Diversity of Life
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| GEOG2076 | Environmental & Geographical Sciences | 2 | 10 | Autumn Malaysia |
- Code
- GEOG2076
- School
- Environmental & Geographical Sciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn Malaysia
Summary
Biodiversity loss is currently occurring at an almost unprecedented rate. This module will introduce students to the diversity of life, its evolutionary and ecological underpinnings and why biodiversity conservation is important. It provides the foundation on the characteristics of the different taxonomic groups, the role of those taxa in ecological processes and how these are affected by anthropogenic factors. This module is complementary to EGS’s GEOG2038 “Patterns of Life”, in level 2 semester 2. This module also provides development from the level 1 module GEOG1035 “The Ecology of Natural and Managed Ecosystems” and connects to content in the level 3 module GEOG3037 “Introduction to Tropical Conservation Science”. For UNM Biosciences students, this module is complementary to BIOS3058 “Biotechnology in Animal Physiology” and BIOS2096 “Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology”.
A number of field visits will be organised to develop students’ appreciation of the natural environment and the biodiversity that it hosts.
Target Students
BSc Environmental Science students. Also available to students in the School of Biosciences.
Classes
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
- One 4-hour field studies each week for 2 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Individual Report: One individual report (50%). This is a 1000-word report on either an obituary of an extinct species or review of the folklore surrounding a species, relating biodiversity with people.
- 50% Group Presentation: One group presentation on the field trip(s).
Educational Aims
This module aims to introduce the world of living organisms by studying major phyla, why the diversity is important and the current efforts toconserveand manage it. The first part of each lecture will provide a basic foundation for understanding of the different taxonomic groups, how the species are classified and their evolutionary history. The chosen groups are bacteria, fungi, plants, invertebrates, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. The second part will then examine the interactions between the taxonomic group with human activities and cultures both directly and indirectly. This anthropogenic insight provides the basis for conservation solutions.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Describe the origin and diversity of life and why it is studied
A2. Identify characteristics of each taxonomic group and recognise the taxonomically distinct lineages of living organisms
A3. Describe the evolutionary history of various living organisms
A4. Describe the adaptations and roles of each taxonomic group in the ecosystem
A5. Demonstrate an understanding of the main factors that cause biodiversity loss
B. Intellectual Skills
B1. Explain the defining traits of the range of biological taxa, and the mechanisms by which they evolved.
B2. Compare and contrast the different taxonomic groups
C. Professional/Practical Skills
C1. Classify species into different taxonomic groups based on characteristics
C2. Produce reports in a professional manner
C3. Present in an understandable and fluent manner
D. Transferable Skills
D1. Communicate effectively in writing and orally
D2. Work as a member of a team
Conveners
- Dr Cedric Kai Wei Tan