BIOLOGY

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr L H Chappell

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

This course will cover (1) diversity of reproductive processes in plants, germination of seeds, plant growth and development relating to structure and function using case studies of plant life and survival in different environments; (2) diversity of animal structure and function, biological processes in animals with reference to development, reproduction, nutrition, respiration, circulatory and nervous systems; (3) diversity of microbial life and its importance in the environment; (4) ecological concepts relating to inter-organismal and environmental interactions, ecosystems, communities, community interactions, populations and their regulation, population genetics, animal behaviour in relation to ecology, conservation biology and its future role.
12 weeks - 5 one-hour lectures, 1 two or three-hour practical class per week, and optional one-hour tutorials (not weekly).
1 two-hour MCQ examination (60%), practical assessments (40%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr C K Pearson and Dr G Pugh Humphreys

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

This course will comprise an introduction to DNA, proteins, enzymes, RNA structure and function, genetic code, protein synthesis, recombinant DNA, organisation of cells, biomembranes, membrane transport, eptihelial cells, microbial cells, bioenergetics, cell signalling, cell division, gene expression and cell differentiation, cancer cells, cells as biosynthetic units, nerve and muscle cells, immune systems components, biotechnology, transgenics, cloning, gene therapy.
12 weeks - 5 one-hour lectures, 1 two or three-hour practical class and optional one-hour tutorials (not weekly).
1 two-hour MCQ examination (60%), practical assessments (40%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr T Stuchbury

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

The nature of biological resources: animals, crops, forests, marine- and fresh-water fisheries as biological resources.
Specialised functions of animal tissues and organs; digestion, absorption and utilisation of nutrients; metabollic diseases. Effect of physiological state on metabolism - influence on animal management decisions.
Specialised functions of plant tissues: composition of plant products in relation to utilisation of crops and trees.
Biological resources as sources of food: meeting demands for energy and protein; essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals: storage and spoilage of food, toxic constituents of plants.
4 one-hour lectures per week, 6 three-hour practicals and 2 seminars.
1 two-hour MCQ (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Professor I J Alexander

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

BI 1003

Overview

Students are given instruction on how to use a Flora and have the opportunity to become familiar with the important elements in the coastal, woodland, moorland and montane flora of North Sutherland. The relationship between geology, soils, land use and vegetation is stressed. Small projects which introduce methods for the objective description of vegetation are carried out.
7 days field work at the beginning of the summer vacation.
50% plant identification; 50% project reports.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M D Swaine and Dr M R Young

Pre-requisites

BI 1003

Overview

This course deals with all major aspects of animal and plant community ecology, including: the cycling of matter and energy in ecosystems; decomposition; numerical approaches to community analysis; diversity, succession, stability and chaos; how communities are shaped by competition, predation and herbivory; plant/herbivore interactions; the niche concept and resource partitioning; the dynamics of colonisation and extinction; ecology and evolution of island communities; consequences of animal behaviour, including habitat selection, foraging behaviour and social organisation in birds, ungulates and primates. Lectures will be supported by laboratory and field exercises in techniques for community description and analysis, the measurement of dynamic processes and experimental approaches to understanding community dynamics.
3 lectures and 1 laboratory session per week.
1 two and 1 one-hour written examination papers (72%) and continuous assessment of laboratory reports (28%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor D J Shaw and Dr C Wilcock

Pre-requisites

BI 1003, BI 1505 and CM 1010 or CM 1011

Co-requisites

TS 1001 for students whose background warrants it.

Overview

The aim of this course is to give all biology students a basic understanding of the fundamental biological processes of genetics and evolution. Evolution is unified by the concept of continual change at the phenotypic level, underpinned by genetic changes of different kinds at the molecular level. The content of the course draws on material at all levels of complexity from the molecular, to the whole organism, to the population. There is a balance between molecular and organismal biology, and broader issues such as human population history.
Major topics:

• The key genetic and evolutionary concepts


• Evolution at the gene level


• Evolution at the genome level


• Evolution at the organism level


• Evolution at the population level and the origin of species


• Macroevolution (evolution of major organism groups).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G T A McEwan, Dr K I J Shennan, Dr A S Bowman

