Teaching Responsibility
LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:
Biological and Environmental Sciences
Learning Methods
Lecture
Off Site
Online
Workshop
Module Offerings
5202NATSCI-SEP-CTY
Aims
• To demonstrate the theoretical and practical aspects of ecology fieldwork methods of plants and animals across a range of habitats, with particular emphasis on ecological surveys and censuses of specific organismal groups.
• To apply a range of species identification techniques in ecology surveys.
• To develop skills using geographical information systems (GIS) to organise and analyse spatial data in ecology.
Learning Outcomes
1.
Identify surveys and census methods that are most appropriate for specific ecological assessments and identify the main factors that will affect their reliability.
2.
Execute field sampling programmes appropriate to different organismal groups and habitats.
3.
Critically analyse, interpret and discuss data from field sampling programmes with reference to factors such as human impacts, environmental management and environmental variation.
4.
Use GIS to organise and analyse spatial data.
5.
Apply species identification in ecological surveys.
6.
Undertake scientific investigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner.
Module Content
Outline Syllabus:A. Principals of sampling
What are ecological surveys and why do we need them?
Sampling Theory: What is a sample? Quadrats, transects, random samples, stratified random samples, grid samples, etc.
Species-area curves, e.g. the effect of quadrat size and number of replicates on estimates.
B. Vegetation & Habitat Surveys
Vascular plant ID
Habitat classification survey methods (e.g. Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and/or UK Habitats Classification)
Lichen ID and their use as indicators of pollution
Plotless sampling methods (e.g. application in woodlands to estimate tree densities)
Habitat suitability assessments
C. Animal Census Methods
Comparison of animal census techniques
Invertebrate and small mammal surveys
Estimating population sizes – long-term monitoring programmes
Module Overview:
In this module you will examine different standardised methods used for ecological censuses and surveys in the UK. Field experience is provided and different sampling techniques are dealt with in depth during lectures and during fieldwork abroad, with the aim of explaining the quantitative framework on which they are based in addition to providing practical experience of their execution in the field. You will also learn how to digitise spatial data and produce maps using GIS which you will then use to analyse spatial data on habitat and vegetation features.
In this module you will examine different standardised methods used for ecological censuses and surveys in the UK. Field experience is provided and different sampling techniques are dealt with in depth during lectures and during fieldwork abroad, with the aim of explaining the quantitative framework on which they are based in addition to providing practical experience of their execution in the field. You will also learn how to digitise spatial data and produce maps using GIS which you will then use to analyse spatial data on habitat and vegetation features.
Additional Information:This module examines a range of standardised methods used for ecological censuses and surveys. The primary delivery of learning will be in the field comparing methods for a variety of taxonomic groups across a range of habitats. This hands-on experience in the field will be complemented by focused data analysis sessions analysing data collected during the field trips in addition to other freely available data sources. Importantly, GIS will be used to manage spatial datasets employing a landscape ecology approach to analysing ecological survey data.