Undergraduate Course: Biogeography (GEGR10148)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course examines the patterns and processes that underlie species distributions around the world, paying close attention to emerging frontiers in biogeography and critically engaging with traditional biogeographic thought. |
| Course description |
Biogeography is a fundamental lens through which to understand spatial, temporal and functional patterns of life on Earth and offers us a unique insight into some of nature¿s most compelling stories. On the course we will cover the history of biogeography, key concepts in biogeography including evolution, dispersal and migration, how a changing earth shapes patterns of distribution, whether patterns differ between kingdoms (ie animals and plants), island biogeography, how biogeography can play a role in conservation, and cutting edge topics such as the biogeography of language and controversies in biogeography. These themes are used to illustrate the historical and ongoing relevance of biogeography, delivering disciplinary and interdisciplinary depth, and supporting students to thrive in a changing world.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | Travel costs to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (accessible by Lothian Buses). |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 40 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 16,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 12,
External Visit Hours 6,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
162 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
100% Coursework«br /»
«br /»
Assessment one (30%): Critical reflection «br /»
«br /»
Assessment two (70%): Poster (50%) and poster evaluation (20%) |
| Feedback |
Formative feedback will be provided verbally on both assessments by classmates in group discussions guided by the lecturer.
Summative feedback will be provided in written form by the CO. Office hours provide access for further check-ins.
Guidance for all assessments will be provided along with a marking criteria. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Compare and contrast the processes which underpin current patterns of diversity.
- Synthesise and summarise key concepts in biogeography.
- Evaluate and critique contributions to the field of biogeography.
- Critically apply the use of AI in science and explore the use of reflection in learning.
- Reframe and convey complex ideas to a wide audience.
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Reading List
Weeks 1-5
Bueno-Hernández, A. et al (2023) Historiographical approaches to biogeography: a critical review. History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences. 45:27
Lomolino, M.V. et al (2010 or later editions) Biogeography. Publ. Sunderland, Mass. : Sinauer Associates
Sanmartin, I. and Ronquist, F. (2004) Southern Hemisphere Biogeography Inferred by Event-Based Models: Plant versus Animal Patterns. Systematic Biology , 53:2, 216-243
Schrodt, F. et al (2019) Challenges and opportunities for biogeography: What can we still learn from von Humboldt? Journal of Biogeography. 46:1631:1642
Wen, J. et al (2013). Biogeography: Where do we go from here? Taxon, 62, 912:927.
Weeks 7-11
Brown, J.H. and Lomolino, M.V. (2000) Concluding remarks: historical perspective and the future of island biogeography theory. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 9, 87-92
Gavin, M.C. and Sibanda, N. (2012). The island biogeography of languages. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 21(10), pp.958-967.
Lomolino, M.V. et al (2015) The silence of biogeography. Journal of Biogeography. 42, 1187:1196
Terrell, J.E. (2006). Human biogeography: evidence of our place in nature. Journal of Biogeography, 33(12), pp.2088-2098.
Whittaker, R.J. et al (2005) Conservation Biogeography: assessment and prospect, Diversity and Distributions, 11, 3-23
Whittaker, R.J. et al (2017) Island biogeography: Taking the long view of nature's laboratories. Science. 357, 885 |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Self-management skills, including working autonomously
Presentation skills, including the ability to convey effective meaning
Experience using digital skills to design resources (improved digital literacy)
Critical thinking skills, including identifying and evaluating evidence
Experience critically engaging with AI, including familiarity with questioning evidence derived from digital tools and sources
Confidence using personal reflection as a tool to embed ongoing learning and development, and review and critically assess decisions and outcomes
Proficiency synthesising and summarising key concepts, demonstrating and communicating understanding of current and past issues. |
| Keywords | diversity,distributions,critical geography,Biogeography,ecology |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Jess Rickenback
Tel:
Email: Jess.Rickenback@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Leigh Corstorphine
Tel: (0131 6)50 9847
Email: lcorstor@ed.ac.uk |
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