Pre-requisites

BI 1003 and BI 1505

Overview

Cells are the fundamental units of life. This course will provide a basic appreciation of the biology of cells, including the structural organisation of cells; the properties of cell membranes, consideration of membrane transport processes and the energy required for their maintenance; how proteins are targeted to their correct location; the mechanisms cells use to communicate with each other locally and over long distances. You will also be given an appreciation of how cells control their shape and movement; the manner in which cells divide, grow and die; and how individual cell types develop and organise themselves into tissues.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour practical or tutorial per week.
MCQ and short answers (2 hour exam) (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor H Miller

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

History of forest use; Cultural perception of trees and woods, change with time; Changes in perception of aesthetics; Changes in garden design; Rural landscapes; changes in appreciation; Landscape design in forests; Trees in urban landscapes; Forest design for purpose - production, recreation, conservation; Concepts of woodland biodiversity; Forest vegetation classification; Anthropology of woodland cultures; Current concepts of planning regarding trees and woodlands.
12 week course - 3 one-hour lectures per week and one design exercise.
1 two-hour written examination (80%) and two coursework exercise (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G Riedel

Pre-requisites

BI 1003, BI 1505, CM 1010 or CM 1011 and CM 1506. Students without these qualifications, may be admitted at the discretion of the Head of Department.

Overview

How does your body work? How do nerves and muscles communicate with each other, for example, in the fine control needed to play a musical instrument, or in keeping you heart beating throughout your life? How do you gather information from the environment, using all your senses, process and assess it in your brain so that you can take the appropriate action?
This course, which is complemented by BI 20B1, will explain how nerves and hormones work together to control the different cells and organs of the human body which are specialised to execute these and many other intricate functions.
3 lectures and 1 lab session per week.
1 two-hour examination. Continuous assessment of practical work. Optional oral.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M C Wright

Pre-requisites

BI 1003, BI 1505 and CM 1010. TS 1001 strongly recommended for students with C or less at Higher (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Physics.

Overview

This course deals with the rapidly developing fields of modern molecular genetics, genetic technology and the study of genes in families and populations. It includes a survey of the organisation of DNA within genes and chromosomes, DNA replication and repair, the processes and control of gene expression, gene transfer and mobility, mutations, and the structure of proteins. Work on genetic technology includes consideration of the use of recombinant DNA and the polymerase chain reaction, and the applications of biotechnology. Modes of inheritance, the mechanisms of linkage and recombination, genetic mapping, genetic evolution and aspects of human and medical genetics are also surveyed.
3 one-hour lectures per week; a total of 4 three-hour practical classes; a total of 3 one-hour tutorials.
1 two-hour written examination (80%); continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C C Wilcock

Pre-requisites

BI 1003. For students intending to take Plant Science courses at level 3, PL 1901 is also recommended.

Overview

Plants dominate our landscape, and our lives, as they have done throughout our history. This is largely due to their diversity as a result of their remarkable ability to adapt to life in a changing environment and, more recently, to man. This course reviews the origins and extent of this diversity and illustrates how molecular approaches give insights into the nature and causes of plant diversity. The major groups are covered: bryophytes, ferns and their allies, gymnosperms and flowering plants. The course highlights the distinguishing features of each group of plant and analyses how their diversity may have arisen. The origin and domestication of food plants is outlined with special attention to the role of man in the breeding of wheat, barley and rice and to the more recent novel methods of generating plant diversity by genetic modification. The importance of fungi is discussed, with emphasis on their nutritional strategies, both as important plant pathogens and symbionts, and decomposers. The practical sessions illustrate a wide diversity of plants and fungi and the techniques used to investigate them.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour laboratory session per week.
1 two-hour examination (75%) and continuous assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Heddle

Pre-requisites

BI 1003 or BI 1505

Overview

Vertebrate Zoology adopts a comparative approach to the study of vertebrate animals and the structure and function of their organ systems. The course reviews and describes the main vertebrate groups; fish, amphibians, reptiles (including dinosaurs), birds and mammals, emphasising their evolution, adaptations and diversity. The course also includes the evolution of the immune system, including applications of immunology; physiology of the respiratory, circulatory and osmoregulatory systems; thermoregulation; and sense organs (especially those concerned with hearing). The lectures are supplemented by suitable practical exercises designed to teach a variety of skills which include microscopy, observation, data, dissection (of the trout), word-processing, report-writing and group project work.
3 lectures and 1 three-hour laboratory session per week.
1 two-hour written examination (55%), and continuous assessment of laboratory work (45%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M Sternberg and Professor F Odds

Pre-requisites

BI 1003, BI 1505 and CM 1010 or CM 1011

Overview

A small but very important group of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses,protozoa and helminths) have the capacity to cause disease in man and animals. The immune system provides the major defence against the infecting microorganism. However, modern medicine must frequently compromise the immune system to allow patients care, e.g in transplant surgery and cancer chemotherapy. An understanding of the balance between the infecting organism and the body's defence mechanisms lies at the heart of modern biological science. The study of these defences and of the mechanisms used by microorganisms to defend themselves and evade destruction is central to the fields of microbiology, medicine, immunology and pathology. This course will focus on infectious agents of humans, and use them as examples to present the components of the immune system, their interactions and function at the cellular level, and the tricks used by pathogens to evade such defences. Techniques to control infection including antimicrobial drugs and vaccines will be considered, and the challenging cell biology and epidemiology of emerging infections will be presented.
3 one-hour lectures per week, 1 practical (3 hours) or tutorial (1 hour) per week.
1 two-hour written examination (60%) and continuous assessment of practicals (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr P M Thompson and Dr S J Woodin

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Available only to students in programme year 2 or above.

Overview

This course aims to provide a basic understanding of the principles of conservation biology, using a wide range of case studies from local Scottish habitats and species to those in more diverse tropical systems. It provides an overview of the nature, value and threats to biodiversity and details the problems faced by small populations of plants and animals. Whilst focusing on scientific aspects of conservation biology, this inter-disciplinary course covers the legislative, ethical, economic and management frameworks in which practical conservation action is taken. The course has been designed to be suitable for both biologists and non-biologists.
3 lectures per week and 6 three-hour tutorial/practical/fieldwork sessions.
1 two-hour and 1 one-hour written examination papers (60%) and continuous assessment of practical reports and written work (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J R Scaife

Pre-requisites

BI 15A1 (or BI 1003 and CM 1010/11).

Notes

This course will run in weeks 16-27.

Overview

Composition of foodstuffs and their suitability for use in farm animal, companion animal and human diets. Digestion and utilisation of foodstuffs. Factors affecting palatability and intake. The relationship between diet and health. Evaluation of diets. Dietary selection, rationing and feed formulation. Food processing and nutritional value. The importance of balancing nutrient intake with requirements will be covered in the context of human and animal health and welfare. Students will monitor their food intake for one week and calculate their intakes of energy and macro and micro-nutrients.
A series of CAL sessions/visits/feed formulation practical sessions.
12 week course - 3 one-hour lectures per week and six three-hour practical sessions.
1 two-hour written exam (75%) and continuous assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M A Pinard

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Available only to students in their second year or above.

Overview

The course provides a foundation in forest ecology to support more specialised work in silviculture, conservation, or environmental science that comes later in these degree programmes. The course reviews ecosystem processes in forests, aspects of animal ecology that are particularly relevant to forest systems, and applications of forest ecology to problems in management and conservation. The course draws on examples from within Britain and other temperate / boreal systems and also tropical systems. This course is a suitable follow-up to BI2001 (Community Ecology).
12 week course - 3 lectures or tutorials per week and 6 three-hour field visits/practicals.
Two examinations (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

DR F Bowser-Riley

Pre-requisites

BI 1003, BI 1505, CM 1010 or CM 1011 and CM 1506. Students without those qualifications may be admitted at the discretion of the Department.

