BIMVSA1-Vegetation Survey and Assessment 1

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: j.mitchley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to the common families of vascular plants in the UK, it develops practical identification skills including the use of keys and other aids to the identification and it introduces the methodology of Phase 1 habitat survey in the UK.

Aims:

* To introduce common families of vascular plants in the UK; To develop practical identification skills including the use of keys and other aids to the identification;

* To introduce the methodology of Phase 1 habitat survey the UK.

Assessable learning outcomes:

* Ability to identify a wide range of common vascular plant species found in and around Berkshire using living material in the lab and in the field;

* Ability to construct and evaluate a key to plant ID;

* Ability to carry out a Phase 1 habitat survey and present the results to industry standards

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

* Field botany, the parts of a flower, plant ID (vascular plants, to identify plants in vegetative and flowering condition;

* Using low and high power light microscopes to aid identification of vascular plants;

* Writing and evaluating keys to aid identification of plants;

* Extreme botany - identification using fruits, seeds and plant fragments;

* Phase 1 survey background, methodology and practical application.< /p>

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, workshops, lab sessions for plant ID and data analysis, field classes for vegetation survey and data collection and plant ID.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

* Family key assignment (20%);

* Phase 1 habitat report (40%); and

* Plant ID tests in lab and field (40%).

Formative assessment methods:

Regular formative plant ID tests. Practice key sessions

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of insect collection

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Recommended text books £50

2. Specialist equipment or materials £10

Last updated: 4 April 2020