Course Resources Archive
NS5205: Biogeography
| Module Title | Biogeography |
|---|---|
| Module Code | NS5205 |
| Module Tutor | Anne Goodenough |
| School | Natural and Social Sciences |
| CAT Points | 15 |
| Level of Study | 5 |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Restrictions | Cannot be counted with BIO227 or GEO227 |
| Brief Description | 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 is concerned with geography of biodiversity and seeks to explain why particular plants and animals are located where they are throughout the world. We consider the processes of speciation, evolution, species dispersal and fragmentation of populations, ranging from plate tectonics to climatic gradients and the influence of humans. This module is useful preparation for students wishing to take NS6206 Palaeoecology. |
| Indicative Syllabus | 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. |
| Learning Outcomes | A student passing this module should be able to: 1. Appreciate the variety of processes which can be responsible for species distributions at global, regional, landscape and island scales 2. Understand the relative importance of processes of speciation, extinction, dispersal, and ecological succession in explaining biogeographical patterns 3. Recognise the role of humans in modifying plant and animal distributions, with a specific understanding of the issues surrounding alien species introductions 4. Appreciate how knowledge from the past can inform future predictions of biogeographic change, while realising the limitations of this approach 5. Define a suitably-focussed research question to review individually and synthesise information from a range of sources including academic journals |
| Learning and Teaching Activities | Scheduled Contact Hours: 36 Independent Learning Hours: 114 |
| Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide) | 001: 50% Coursework: Individual, standard written: 2000 words or equivalent 002: 50% Written Exam: End of year, unseen, closed book: 2.00 hours |
| Special Assessment Requirements | |
| 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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