
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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River water analysis practical - individual report

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Report: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 13
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Estimating Population Size Practical - group report

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed elements

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Students will repeat whichever elements of the assessment were failed or not completed at first sitting; the marks for elements already passed will be carried forwards

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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