| Unit name | Evolutionary Biogeography |
|---|---|
| Unit code | GEOG30037 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Max Stockdale |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None. |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None. |
| School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important
How does geography affect the evolution and distribution of living things? All living organisms adapt to their environment through natural selection, and this dictates their geographic range. Consequently, changes in geography leads to changes in the biosphere, for example the evolution of new species and the extinction of established species. Conversely the interactions between organisms within ecosystems can influence the geography of their environment. Such ecosystems may give value to society through managing soil erosion, carbon sequestration, rates of evaporation and sea defences.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
You will use GIS methods to develop geographic models of species distribution, and apply these techniques to answer questions in ecology, conservation and palaeontology. This unit explores topics in the Oceans and Life and Geographic Data Science themes.
An overview of content
Evolutionary Biogeography will open with the fundamentals of Darwinian evolution by natural selection, and a brief overview of the tree of life. This will be the foundation for a more detailed discussion on modes of speciation and their interactions with environmental geography. These ideas will be developed further in an introduction to evolutionary models and their interactions with extrinsic environmental factors such as climate. The unit will consider the role of geography in contemporary topics in conservation, include the role of geography in mass extinctions, the importance of keystone species, and the possibility of rewilding. The unit will conclude with an introduction to species distribution models, and their application in ecosystem geography.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will complete this unit with a greater understanding of the interactions between geography and the biosphere, and a greater appreciation for the importance of ecosystems in supporting human society. This unit aims to demonstrate the connectedness of human society with the biosphere, and that the prehistoric world has no distinction from the tangible present. This unit will also use palaeontological examples to provide a sobering context to contemporary environmental issues.
Learning Outcomes
Evolutionary Biogeography will be delivered through a combination of lectures and practical classes. Practical classes will use quantitative methods to apply theoretical concepts taught in the lectures. This will provide hands-on experience with the analytical tools and an opportunity to put learning into practice. This experience will be of direct relevance to anyone who wants to continue studying this topic as part of their third-year dissertations.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare for your summative tasks (formative):
Practical classes will provide a platform for learning the skills required for the formative assessment. Learning outcomes will be assessed continuously through the practical classes. Exercises offered during the practical classes will culminate in finished environmental and evolutionary models, which will be submitted via blackboard. Group feedback will be issued through blackboard, through optional drop-in sessions and through Padlet notice boards.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark
Project poster (100%). The assessment tests all the ILOs.
The assessment for this unit consists of research project using quantitative methods to explore a contemporary topic in biogeography. The project outcomes will be reported in the form of a research poster, such as would be presented at an academic conference.
When assessment does not go to plan
Students will be offered an alternative assessment in the same format for completion in the summer reassessment period.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOG30037).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
