Ecology and Field Studies (P01115)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : EDU-P-ED0567

An understanding of the ecological principles which underpin both natural and managed ecosystems is vital for a full understanding of the countryside as a recreational and teaching resource. Furthermore, direct multi-sensory experiences are an ideal way of engaging with the natural heritage and the physical environment. Awareness of the potential impact of outdoor recreational and educational activities is also important for those who work in the countryside, and increasingly an expectation of such educational programmes. In many outdoor and environmental education contexts techniques ranging from formal field studies through to experiential environmental exercises are employed. This course provides an understanding of the principles of ecology, and explores the application of a wide range of teaching techniques in a practical context. The approach taken is normally an interdisciplinary and holistic residential programme normally located in a National Nature Reserve on the West Coast of Scotland.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Normally the 'Interpreting the Landscape' course would be a pre-requisite

? Costs : Travel and accomodation on the Island of Rum National Nature Reserve (approx £160)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Education, (The Moray House School of Education, Schedule C)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 40 hour(s) per week for 1 weeks

? Additional Class Information : This course is run residentially in hostel accomodation on the Island of Rum National Nature Reserve on the West Coast of Scotland. It is run primarily outdoors with additional lab-based sessions. Depending on demand this course may run twice.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course students will:
1. understand basic ecological principles as applied to global and local ecosystems;
2. understand relevant aspects of natural selection, adaptation, population growth etc. and the effect on these of climate and human impact;
3. be able to apply an understanding of ecological principles to issues of environmental concern;
4. have experienced and used a variety of modern, experiential, and traditional field studies techniques during practical investigations of a range of natural and managed terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems;
5. be familiar with aspects of the preservation and management of natural and semi-natural habitats of conservation importance;
6. understand the rationale behind and the practical consequences and management of key aspects of legislation which protects the natural heritage (eg in National Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation etc);
7. be able to make critical evaluations of appropriate techniques and develop a teaching programme suitable for introducing others to ecology and environment.

Assessment Information

Satisfactory completion of a log of field studies activity is a requirement of this course. In addition either (a) develop and critically evaluate appropriate resources or a short programme of field studies appropriate to a selected group, or (b) write an essay on a relevant aspect of environmental management (4000 words or equivalent).