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Book of Modules 2012/2013 |
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Students should note that all of the modules below may not be available to them. International visiting students should consult the International Education Office regarding selection of modules. Undergraduate students should refer to the relevant section of the UCC Undergraduate Calendar for their programme requirements. Postgraduate students should refer to the relevant section of the UCC Postgraduate Calendar for their programme requirements. |
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.
No. of Students: Min 4, Max 80.
Pre-requisite(s): None
Co-requisite(s): None
Teaching Methods: 18 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 5 x 3hr(s) Practicals.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Emer Rogan, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.
Lecturer(s): Dr Emer Rogan, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science; Staff, School of BEES.
Module Objective: To introduce students to the taxonomic diversity and biology of vertebrates, covering fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Module Content: An introduction to the taxonomy and systematics of major vertebrate groups and the comparative processes which govern morphology, adaptations, biology and ecology. Topics include the origin of vertebrates; evolution of major vertebrate groups; present day diversity; animal function (locomotion, respiration, reproduction, feeding and digestion).
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Classify animals within the major groups.
· Describe body form within each class of vertebrate.
· Recall the key aspects of the biology of each group and how they are adapted to particular environments.
· Produce scientific illustrations showing adaptive features.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (4 In class Practical Reports (3 marks each) and Practical Examination (18 marks)).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 10% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is submitted up to and including 14 days late, 20% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Work submitted 15 days late or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (as prescribed by the department).
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.
No. of Students: Min 4, Max 90.
Pre-requisite(s): None
Co-requisite(s): None
Teaching Methods: 18 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 4 x 1.5hr(s) Practicals.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Robert McAllen, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.
Lecturer(s): Dr Robert McAllen, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science; Staff, School of BEES.
Module Objective: To provide an in-depth knowledge of selected invertebrate animal groups.
Module Content: This module provides the opportunity for an in-depth study of selected invertebrate animal groups, including relating structure to function.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Recall the key morphological characteristics of each of the invertebrate groups covered and be able to distinguish between them.
· Appraise the structure to function relationship within and between each group.
· Integrate this knowledge into understanding the evolutionary history of each of the invertebrate groups.
· Integrate directed reading with lecture information and material demonstrated in practical sessions.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks ( Essay (10 marks); End of module exam (15 marks); 2 in class practical reports (1.25 marks each); 1 practical report (2.5marks)).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 10% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is submitted up to and including 14 days late, 20% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Work submitted 15 days late or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (As prescribed by the Department).
ZY3015 Advanced Vertebrate Biology
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.
No. of Students: Min 4, Max 45.
Pre-requisite(s): ZY2000
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods: 18 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 1 x 3hr(s) Seminars; 3 x 3hr(s) Practicals.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Emer Rogan, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.
Lecturer(s): Dr Emer Rogan, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science; Staff, School of BEES.
Module Objective: The aim of the module is to further advance students knowledge of the taxonomy diversity, origins, evolutionary history and biology of selected vertebrate groups
Module Content: An in-depth look at the taxonomy and systematics of selected vertebrate groups and the comparative processes which govern morphology, adaptations, biology and ecology. Topics include evolution of major vertebrate groups, taxonomic diversity, cranial morphology and life history parameters.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Classify animals within the selected groups
· Discuss and describe form, adaptations and biology within the vertebrate groups
· Perform dissections of selected animals
· Describe and compare mammalian skulls
· Produce scientific illustrations showing adaptive features.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (3 In class practical reports (7 marks each); Research seminar (9 marks)).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 10% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is submitted up to and including 14 days late, 20% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Work submitted 15 days late or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (as prescribed by the department).
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.
No. of Students: Min 4, Max 60.
Pre-requisite(s): None
Co-requisite(s): None
Teaching Methods: 18 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 3 x 2hr(s) Practicals; 2 x 2hr(s) Seminars.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Robert McAllen, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.
Lecturer(s): Dr Robert McAllen, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science; Staff, School of BEES.