Overview

Having learned some of the cellular control mechanisms in BI 20B2 this course asks: How do the major body organs and systems work – both alone and in communication with one another? How do we adapt to changing circumstances, control breathing as required, adjust to our nutritional needs, spawn new generations?
Taking the knowledge learned in BI 20B2 forward, this course will explore the physiology behind the way in which the heart supplies even the furthest extremities with nutrition and oxygen and how gases are extracted from the air we breathe by our lungs. The kidney (fluid balance), the digestive system (nutrition) and the reproductive systems will also be explained in detail. Complemented by BI 25B1 this course will provide an overview of what goes on inside your body, and what happens when it goes wrong.
3 lectures and 1 lab session per week.
1 two-hour exam paper. Continuous assessment on practical work. Optional oral.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G Bewick

Pre-requisites

BI 1003 and BI 1505

Notes

The practical work required in this course may pose difficulties to students with disabilites. If the situation arises alternative arrangements will be made. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the Departmental Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

This course will explain the structure and organisation of the chief organ systems of the human body and relate these to their function. The heart, blood vessels, lungs and kidneys for example allow exchange of gases, fluids and metabolites between the body and external environment. What do these organ systems look like and how are they organised to permit the body to copy efficiently with widely differing physical demands? By dealing with questions such as these you will be provided with an up to date picture of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, alimentary and reproductive systems.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour practical a week.
MCQ plus short answers (two-hour exam) (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr W F Long

Pre-requisites

BI 1003, BI 1505 and CM 1010 or CM 1011. TS 1001 strongly recommended for students with C or less at Higher(or equivalent) in Mathematics or Physics.

Overview

This course deals with the ways in which molecular events within cells are organised and controlled. Following a brief biochemical tour of the cell, the mechanisms by which chemical energy is harvested within cells is studied by reference to the processes of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, the breakdown of fatty acids, the terminal respiration system and oxidative phosphorylation. Mechanisms by which complex molecules are built from simple precursers is explored, using gluconeogenesis, glycogen synthesis, photosynthesis, the glyoxylate cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway and amino-acid metabolism to illustrate general concepts. A survey of the ways in which chemical events are catalysed is included, and the course concludes by examining the mechanisms by which cell activity may be influenced by the rates of flow occurring in net-worked systems of reactions.
3 one-hour lectures per week; a total of 3 three-hour practical classes; a total of 4 one-hour tutorials.
1 two-hour written examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor I R Booth

Pre-requisites

BI 1003, BI 1505, CM 1010 or CM 1011, TS 1001 for students with C or less at Higher (or equivalent) in Maths or Physics.

Notes

This course will be running in the second half-session.

Overview

Microorganisms bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses occupy all niches of this planet, from the deepest oceans to the human body. Their success in such a wide variety of environments is dependent on their diversity and adaptability. This course is an introduction to the biology and ecology of microorganisms. Its scope encompasses the study of the organisms both in pure culture and in mixed populations in a range of natural habitats. It stresses the importance of man’s relationships with microorganisms, from disease to the maintenance of a clean environment.
3 one-hour lectures per week; a total of 1 three-hour practical class per week.
1 two-hour written examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr W Seel

Pre-requisites

BI 1003 (BI 1505 or BI 15A1 are strongly recommended).

Co-requisites

None

Overview

Life on earth depends on plants. Their unique ability to split oxygen from water has resulted in an atmosphere that is not only suitable to breathe, but which protects DNA from the lethal effects of UV irradiance. This ability to liberate oxygen from water has both set the stage for evolution and ensured life as we know it. Plants do other things as well: in addition to being the single most important converters of radiant energy into forms that can be used to sustain life, they make a vast array of complex products that are of great use to man, and which are central to the functioning of ecosystems.


This course explores the major aspects of modern plant biology, indicating their relevance to natural and managed ecosystems, man and the environment. It covers key products made by plants, and their uses; services provided by plants (such as cleaning air, water and soil); the ways in which plants are manipulated by man, and some of the problems faced by plants themselves.
3 one-hour lectures per week, and one 3 hour practical per fortnight.
1 two-hour written examination (75%) and continuous assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C S Jones

Pre-requisites

BI 1003

Overview

Ninety-seven percent of living organisms are invertebrates belonging to around 31 phyla. Their diversity of form and organisation is astonishing and their classification complex and controversial. Their life styles and life histories are frequently bizarre and their occupation of diverse, often hostile, environments spectacular. They are a major food resource for many vertebrates, including man; some wreak havoc through parasitism whilst others inflict enormous damage as agricultural pests. This course briefly reviews classification of invertebrate animals and examines functional aspects of their biology: locomotion, nutrition, reproduction, and nervous co-ordination and control. Weekly practicals address the important biological principles and encourage development of basic scientific skills including experimental design, hypothesis testing and data analysis in the context of individual and group learning.
3 lectures and 1 three-hour laboratory per week.
1 two-hour written examination (50%) and continuous assessment of laboratory work (50%).

