BL2307 Ecology
(BL2307 online module handbook version 62)
This module introduces basic concepts in population and community ecology and how they relate to biodiversity. It provides an understanding of fundamental ecological concepts including population regulation, intra- and inter-specific competition, species niche as well as taxonomic and functional diversity. This module is suitable for all Biologists and environmental scientists. Although it is an introductory module, it will cover the latest developments in the field of ecology.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL1101 and pass BL1102*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL2307: Assessment
2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL2307: Contributing Staff †
BL2307: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL2307 successfully should be able to:
- Explain what Ecology is and what is its importance in modern human societies
- Summarise what the different population processes are
- Be able to describe the flow of energy through food webs, and controls thereon
- Be able to identify and use an economic (cost-benefit) approach to understand the functional significance of behaviour
- Differentiate between the different levels of biodiversity
- Describe what molecular ecology is and how it can be used in conservation biology
BL2307: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Reflective analysis
- Problem-solving questions
- Biodiversity analysis
- Calculations/equations
- Data analysis
- Data analysis (depending on project)
- Distinguish different types of data
- Genetic Drift
- Use other data analysis software
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
