Last modified: 21 Jul 2025 17:16
This course builds on themes from introductory ecology courses: effects of biodiversity, disturbance in natural communities, nutrient and energy cycles, herbivory, predation, competition, population dynamics, parasitism, mutualisms and food webs. You will develop your abilities to interpret data by applying theory discussed in classes to real-life data sets using short problem-solving exercises linked to each topic. Feedback will help you improve writing and interpretation skills. Extended problem-solving exercises will improve your communication skills, scientific writing and introduce you to valuable approaches to summarising complex datasets. You will also consider issues around experimental design.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | Yes |
| Co-ordinators |
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The content covers core topics in ecology and uses examples from terrestrial and marine systems, plants, animals and soil. It features the following themes: the nature of ecological communities and how we describe, measure and quantify them; interactions such as herbivory, competition, parasitism and predation; the role of mutualisms in community dynamics; the impact of biodiversity and its effects on ecosystem function; food webs, community assembly and biogeography; population dynamics and ecosystem processes.
Although topics are covered as separate units, there is a strong emphasis on the links between these interactions, encouraging you to develop a holistic view to see how organisms and functions are interconnected.
Interpretation exercises based on theories and ideas from each topic will develop your capacity for problem identification, collection of evidence and synthesis of ideas.
The introduction to summarising complex datasets provides you with a transferable skill which may be valuable for analysing data in Honours Projects and when working with any large data set in future. An introduction to Geographic Information Systems will provide you with skills in using mapping systems for analysing ecological data and producing maps.
On successful completion of the course you will be able to:
(note that these may vary slightly between years)
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| Students should possess a Howie laboratory coat and safety glasses. Further details of requirements can be found on the course's MyAberdeen page. The cost listed here is approximate. | 23.0000 |
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
2x practical reports worth 25% each Students will receive automated feedback on test answers and written feedback on practical reports. Feedback on the first report will normally be provided before the start of the next practical class assessed by a report. Where students are having difficulty with writing exercises they will be invited to discuss options to help them improve with course staff. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Students will repeat whichever elements of the assessment were failed or not completed at first sitting; the marks for elements already passed will be carried forwards. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Factual | Remember | ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide. |
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