BL3309 Ecosystems and Conservation
(BL3309 online module handbook version 89)
This module will examine how ecosystems function and how they provide services for humans: information which is essential for ecologists, conservationists and land managers. The module will consider examples of natural systems being altered by man to demonstrate how ecosystems function and the consequences of anthropogenic change. Disturbance and regulation in ecosystems, atmospheric and hydrological regulation (including the greenhouse effect and acidification), soil ecology, conservation and management of natural resources, agricultural and grazed ecosystems (including GMOs), urban ecosystems and aspects of sustainable development will also be discussed.
*Credits: 20*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL2307 and ( pass BL2303 or pass BL2304 or pass BL2308 )*
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
BL3309: Assessment
3-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
BL3309: Contributing Staff †
BL3309: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL3309 successfully should be able to:
- List and explain the functional basis of the types of relationships between organisms and abiotic factors
- Describe how diversity arises from the physical processes that limit this
- Describe how ecosystem functions result from how other organisms ameliorate or intensify limiting abiotic conditions.
- Give specific detailed examples of how relationships between organisms at an ecosystem level, and ecosystem processes, arise from combinations of abiotic and biotic factors and how organisms and communities themselves then affect abiotic factors.
- Understand the concept of ecosystem services
- Understand how humans are affecting ecosystem functions and processes and so ecosystem services.
- Give specific detailed examples of how humans can change and manage ecosystem services.
- Appreciate that how humans affect ecosystem functions and processes is fundamental to future quality of life, and how conservation, urban planning and sustainable development can lead to positive solutions.
- Analyse and interpret complex ecological data sets typical of environmental monitoring.
BL3309: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Field sampling methods (Vertebrates)
- Sustainability related practical skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - leading
- Group discussion - participating
- Leading short activity
- Short individual presentation on given topic (up to 15 min)
- Short informal presentation (using PowerPoint or not)
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Searching databases
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Computer programming
- Generating questions
- Impact considerations
- Peer assessment
- Reflective analysis
- Problem-solving questions
- ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test
- Biodiversity analysis
- Chi-square test
- Data analysis
- Data analysis (depending on project)
- Data presentation
- Deal with outliers
- Decimal places
- Descriptive statistics
- Distinguish different types of data
- Draw a line of best fit
- Generalised Linear Models
- Handling big data
- Interpolation
- Linear regression
- Logarithms
- Non-linear fit
- Pearson/Spearman rank correlation
- Produce graphs/figures
- Produce tables
- Shapiro-Wilk test for normality
- SI units
- Significant figures
- Survival analysis
- t-test/Wilcoxon test
- Two-way ANOVA
- Use Excel
- Use R or R Studio
- Sustainability Related Skills
- Managing a team
- Organising group work
- Working in pairs/small groups
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/