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Undergraduate Module Descriptors 2012/13

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GEO227: Biogeography

Module Title	Biogeography
Module Code	GEO227
Module Tutor	Anne Goodenough
School	Natural and Social Sciences
CAT Points	15
Level of Study	5
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
Restrictions	None
Brief Description	This module is concerned with geography of biodiversity and seeks to explain why particular plants and animals are located where they are throughout the world, dealing with the processes of speciation, evolution, species dispersal and fragmentation of populations. Agents of change range from plate tectonics to climatic gradients and the influence of humans.
Indicative Syllabus	Biogeography is the study of where species are located in the biosphere (and often more importantly where they are not) and why these patterns have emerged: a question which appears deceptively straightforward but is actually extremely complex. This module addresses issues of population dynamics, landscape processes such as plate tectonics, dispersion, migration, and species translocation. We will be looking at past processes to try to explain current patterns of species distribution. Thus this course is about identifying the ‘what’ and then explaining the ‘why’. Biographic patterns and processes are investigated at global, national and local scales, and in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. The module aims to give students a thorough insight into complex patterns, relationships and inter-relationships through lectures, workshops, video presentations and group work activities.
Learning Outcomes	i. Knowledge and understanding On successful completion of the module the student should be able to: a) appreciate the variety of processes which can be responsible for species distributions at global, regional, landscape and island scales; b) understand the relative importance of processes of speciation, extinction, dispersal, migration and ecological succession in explaining biogeographical patterns; c) recognise the major role of humans in modifying plant and animal distributions, with a specific understanding of the complex issues surrounding alien species introductions; d) appreciate how knowledge from the past can inform future predictions of biogeographic change and conservation efforts, while realising the limitations of this approach. ii. Skills On completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate that they can: a) synthesise information from a range of sources including academic journal articles; b) apply precisely-named theoretical perspectives to real-world topics; c) construct logical and coherent arguments to evaluate key concepts; d) use case study material to support theory effectively; e) define a suitably-focussed research question to review individually.
Learning and Teaching Activities	Staff / student contact: 24% (36 hrs; lectures, workshops, individual project tutorials) Student directed learning: 76%
Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide)	001: 50% Coursework: Individual Essay: 2000 words or equivalent 002: 50% Written Exam: End of year, unseen, closed book: 2.00 hours
Special Assessment Requirements	None
Indicative Resources	The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.

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