Patterns of Life
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| GEOG2038 | Environmental & Geographical Sciences | 2 | 10 | Spring Malaysia |
- Code
- GEOG2038
- School
- Environmental & Geographical Sciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring Malaysia
Summary
The module focuses on patterns in the distribution of organisms in space and time, and the theories proposed to explain these patterns.
The main themes are:
- Biodiversity patterns
- Island biogeography and nature conservation theory
- Ecological succession
- Biological invasions
- Extinction and mass extinctions
- Quaternary refugia and the palaeoecological record
Target Students
Available to Environmental Science Available to JYA/Erasmus students.
Classes
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 11 weeks
Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester Further Activity Details: Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester Further Activity Details: 60 hours of self-directed learning/reading. 20 hours of revision.
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (1-hour-30-minute): 2 questions from 5
Educational Aims
The main aims of this module are to develop:a broad knowledge of biogeographic patternsan understanding of the theories proposed to explain these patternsan ability to understand and interpret the biogeographic literature The 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 environmentunderstanding and evaluating nature conservation theory and practiceunderstanding 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
Development of internet skills, including Web of Knowledge c. Professional Practical Skills
A range of such skills could be developed, depending on the research question chosen for the project - e.g. plant or animal identification skills, new analytical techniques, etc. 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.
Conveners
- Dr Cedric Kai Wei Tan