Credit Points

3

Course Coordinator

Dr L H Chappell

Pre-requisites

BI1003 or MR 1008

Overview

The aim is to develop a pragmatic understanding of the biology of marine organisms with an emphasis on species of commercial significance. Marine food chains are reviewed including micro-organisms, algae and plankton in relation to primary production in the seas. Animals considered include sponges, corals, jelly-fish, rotifers, tube-worms, mussels, scallops, squid, shipworm, barnacles, copepods, prawns, krill, sea-urchins, starfish, sharks, herring, halibut, tuna and whales. For each species the life cycle and production will be discussed together with impacts and significance to man. The course is accessible to non-biologists. For biologists it provides a specialist introduction to marine species.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour laboratory per week.
1 two-hour written examination (40%), 1 one-hour written examination (20%). Continuous assessment of laboratory work (40%).

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr A W Pike

Pre-requisites

BI 1003

Notes

(i) Available only to students in programme year 2 and above.
(ii) The course may pose difficulties to students with certain disabilities. After consultation we will advise students which course offers the best opportunity. We will make provision, on an individual basis, and will provide alternatives for those activities that would pose insurmountable difficulties to achieve.

Overview

The aim of the field course is to introduce students to methods for the collection of animals and their identification, assessment of population densities and an appreciation of the relationships between animals and their habitats. Techniques of field sampling of animals will be demonstrated and methods of analysis will be taught in the laboratory. Up to fifty per cent of the course consists of an independent investigation.
The course runs for at least 6 working days.
Assessment is based on presentation of a short written account of the course work.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr P F Billingsley and "to be appointed"

Pre-requisites

No pre-requisites are appropriate, but the course will be available only to students taking degrees in a biological science.

Overview

Scientific method will be taught through experimental design of a combined laboratory and field experiment; data handling and statistical analysis; analysis of molecular sequence data and phylogenies; writing a scientific report; project planning and submission of a scientific manuscript in the format of a journal; assessment of peer submissions. Presentation skills and training in accessing library and sequence databases.
Statistical analysis will be on known datasets and on those generated by the students in a practical session. Worked examples and case studies will be themed to provide material for the manuscript. Training on a range of software suitable for handling, manipulating, testing and presenting data.
Thread II: 6 weeks – 4 lectures per week; one full day practical per week; 1 tutorial per week.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%). Oral examination for borderline candidates.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Miller/Dr P Fowler

Pre-requisites

BI 20Z1 or BI 25M1 or BI 25B2

Overview

The Gonads, sexual differentiation, ovarian and testicular function and their control; Reproductive rhythms, puberty, oestrous/menstrual cycles, fertilisation, implantation, placentation, embryo development, changes in the mother, complications of pregnancy; Perinatal events, parturition, lactation, maternal behaviour; Fertility, manipulation of reproduction, induction and inhibition of fertility.
Thread II: 6 week course - 25 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials, 4 hours student seminars and 7 hours laboratories/visits per course.
1 two-hour examination (70%); essay and practical book assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C C Wilcock and Dr A J Mordue

Pre-requisites

BI 1003

Notes

(i) This course extends over 6 weeks only.
(ii) Available only to students in programme year 3 or above.

Overview

The ways in which plants interact with animals: herbivory and the function of plant defensive chemicals; mechanisms of dispersal of fruits and seeds by animals; seed predation; seed toxins; pollination ecology; pollen dispersal by animals; carnivorous plants; ant-plant interactions.
Thread I: 24 hours lectures, 1 hour workshop, one 3 hour seminar per course.
1 two-hour examination (67%) and continuous assessment (33%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr L H Chappell

Pre-requisites

Available only to level 4 candidates for Honours in Biology.

Overview

Research (45 Credit Points) project and essay (15 Credits Points) conducted under the supervision of a member of staff in an appropriate department.

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Dr L H Chappell

Pre-requisites

Available only to level 4 candidates for Honours in Biology (Environmental Science).

Co-requisites

BI 4301

Overview

Research project on some aspect of environmental science under the supervision of a member of staff in an appropriate department.

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Dr M R Young

Pre-requisites

Available only to level 4 candidates for Honours in Conservation Biology who must have achieved a performance acceptable to the Course Co-ordinator in appropriate courses at Level 3.

Co-requisites

PL 3003

Overview

An independent research project.
6 weeks full time and 6 weeks half time of supervised research on a topic in conservation biology during the first half session.
Thesis (100%).

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Dr L H Chappell

Pre-requisites

Available only to level 4 candidates for Honours in Environmental Biology.

Co-requisites

BI 4301

Overview

Research project on some aspect of environmental science under the supervision of a member of staff in an appropriate department.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G I Paton

Pre-requisites

BI 1003 and either EV 1505 or SS 2503 or BI 2001.

Overview

This course covers the effects, monitoring and control of pollution in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Topics include (i) problems associated with the disposal of sewage sludge and industrial toxic wastes and the interaction of these pollutants with plants, soils and ground waters; (ii) freshwater pollution, particularly the impact of organic pollutants and monitoring methods including the use of biotic indices; (iii) biological effects of atmospheric pollution, field assessment of damage, ecological approaches to pollution control, and national and international control legislation.
6 week course, Thread I - 4 lectures per week and one whole day practical activity.
1 two-hour examination (67%) and continuous assessment (33%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C Gordon

Pre-requisites

BI 2001

Overview

The scientific basis of nature conservation, with emphasis on selection and management of reserves and ecological aspects of conservation in the wider countryside. Both vegetation and fauna are considered as well as environmental monitoring. Case studies and site visits are included.
6 week course, Thread I - 3 lectures or 2 lectures and 1 field trip per week.
1 two-hour examination (67%) and continuous assessment (33%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor D Robinson

Pre-requisites

Available only to candidates for Honours in Ecology, Plant Biology, Environmental Science, Tropical Environmental Science or Plant and Soil Science except with the permission of the Head of Department.

Overview

Advanced concepts in plant biology, soil science, ecology, tropical biology and environmental science that are of contemporary importance will be introduced. These will form the basis for structured discussions and debates and the preparation of essays or reports.
6 week course, Thread II – 6 two-hour tutorials.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M R Young

Pre-requisites

BI 4004. Available only to candidates for Honours in Conservation Biology.

Overview

A review essay on a topic in conservation biology completed under the guidance of a member of staff during the second half session.
6 weeks - One meeting per week with the essay supervisor.
Essay (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M R Young

Pre-requisites

BI 4004. Available only to candidates for Honours in Conservation Biology.

Overview

Students will be introduced to topics which are currently important within Conservation Biology (such as the advisability of re-introducing beavers to Britain; or the most effective ways of selecting tropical forest fragments as reserves). Each topic will be introduced and students will then have to research it, produce a written account of it, and then contribute to a tutorial or seminar. There will be an element of student choice in the topics covered.
Thread I: 6 weeks - 3 one-hour lectures and up to 3 tutorials/seminars per week.
Continuous assessment (100%). Four in-term essays.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Smith

Pre-requisites

Only available to students in programme year 2 and above.

Overview

The course aims to develop confidence, competence and ability in modelling Ecological and Environmental topics starting with a discussion of background issues required for modelling. Skills in modelling at the regional, field and sub-field scale are developed through a combination of sequential lectures, computer classes and tutorials on carbon and nitrogen in the environment and in plant communities. A strong focus on the purpose of modelling is introduced through examples and discussion of how models are used to direct public policy and advice (global climate change, nitrate pollution and crop management).
Thread ll: 6 week course - 7 one-hour lectures, 3 three-hour computer classes and 3 one-hour tutorials.
Continuous assessment (100%).