Module BSX-3166:
Advances in Ornithology
Advances in Ornithology 2024-25
BSX-3166
2024-25
School Of Natural Sciences
Module - Semester 1 & 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Mark Mainwaring
Overview
This module builds upon the second year Introduction to Ornithology module (BSX-2041), advancing knowledge on the diversity, evolutionary history, ecology, behaviour and adaptive specializations of birds. The content will deepen understanding of the highly complex interactions that underpin individual and lifetime reproductive and evolutionary success is the class Aves.
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -40-49% - The students should be able to express a basic factual knowledge of at least some part of the core material (facts and concepts) presented in the module. They should be able to appreciate how the features and adaptations of birds enhance their survival and lifetime reproductive success in a specific environment. Reports should demonstrate a basic ability to introduce the subject, present methods, analyse and present results, discuss the implications of the main research findings. Test and exam answers should demonstrate a basic ability to present lecture material and to outline key concepts.
-good -60-69% - The student should be able to express a thorough factual knowledge of much of the core material (facts and concepts) presented in the module. They should have a competent and detailed ability to critically evaluate the principles and processes by which birds are adapted to their environment, using specific examples. Some evidence of further reading and ability to integrate material from the full range of the lecture content.
-excellent -70%+: The student should demonstrate comprehensive factual knowledge, critical understanding of theory, evidence of extra reading of primary literature and the ability to integrate this extra knowledge in a relevant manner.
-another level-50-59% - The student should demonstrate a reasonable factual knowledge of some of the core material (facts and concepts) presented in the module. They should have a reasonable ability to evaluate the processes governing how birds are adapted to their environment.
Learning Outcomes
- Communicate complex theories and critically evaluate the extent to which they are supported by observations and experiments
- Deepen knowledge of the major threats facing bird species, how threats may interact, and how such threats can be quantified, evaluated, managed and mitigated.
- Develop competence in practical field ornithology skills, including bird identification, breeding bird survey methods, and population survey techniques.
- Develop interpersonal and teamwork skills by working jointly with other students to undertake a short practical project.
- Evidence advanced knowledge of the evolutionary and ecological significance of birds, and describe major evolutionary trends within each group.
- Exhibit an ability to analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including the identification of trade-offs or unresolved conflicts of oppinion, and gaps in knowledge, and to write formal reports or manuscripts.
- Understand the range of factors and possible responses that trade-off to produce the range of adaptions shown by birds to their environments.
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Seminar Report 1 Chose an essay to write from the pair of seminar topics (Seminars 1 &2). One of the challenges here is to write concisely, to meet the word limit. The word limit is a strict 1000 limit (not +/-10%). If you write less than 1000 words you will be graded on the content you have written, if you write more we will not read beyond the 1000 word mark. So please take great care not exceed the word limit. Your title and reference list do not count towards your word limit. If you chose to include figures any text within the figures and the figure legend text do not count towards the word limit. In text citations do count towards the word limit, as there is no way they can be separated out in a word count. Please use Harvard referencing style in your in-text citations and your reference list. The CNS Essay Rubric will be used to grade these essays.
Weighting
12.5%
Due date
02/11/2022
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Seminar Report 4 Chose an essay to write from the pair of seminar topics (Seminars 7 & 8). One of the challenges here is to write concisely, to meet the word limit. The word limit is a strict 1000 limit (mot +/-105). If you write less than 1000 words you will be graded on the content you have written, if you write more we will not read beyond the 1000 word mark. So please take great care not exceed the word limit. Your title and reference list do not count towards your word limit. If you chose to include figures any text within the figures and the figure legend text do not count towards the word limit. In text citations do count towards the word limit, as there is no way they can be separated out in a word count. Please use Harvard referencing style in your in-text citations and your reference list. The CNS Essay Rubric will be used to grade these essays.
Weighting
12.5%
Due date
05/04/2023
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Seminar Report 2 Chose an essay to write from the pair of seminar topics (Seminars 3 & 4). One of the challenges here is to write concisely, to meet the word limit. The word limit is a strict 1000 limit (not +/-10%). If you write less than 1000 words you will be graded on the content you have written, if you write more we will not read beyond the 1000 word mark. So please take great care not exceed the word limit. Your title and reference list do not count towards your word limit. If you chose to include figures any text within the figures and the figure legend text do not count towards the word limit. In text citations do count towards the word limit, as there is no way they can be separated out in a word count. Please use Harvard referencing style in your in-text citations and your reference list. The CNS Essay Rubric will be used to grade these essays.
Weighting
12.5%
Due date
11/01/2023
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Seminar Report 3 Chose an essay to write from the pair of seminar topics (Seminars 5 & 6). One of the challenges here is to write concisely, to meet the word limit. The word limit is a strict 1000 limit (not +/-10%). If you write less than 1000 words you will be graded on the content you have written, if you write more we will not read beyond the 1000 word mark. So please take great care not exceed the word limit. Your title and reference list do not count towards your word limit. If you chose to include figures any text within the figures and the figure legend text do not count towards the word limit. In text citations do count towards the word limit, as there is no way they can be separated out in a word count. Please use Harvard referencing style in your in-text citations and your reference list. The CNS Essay Rubric will be used to grade these essays.
Weighting
12.5%
Due date
01/03/2023
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Reserve Management Plan The word limit is a strict 1000 limit (not +/-10%). If you write less than 1000 words you will be graded on the content you have written, if you write more we will not read beyond the 1000 word mark. So please take great care not exceed the word limit. Your title and reference list do not count towards your word limit. We encourage you to use figures and tables in this report. Any text within figures or tables, or their legends does not count towards the word limit. In text citations do count towards the word limit, as there is no way they can be separated out in a word count. Please use Harvard referencing style in your in-text citations and your reference list. A specifically tailored marking framework will be used to grade these essays.
Weighting
50%
Due date
10/05/2023