Module Objective: To study the physiological adaptations of vertebrate and invertebrate animals from a range of habitats.
Module Content: This module will examine the physiological adaptations of animals, in terms of their cell structure and function, immunology, osmoregulation, respiration, circulation and how these are altered to adapt to extreme environments.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the key components of the various physiological processes
· Analyse how different animal groups have adapted various physiological processes to different environmental habitats
· Interpret and synthesise current scientific literature on these physiological adaptations into a literature review format
· Integrate directed reading with lecture information to present an individual seminar.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (Essay 15 marks; Practical reports 10 marks; Individual Seminar 5 marks).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 10% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is submitted up to and including 14 days late, 20% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Work submitted 15 days late or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (As prescribed by BEES).
ZY4012 Population Dynamics of Birds
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.
No. of Students: Min 4, Max 25.
Pre-requisite(s): AE3015
Co-requisite(s): None
Teaching Methods: 18 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 2 x 3hr(s) Practicals.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Thomas Kelly, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.
Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.
Module Objective: This module will examine population dynamics in birds, in the context of mortality, survival and life time reproductive success. It will address the main ways to measure changes in population size and the demographic characteristics underlying them.
Module Content: The principles of population dynamics in birds and the methods used to monitor population change. The module will preview, and take an overview of LRS (Life Reproductive Success), and address topics in Reproductive Success, Survival and density dependence, Mortality in relation to predation and pathogens. Other factors which will be addressed include the effects of weather and inter-annual variations in food supply. Particular emphases will given to the methods of assessing population change (i.e. point counts, transects, etc) and the underlying demographic parameters.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the demographic parameters of clutch and brood size, fledging rate, post fledging survival and adult mortality rates. Use of modern applications e.g. Surge to analyse survival data
· Describe the roles of habitat availability, food, weather and climate, pathogens, predators and competition on avian population dynamics
· Recall contemporary methods in population monitoring including transects, point counts, colour banding and ringing
· Apply discrete model to simulate population dynamics under varying conditions and parameter values
· Apply concepts of population dynamics to conservation of vulnerable bird populations
· Apply concepts to the interpretation of Lifetime Reproductive Success (LRS) in birds and in the broader context of natural selection.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (Essay (15 marks); 2 Written Lab reports (5 marks each); Bird ringing exercise (5 marks).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 10% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is submitted up to and including 14 days late, 20% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Work submitted 15 days late or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward (Bird ringing exercise), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Resubmission of revised essay and written lab reports, as prescribed by the Department).
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.
No. of Students: Min 4, Max 40.
Pre-requisite(s): AE3016 or EV3010
Co-requisite(s): None
Teaching Methods: 18 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 1 x 1day(s) Fieldwork; 2 x 3hr(s) Practicals.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Simon Harrison, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.
Lecturer(s): Dr Simon Harrison, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science; Staff, School of BEES.
Module Objective: To examine the biology and functioning of freshwater ecosystems, particularly streams and rivers.
Module Content: This module will build on the introductory material in the AE3016 module. Particular attention will be given to the physico-chemical and catchment characteristics that make running waters in particular such a unique habitat; as well as to the habitat heterogeneity, species interactions and physical disturbances that contribute to the structure and function of communities. The module will also explore some of the ecosystem processes and the influence of human activity on the surrounding land and in-stream on the freshwater systems.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of running water habitats.
· Examine the contemporary scientific literature on applied and theoretical aspects of the biology of running waters.
· Identify selected groups of organisms inhabiting running waters.
· Collect, analyse and interpret chemical and biotic data of a high scientific standard from streams and rivers.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (One Practical Report (15 marks); MCQ (15 marks)).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 10% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is submitted up to and including 14 days late, 20% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Work submitted 15 days late or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (resubmission of revised reports, as prescribed by the Department).
ZY4016 Biology of Marine Mammals
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.
No. of Students: Min 4, Max 25.
