Patterns of Life
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| GEOG2009 | Geography | 2 | 20 | Autumn UK, Full Year UK |
- Code
- GEOG2009
- School
- Geography
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK, Full Year UK
Summary
The course focuses on patterns in the distribution of organisms in space and time, and theories proposed to explain those patterns. The main themes are listed below. Teaching is via a mixture of lectures and small-group discussions, centred on discussion of current research. Example topics include:
• Biodiversity patterns
• Island biogeography
• Biodiversity dynamics
• Speciation and extinction
• Evolution
Target Students
Single honours students in the Schools of Geography, Life Sciences, Biosciences. Joint honours students in the Schools of Geography, Life Sciences, Biosciences. Students on Natural Sciences programmes.
Classes
Teaching will take place mainly through lectures, seminars or interactive sessions, as appropriate.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework: 2000 words (Spring)
- 50% Exam (2-hour): Online exam (Spring)
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The main aims of this course are to develop:• a broad knowledge of biogeographic patterns• an understanding of the theories proposed to explain these patterns• an ability to understand and interpret the biogeographic literatureThe primary focus is on patterns manifest at global spatial scales and long temporal scales. This knowledge is the basis for:• appropriate interpretation of human impacts on the environment• understanding and evaluating nature conservation theory and practice• understanding of the diversity and interdependence of the natural worldLearning Outcomes
a. Knowledge and understanding
- Knowledge of the major patterns of life
- Understanding of theories proposed to explain these patterns (including the contexts in which these theories were developed
b. Intellectual skills
• Identify areas of continuing debate among the scientific community and areas of relative consensus with respect to broad scale patterns of life
• Understand and critically assess biogeographic literature and use this literature to develop and support reasoned arguments concerning environmental issues, nature conservation, potential impacts of climate change and other related topics
c. Professional Practical Skills
• Synthesise large amounts of information
• Critically evaluate scientific evidence
d. Transferable Skills
• Communicate ideas, findings, principles and theories effectively and fluently by written means
• Undertake independent/self-directed study to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment.