Modiwl BSX-3166:
Advances in Ornithology

Ffeithiau’r Modiwl

Rhedir gan School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credydau neu 10.000 Credyd ECTS

Semester 1 a 2

Trefnydd: Dr Alison Cameron

Amcanion cyffredinol

The aim of this module is to engage Zoology with Ornithology BSc and MZool students with current scientific issues and developments in ornithology, to foster critical thinking and communication skills on ornithological topics, and to develop field, laboratory, data analysis and reporting skills to gain an insight into different careers involving ornithology.

Cynnwys cwrs

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.

Meini Prawf

dda

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.

rhagorol

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.

C- i C+

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.

trothwy

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.

Canlyniad dysgu

  1. Evidence of advanced knowledge of the evolutionary and eological significance of birds, and describe major evolutionary trends within each group.

  2. Communicate complex theories and critically evaluate the extent to which they are supported by observations and experiments

  3. Understand the range of factors and possible responses that trade-off to produce the range of adaptions shown by birds to their environments.

  4. Develop interpersonal and teamwork skills by working jointly with other students to undertake a short practical project.

  5. Deepen knowledge of the major threats facing bird species, how threats may interact, and how such threats can be quantified, evaluated, managed and mitigated.

  6. 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.

  7. Develop competence in practical field ornithology skills, including bird identification, breeding bird survey methods, and population survey techniques.

Dulliau asesu

Math Enw Disgrifiad Pwysau
COURSEWORK Public Education Poster

You will be allocated a bird species that is found within the Cors Dygga reserve to design a public eduation poster for. Posters must be A1 size (841mm wide x 594mm high; 33.1 inches wide x 23.4 inches high) and laid out in landscape format. We recommend designing your poster in PowerPoint, but can accept other file formats. If you wish you can also make your poster by hand using your own original art work. More detail will be given in the module manual. CNS poster rubric

 15.00
REPORT Seminar Report 3

Chose an essay title to write up from one of the first pair of seminars. The word limit is a strict 1200 limit (not +/-10%). If you write less than 1200 words you will be graded on the content you have written, if you write more we will not read beyond the 1200 word mark. So please take great care not exceed the word limit. One of the challenges here is to write concisely, to meet the word limit. Your title and reference list do not count towards your word limit. If you chose to include figures the figure legend text does not count - and make sure to indicate the sources of info in figures in the legend text and reference list. 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.

 12.50
COURSEWORK Seminar Report 1

Chose an essay title to write up from one of the first pair of seminars (Topics 1 and 2). The word limit is a strict 1200 limit (not +/-10%). If you write less than 1200 words you will be graded on the content you have written, if you write more we will not read beyond the 1200 word mark. So please take great care not exceed the word limit. One of the challenges here is to write concisely, to meet the word limit. Your title and reference list do not count towards your word limit. If you chose to include figures the figure legend text does not count - and make sure to indicate the sources of info in figures in the legend text and reference list. 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.

 12.50
REPORT Seminar Report 4

Chose an essay title to write up from one of the first pair of seminars. The word limit is a strict 1200 limit (not +/-10%). If you write less than 1200 words you will be graded on the content you have written, if you write more we will not read beyond the 1200 word mark. So please take great care not exceed the word limit. One of the challenges here is to write concisely, to meet the word limit. Your title and reference list do not count towards your word limit. If you chose to include figures the figure legend text does not count - and make sure to indicate the sources of info in figures in the legend text and reference list. 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.