Pre-requisite(s): None
Co-requisite(s): None
Teaching Methods: 18 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 3 x 2hr(s) Practicals.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Emer Rogan, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.
Lecturer(s): Dr Emer Rogan, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science; Staff, School of BEES.
Module Objective: To provide an introduction to the biology of marine mammals (whales, seals, sea lions, manatees, polar bears).
Module Content: Topics covered include the evolution, behaviour, ecology and management of marine mammals. Detailed consideration is given to adaptations (anatomical and physiological) that allow mammals to live in the sea.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe in detail physiological and behavioural adaptations of marine mammals to the environment
· Compare and contrast how the various taxa have tackled life in sea water
· Describe and compare mammalian skulls
· Assess reproductive status and age, and carry out diet analysis in marine mammals
· Critique marine mammal related research papers
· Construct a research proposal addressing a set hypothesis.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (Critique (10 marks); Research Proposal (20 marks)).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 10% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is submitted up to and including 14 days late, 20% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Work submitted 15 days late or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Resubmission of revised reports, as prescribed by the Department).
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.
No. of Students: Min 4, Max 45.
Pre-requisite(s): None
Co-requisite(s): None
Teaching Methods: 2 x 3hr(s) Fieldwork; 18 x 1hr(s) Lectures.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Ruth Ramsay, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.
Lecturer(s): Dr Ruth Ramsay, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science; Staff, School of BEES.
Module Objective: To illustrate the range of behaviours in invertebrates and vertebrates, and explore a number of conceptual issues in animal behaviour
Module Content: Animal Behaviour covers a wide range of areas but this module will concentrate on a number of the more important ones, using examples to illustrate the ideas drawn from both invertebrates and vertebrates. Topics include: recording and measuring behaviour, mechanisms of behaviour; optimal foraging; sexual selection; communication, social behaviour and applied behavioural ecology. Fieldwork practicals will be conducted in Fota Wildlife Park.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Define the key concepts in the study of animal behaviour
· Identify the range of behaviours in invertebrates and vertebrates
· Integrate directed reading with lecture information
· Demonstrate an ability to record animal behaviour
· Construct an ethogram for an individual species
· Describe, quantify and interpret specific animal behaviours.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (Practical report (15 marks); Short question exam (15 marks)).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 10% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is submitted up to and including 14 days late, 20% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Work submitted 15 days late or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Resubmission of revised Report or resit of short question examination, as prescribed by the Department).
ZY4020 Temperate Marine Biology
Credit Weighting: 10
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.
No. of Students: Min 15, Max 40.
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods: 6 x 1day(s) Fieldwork (Minimum 9 hours per day); 9 x 1hr(s) Lectures (during residential fieldcourse).
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Robert McAllen, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.
Lecturer(s): Dr Robert McAllen, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science; Staff, School of BEES.
Module Objective: This module will be a week-long residential fieldcourse run away from Cork. This module will build on previous knowledge gained at 2nd and 3rd Year and provide students with the opportunity for in depth study of a range of marine habitats.
Module Content: The course will examine the fauna and flora of rocky shores, sandy shores and subtidal habitats. Students will gain an understanding of the key processes influencing life in these intertidal and subtidal habitats. In addition the students will gain experience of identifying larval stages, plankton and meiofauna. Furthermore, the students will design and undertake a short project at the end of the course utilising their experience in one of the habitats to gain experience of project design and analysis.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Identify key organisms from intertidal rocky and sandy shores as well as subtidal habitats.
· Demonstrate the use of taxonomic keys to identify marine fauna and flora.
· Outline a range of marine biological sampling techniques.
· Recall key processes influencing marine life in these intertidal and subtidal habitats.
· Design, conduct and analyse their own short research projects.
Assessment: Total Marks 200: Continuous Assessment 200 marks (Two Practical Reports (20% each); Identification test (20%); Project Seminar (15%); Project write up (25%)).
Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 10% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is submitted up to and including 14 days late, 20% of the total marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Work submitted 15 days late or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Or alternatives as prescribed by the Department).