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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2010/2011
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Ecological Science

Undergraduate Course: Principles of Ecology (ECSC08006)

Course Outline
School School of Geosciences College College of Science and Engineering
Course type Standard Availability Available to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken) SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) Credits 20
Home subject area Ecological Science Other subject area Environmental Courses
Course website http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/ecology/IE9958/ Taught in Gaelic? No
Course description An introduction to the factors determining the distribution and patterns of abundance of organisms, and which relate plant and animal populations to their environment. It includes the physiological ecology of plants and animals, the life history strategies by which organisms adapt to their environments, and the ecological significance of genetic variability. The importance of evolutionary history for understanding patterns of distribution will also be emphasised. A practical project report must be submitted as part of the course.
Entry Requirements
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisites None
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1) WebCT enabled:  Yes Quota:  None
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
King's BuildingsLaboratory1-11 10:00 - 13:00
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 13:10 - 13:50
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 09:00 - 09:50
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 10:00 - 10:50
First Class Week 1, Monday, 09:00 - 09:50, Zone: King's Buildings. Lecture - Lecture TH100, Joseph Black Building
Additional information Lectures: Mon, Thur, Fri (weeks 1-11)
Practicals: Wed (weeks 1-8)
Presentations: Wed (weeks 9-10)
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes Stationery Requirements Comments
Main Exam Diet S1 (December)Principles of Ecology2:004 x 8 sides
Resit Exam Diet (August)2:004 x 8 sides2008 only
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will develop a broad knowledge of the defining principles of ecology and will gain an understanding of the factors controlling the abundance and distribution of organisms globally. Students will be familiarised with the ecological theory explaining patterns of spatial and temporal variations in species numbers. Students will learn how to carry out a scientific research project related to an ecological question: they will learn how to formulate clear, precise and potentially answerable questions; to collect unbiased data; and to test hypothesese. The practical project will assess students&© ability to use a range of techniques and to undertake critical analysis of mainstream concepts within Ecological Science.


Assessment Information
The course will be marked as 1/3 practical + 2/3 exam. Both practical and exam have a minimum pass mark of 35%. An overall aggregate mark of 40% is required.
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
Keywords Not entered
Contacts
Course organiser Dr Gail Jackson
Tel: (0131 6)50 5436
Email: G.Jackson@ed.ac.uk
Course secretary Mrs Helen Mckeating
Tel: (0131 6)50 5430
Email: Helen.McKeating@ed.ac.uk
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copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 31 January 2011 7:34 am