Overview

This module introduces students to a diversity of habitats and wildlife in India, as well as the conservation problems that threaten their continued existence. This is a residential overseas field course.

Prepare for field courses by background reading and attending peer-group meetings. Carry out field excursions to habitats, including both managed and unmanaged environments. Learn about flora, fauna and conservation issues (particular human-wildlife conflict) by a variety of means, normally including personal observations, and talks by BU and local staff. Observe and record animal behaviour and habitat by various means that may include photography, video, audio recording and/or sketching. Carry out species identification using field guides and keys. At the end of the fieldwork, an assignment will be set which will include using observations made and information gathered in the field to address the issue of human-wildlife conflict.

Assessment Strategy

-Threshold: Can record observations in a reasonably clear and systematic fashion and has some grasp of the practical issues relating to collection and presentation of data/observations. Considerable inconsistencies in note-taking remain. Exhibits some knowledge of habitats and biota visited and the relevant conservation/ management issues, although this may be very incomplete and contain significant errors. Presents findings largely accurately and clearly. Able to identify most organisms at least to the level of major group. Grade D & C (40-49%)

-Good: Can record observations clearly and systematically, with a grasp of the practical issues relating to collection and presentation of data/observations, and few major omissions. Exhibits strong knowledge of habitats and biota visited. Shows awareness their ecological, biogeographical and environmental context. Able to identify a majority of organisms to the appropriate level (usually genus or species in the case of vertebrates and the easier invertebrate groups, family for others). Presents findings accurately and with flair, clarity and originality. Grade B (60-69%)

-Excellent: Can record observations thoroughly, systematically and clearly, without significant omissions, taking trouble to find out details of identification to fine taxonomic level or to uncover theories of the function and evolution of the behaviour observed. Clear evidence of original, unguided observations. Exhibits clear awareness of the ecological, biogeographical or environmental context of observations. Presents findings accurately and succinctly with clarity, imagination, originality and strongly developed aesthetic sense. Able to identify most organisms to species level, with evidence of thoroughness and awareness of potential pitfalls. Grade A (70-100%)

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate Identification skills of flora, fauna of the particular habitat visited and show knowledge of/discuss environmental/conservation issues of the region

• Demonstrate the ability to make detailed, thorough and original field observations and to record and present them systematically.

• Demonstrate the ability to work in groups

• Demonstrate the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (undertaking directed reading, time management, working to a deadline)