Biology Major (Level 2)
Biology Minor (Level 2)
This module is only available to students that have done Study Abroad in semester 1 of year 2 and for these students the module is compulsory. Life at the Extremes is an integrated module that combines a field course component to be undertaken during the summer at the end of the first year and self-directed studies in semester 2 of Year 2. The field course component of the module enables students to experience the realities of data collection in the field, which is an essential part of a biology program. Follow-up labs provide time to collate, analyse and interpret collected data and compare between project groups, demonstrating the innate variability of field data and the problems of measurement error. In semester 2, students will further explore the issues of living in extreme environments through directed readings and in addition tutorials will provide training in effective report writing to prepare students for their final year projects.
Describe, assess and compare the abundance and distribution of these organisms and, in a limited number of cases, show an understanding of the major physical and biotic factors affecting their distribution will be achieved by assessments: 1
Identify and assess the hazards associated with field work through a risk assessment will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Communicate the results of an investigation of a specific habitat or a selected species in written form will be achieved by assessments: 3
Work individually and as part of a group, and integrate information gathered from a variety of sources will be achieved by assessments: 2
Explore a variety of adaptations that enable plants and animals to survive in an array of extreme environments will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3, 4
2 hours tutorials
26 hours directed reading
68 hours private study
Unseen lab test composed of a mix of MCQ and short questions, as well as identification of key plant and animal species
Mark based on student performance during group project
Individual write-up of project report (2,500 words)
2 hour exam based on essay question released two weeks before exam
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.