Module manager: Dr Talya Hackett
Email: T.D.Hackett@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| BLGY5153M | African Field Ecology |
BLGY5155M
This module is not approved as an Elective
On completion of this module, students should have experience in the ecology of a Mediterranean environment, and of at least one focal system within it. They should also be able to design and carry out simple ecological field research projects. Students will develop research proposals, conduct field work, analyse their data, and present their findings in the form of a research seminar.
1. Critically evaluate the ecology of Mediterranean semi-arid habitats, integrating field observations with published research findings
2. Design ecologically sound research protocols, demonstrating awareness of ethical considerations and health and safety requirements in field settings
3. Conduct independent ecological field research, applying appropriate data collection methods and statistical analysis techniques
4. Synthesise and communicate research findings effectively in the form of a research seminar, demonstrating critical interpretation of results
5. Collaborate effectively within a research team, contributing to shared objectives and reflecting on group dynamics
Students will work in small groups. Each group will choose a research topic from a list of options or develop a topic of their own in consultation with the module manager. Each student will do background reading, project planning and write a project proposal relevant to the subject prior to the field course and spend the duration of the field course carrying out the research. At the end of the 11-day field course, each group will present a seminar outlining its findings.
There is a participation charge which includes flights, transfers to the Research Station, food and accommodation. You should expect to pay between £800 - £950 (subject to change).
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Hour Discussions | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Lecture | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Practical | 8 | 8 | 64 |
| Seminar | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Private study hours | 77 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 73 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Preparation for trip, background reading, planning and project proposal, field notebook, preparing seminar (77 hours total).
- Two meetings with project supervisor prior to field course and several meetings a day on average with supervisor during field course;
- literature review and project proposal is conducted by the student individually on a topic relevant to their planned fieldwork, and submitted before the field course. Each research group will give a seminar near the end of the field course, presenting their findings. A small proportion of the research project mark will be awarded by module staff based on fieldwork performance, including a component for self/peer assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | Individual Project Proposal | 30 |
| Project | Group Presentation, Field Notebook, Field performance | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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