BI2EAB3-Tropical Biology Field Course

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites: BI1AB1 Animal Behaviour and BI1EC2 Ecology
Non-modular pre-requisites: Co-requisites: Student applying has been through the selection process.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez
Email: manuela.gonzalez@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Glyn Barrett
Email: glyn.barrett@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Follow the footsteps of Darwin to learn about biodiversity and ecology in the unique Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. Armed with sunscreen and snorkels we will explore the terrestrial and marine biodiversity of several of these unique islands, learning to identify colourful fish and corals, and studying the behaviour of pelicans, flamingos, marine iguanas and sea lions. You will learn first-hand about conservation challenges from local issues to global impacts like climate change and plastic pollution in the oceans. You will also complete your own research project collecting, analysing and presenting your own data. This course takes place in the Summer with pre-registration taking place in the previous Autumn term.

Aims:

To introduce students to the diversity of animal life in the tropics, learning species identification and surveying techniques. Students will complete a research project completing design, data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings. Location may vary visiting different hotspots of tropical biodiversity in different years.Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the unit it is expected that the students will be able to:

• Identify a range of animals from different habitats including marine and terrestrial fauna


• Design, undertake and critically assess censuses of animal populations and communities in different habitats to examine abundance, habitat use and community composition


• Design, undertake, analyse and report on a small group research project that aims to address a specific ecological question.


• Develop field and presentational skills

Additional outcomes:
Students should gain an insight into the human pressure on tropical environments (e.g. in terms of subsistence farming, illegal mining and logging, burning) and the focus on international demand for natural resources and ecotourism.

Outline content:

This module introduces students to the principles and practice of tropical zoology, taxonomy, animal behaviour and conservation biology. An integral part of this work is the identification of animals sampled, and students will be shown how to use field guides and keys to do this. Students will have the opportunity to visit a range of tropical marine and terrestrial habitats, to see how human activities are affecting biodiversity and to use a range of sampling techniques appropriate for the species under investigation. An important part of ecological research is to be able to design a research project to answer a specific question. This requires students to integrate the knowledge acquired in the initial stage of the field course to develop a focused project. To this end, students undertake a research project within a small group on a subject of their own choosing that aims to answer an ecological question of local relevance.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The trip will involve considerable amounts of fieldwork, where we seek to uncover as much biodiversity as possible. Students will be asked to place what they see in a human context, in particular the conflict between people and wildlife. Teaching will take place in response to what we see in the field and include summary lecture/discussions on some evenings as we review what we have seen.Ìý