This residential module is designed to provide you with first-hand experience of ecological processes, biodiversity and conservation issues associated with humid tropical environments. Tropical rainforests are the most biologically diverse habitats on Earth and the loss of rainforest is of tremendous conservation concern, both due to loss of diversity as well as its consequences for global warming.
The module will take place in a field studies centre at a rainforest location where there is an adequate infrastructure to ensure an acceptable standard of logistical support and health and safety conditions. You will spend time working in forest systems, and there will be an emphasis on practical training in ecological survey and assessment methods. Teaching on conservation will be integrated with short visits to surrounding sites to gain direct appreciation of the issues, problems and solutions surrounding rainforests and their wildlife. Participation in the module will be dependent on maintaining a clean disciplinary record during registration on the degree course prior to the module.
Fieldtrip 32
1 page Visual Representation. Assessment Details: Research Poster worth 40%.
2,000 words Report. Assessment Details: Consultancy Report worth 40%.
c.20 pages of an A5 notepad (hand written) Report. Assessment Details: Field notebook worth 20%.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Explain in depth and evaluate the characteristics and ecological processes that define tropical rainforests as well as the characteristics of disturbed tropical forests and the breakdown of ecological processes within these habitats
2) Demonstrate a critical of understanding the importance of tropical forests as centres of biodiversity and ecological diversification
3)Apply theoretical and experiential knowledge gained regarding the major conservation issues surrounding rainforests to evaluate ways by which environmental impacts on tropical habitats can be mitigated
4)Apply practical and analytical skills concerning ecological survey techniques and ecological assessment methods for a range of tropical biota, which can also be applied to other ecosystems
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