Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description Homosapiens (humans) are but just one of the species that exist on Earth. Although scientific estimates vary, it is suggested that there are at least another 8.7 million species on Earth, many of which still remain undiscovered. Understanding and maintaining the diversity of species on Earth is crucial if we are to ensure the survival, health and wellbeing of current and future generations of all species, including humans. This module introduces students to the relationship between plants and animals and their living and physical environments (ecology). It also examines geographic distribution patterns globally (biogeography). These aspects are explored over a range of temporal (past, present, future) and spatial (local, regional, global) scales. Students will subsequently gain an insight into the key concepts, theories, terminology, and debates within the related fields of biogeography and ecology. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. 1E37C4C8-6830-0001-2A51-1450CF001FF1 2. Explain the key terms, definitions, and concepts that form the basis of ecology and biogeography 3. 4. 5. 1 6. 1E37C4C8-6FF7-0001-CAE1-77305DCC5790 7. Identify how physical (e.g. light, temperature, moisture, soils) and biological (e.g. predation, competition) factors influence the distribution of, and interaction between, plants and animals across space and time 8. 9. 10. 2 11. 1E37C4C8-7436-0001-621D-4FD41EF41E24 12. Explain the importance of spatial and temporal scales in biogeography and ecology 13. 14. 15. 3 16. 1E37C4C8-7AF1-0001-EDB3-F3F01336B0D0 17. Categorise the major biomes on Earth and understand their interconnected nature 18. 19. 20. 4 21. 1E37C4C8-8236-0001-F7F9-1A1016A0B670 22. Define the concept of biodiversity, how it is measured, and how/why it varies across Earth 23. 24. 25. 5 26. 1E37C4C8-8912-0001-2A7B-1F3580E01179 27. Examine how past geological, climatic, and evolutionary factors influence current biogeographical patterns 28. 29. 30. 6 31. 1E37C4C8-8EB8-0001-8995-96301E4A1E84 32. Recognise how ecological and biogeographical theories can support conservation policy and strategy in relation to present and future threats such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change 33. 34. 35. 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Energy flows Energy flows, trophic levels and biogeochemical cycles Distribution of organisms Physical parameters that control distribution of organisms Biological factors Biological factors that influence organisms Concepts and theories Key ecological and biogeographical concepts and theories Hierarchy Hierarchy of ecological systems Patterns Examining recent and geological past to explain current patterns of biodiversity distribution Biogeography Island biogeography Biodiversity Biodiversity patterns, gradients, controls Palaeoecology Principles and applications of palaeoecology Ecosystem Natural versus anthropogenic ecosystem disturbance Conservation Conservation challenges | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||