Program Overview

Module Overview

This module considers the diversity of life, from organisms to ecosystems, and why conservation of biodiversity is important for the sustainability of the planet.

Module Details

• Module code: BMS2081
• Module provider: School of Biosciences
• Module Leader: PIRIE Tara (Biosciences)
• Number of Credits: 15
• ECTS Credits: 7.5
• Framework: FHEQ Level 5
• Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall Student Workload

• Independent Learning Hours: 72
• Lecture Hours: 28
• Tutorial Hours: 3
• Practical/Performance Hours: 12
• Guided Learning: 5
• Captured Content: 30

Module Availability

• Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

• N/A

Module Content

Indicative content includes:

• Diversity and roles within an ecosystem
• Bacteria and archaea
• Singled Celled Eukaryotes (protists)
• Fungi
• Plants
• Invertebrates
• Vertebrates
• Ecology and ecosystems
• Biodiversity conservation
• Fieldwork/site visits
• Computer lab tutorial sessions
• Basic analysis

Assessment Pattern

• Assessment type: Coursework, Examination Online
• Unit of assessment: Group poster (including peer review), Exam (90 mins)
• Weighting: 40, 60

Alternative Assessment

If a student cannot complete the group work, they will be required to produce an individual piece of work.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the course content and transferable skills in research, reporting, and analysis.

Summative Assessment

• Assignment 1: Group poster (including peer review) LO3 - 5
• Exam: MCQs and short answer questions, LO 1 - 4

Formative Assessment

• On a draft of assignment 1
• MCQ questions
• SAQ questions

Feedback

• Immediate feedback is provided as part of the formative automated MCQs/class quizzes
• Verbal feedback following lectures, during tutorials or practicals
• Feedback to specific queries via email, with responses being made available to all via Surrey Learn discussion boards or during tutorials as appropriate
• Feedback/forward will be given on summative coursework
• Feedback given on 1 draft of assignment 1 coursework

Module Aims

• Consider the Tree of Life and the 7 kingdoms
• Introduce taxonomy
• Understand the evolutionary link between organisms
• Understand how organisms are interconnected
• Consider the threats to and conservation of biodiversity
• Consider the role of organisms within ecosystems and how organisms may be used by humans

Learning Outcomes

| | Attributes Developed
---|---|---
001 | Describe the diversity within the 7 kingdoms | K
002 | Describe the roles that both geography and evolution play in defining ecosystems | KC
003 | Compare the roles taxa from different kingdoms have within an ecosystem and how humans may use them | KC
004 | Evaluate how biodiversity can be impacted and methods of conservation | KC
005 | Analyse and evaluate research material in a creative and clear form | KCPT

Attributes Developed

• C: Cognitive/analytical
• K: Subject knowledge
• T: Transferable skills
• P: Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to give students a broad understanding of biodiversity and roles within an ecosystem.

Programmes this Module Appears In

• Programme: Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
  • Semester: 2
  • Classification: Compulsory
  • Qualifying conditions: A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
• Programme: Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons)
  • Semester: 2
  • Classification: Optional
  • Qualifying conditions: A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module