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  4. 2015-2016
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  6. BI3801: PLANT-ANIMAL INTERACTIONS

BI3801: PLANT-ANIMAL INTERACTIONS (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:34


Course Overview

The course sets plant animal interactions in an evolutionary context with a focus on recent research findings in the primary literature. 

Guest speakers from the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen are used to ensure the course content includes case studies of application of plant animal interactions research to land management.

You will write an Opinion Piece assignment and have access to detailed feedback to improve your writing and presentation skills.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor David Burslem
  • Professor Rene Van Der Wal

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

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

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course explores the diversity and ecology of interactions of plants with both mammals and insects and discusses the underlying evolutionary processes involved. The course examines different ways plants and animals interact and outlines the benefits the participating organisms receive from this interaction. Topics covered are: coevolution; pollination and seed dispersal by animals; herbivory and animal responses to plant defensive chemicals; mammalian and insect herbivores; and applied aspects of plant-animal interactions including management of Red Deer in upland Scotland. Recent advances in the subject are emphasised.

Associated Costs

None

Further Information & Notes

This course runs in weeks 31-35, and is scheduled in Thread 1, so may have contact hours in any or all of these times: Mondays, 9-13; Thursday, all day; Friday, 9-13. If this is an optional course, there may also be contact hours on Wednesdays, 11-13.

Please note, in case of low student enrolments, this course may not run.


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 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (50%) and in-course assessment (50%) which comprises a 1,500 word Opinion Piece.

Resit: Similar to 1st attempt, with continuous assessment mark(s) and /or exam mark carried forward with an opportunity to resit either or both, depending on what was failed in the first attempt.

Formative Assessment

A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during seminar and workshop sessions.

Feedback

Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for the Opinion Piece.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.
 

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