 12.50
REPORT Reserve Management Plan

The exerise is to write a reserve management plan for the RSPB managed Cors Dddyga reserve on Anglesy. The word limit is an absolute limit (not a +/-10% limit). This limit is for the body of the text. This limit is excluding the report title; text embedded in tables and figures (maps, graphs, photos, images); text in table and figure legends; and the text of the reference list. Please use Harvard referencing style in your in-text citations and your reference list. There will be plenty of opportunity for Q&A on this exerise as we go through the assocaited practical sessions. Detailed guidance on the report is proided in the module manual. Tailored grading scheme

 35.00
REPORT Seminar Report 2

Chose an essay title to write up from one of the second pair of seminars (Topics 3 and 4). The word limit is a strict 1200 limit (not +/-10%). If you write less than 1200 words you will be graded on the content you have written, if you write more we will not read beyond the 1200 word mark. So please take great care not exceed the word limit. One of the challenges here is to write concisely, to meet the word limit. Your title and reference list do not count towards your word limit. If you chose to include figures the figure legend text does not count - and make sure to indicate the sources of info in figures in the legend text and reference list. 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.

 12.50

Strategaeth addysgu a dysgu

Oriau
Workshop

2 hour poster session where individual students present posters on single species found within the reserve. This activity includes peer review of each others posters, and feedback from lecturers and external experts (RSPB and/or BTO). 2 hours for group presentations about management possiblities for the groups focal species in the reserve. This includes discussion of the trade-offs between the focal species. These two activities form stepping stones towards developing individual reserve mangement plans.

 4
Private study

Reading following lectures, preparation for seminars and writing seminar reports. Self study to improve bird identification skills Researching for and preparing poster. Researching for and writing reserve management plan.

 142
Seminar

Seminars mapping to lecture topics, based on reading lists, will be used to engage students in discussion to explore a range of topics.

 16
Fieldwork

Day field trips, focussed on ecological methods of surveying and species identification, along with land use management and species conservation practice. These will contribute to the reserve management plan exercise.

 24
Lecture

1 hour module introduction lecture 3 hours of lectures relating to the field trips and reserve management plan exercise. 8 hours of lectures relating to the seminar topics.

 12
Drop-in

Drop in sessions for advice on writing up the reserve management plan.

 2

Sgiliau Trosglwyddadwy

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Sgiliau pwnc penodol

  • PS1 Communication skills, covering both written and oral communication with a variety of audiences
  • PS2 Skills in the employment of common conventions and standards in scientific writing, data presentation, and referencing literature
  • PS3 Problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information
  • PS4 Numeracy and mathematical skills, including handling data, algebra, functions, trigonometry, calculus, vectors and complex numbers, alongside error analysis, order-of-magnitude estimations, systematic use of scientific units and different types of data presentation
  • PS5 Information location and retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, and the ability to assess the quality of information accessed
  • PS7 Basic interpersonal skills, relating to the ability to interact with other people and to engage in teamworking
  • PS8 Time management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective ways of working
  • PS11 Problem-solving skills including the demonstration of self-direction, initiative and originality
  • PS6 Information technology skills which support the location, management, processing, analysis and presentation of scientific information
  • PS12 The ability to communicate and interact with professionals from other subjects
  • PS13 The ability to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations
  • PS14 Independent learning skills required for continuing professional development
  • PS15 The ability to think critically in the context of data analysis and experimental design
  • PS9 skills needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional nature
  • Recognize the moral, ethical and social issues relating to the subject.
  • Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.
  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Apply appropriate techniques for presenting spatial and/or temporal trends in data.
  • Prepare effective maps, diagrams and visualizations.
  • Undertake field and/or laboratory studies to ensure competence in basic experimental and/or fieldwork skills.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation
  • Engagement with current subject developments and their application.
  • Engage in debate and/or discussion with specialists and non-specialists using appropriate language.
  • Demonstrate the independence and skills required for continuing professional development

Adnoddau

Goblygiadau o ran adnoddau ar gyfer myfyrwyr

Students are required to have suitable footwear and outdoor clothing, including a waterproof coat, waterproof trousers, day pack, and hiking boots. It would be ideal if students have their own binoculars and bird field guide (book or app on smart phone) but we can loan these if necessary.

Rhestr ddarllen Talis

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/bsx-3166.html

Rhestr ddarllen

Module reading list with links to library resources

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