Module manager: Sebastian Stroud
Email: s.e.stroud@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
SOEE1181 Ecology (or related experience)
| SOEE1181 | Ecology |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In a series of lectures, the field course will build on core conceptual material in ecology and conservation and students will learn about the value of biodiversity in an urban context, with a focus on the University biodiversity, sustainability, and reduced carbon emissions commitments. You will then work in small groups and collect biodiversity data in rotation from examining a range of urban sites, including urban blue and green space, semi natural habitats and urban forests. In the second week you will be able to analyse class data and then, during focused workshops, devise i) a biodiversity action plan (BAP) to support and improve biodiversity on the campus (a written report in the form of a BAP) and ii) pitch of their BAP to Sustainability Services. These plans may lead to the adoption of their recommendations by the University.
Aims
You will demonstrate coherent and detailed knowledge of ecological processes and urban biodiversity and habitat management
Objectives
At the end of the module, you will be able to describe the concepts and information relevant to sustainable development of urban biodiversity and ecosystem services management and effectively communicate that information. Through a series of field days in different urban habitats. You will investigate how plants impact the urban environment, collect data on urban freshwater biodiversity and community structure, and explore biodiversity on campus. You will use these new skills to collect data and develop a Biodiversity Action Plan for the campus. This will instil new competencies and allow the development of data analysis skills.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1: Describe and discuss the fundamental concepts within urban ecology and conservation
2: Select appropriate research methodologies for investigating ecological questions
3: Design a Biodiversity Action Plan utilising evidence from data to enhance the University Campus.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Relate concepts from across disciplines to understand the non-scientific context for urban conservation biology.
5. Critique different management regimes and approaches to urban planning in the context of ecological theory.
6. Accurately identify and classify a variety of plant species based on their morphological and phenological characteristics.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 5 | 8 | 40 |
| Lecture | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Practical | 5 | 8 | 40 |
| Independent online learning hours | 5 | ||
| Private study hours | 110 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 85 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
During the second week of the course, students will have the opportunity to present their Biodiversity Action Plans to the class and academics. Here students can discuss their ideas for their Biodiversity Action Plans before their final submissions.
Students will also receive continuous formative feedback during fieldwork on plant identification and related skills.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Biodiversity Action Plan | 70 |
| Coursework | Plant identification test | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 16/04/2025
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