FIELD ECOLOGY
Certificate – NFQ Level 7
Diploma - NFQ Level 7, Special Purpose
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FIRST YEAR MODULE DESCRIPTIONS
AE1820 Introduction to Ecology
Subject Area:
Credit Weighting:
Semester(s):
No. of students:
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods:
Module Coordinator:
Lecturer(s):
Module Objective:
Module Content:
Learning Outcome:
Assessment:
Compulsory
Elements:
Pass Standard and
any Special
Requirements for
passing the Module:
Penalties (for late
submission of
Course/Project
Work):
End of Module
Written Examination
Profile:
Field Ecology
5 credits
Semesters 1, 2, 3 and 1
10 - 35
None
None
18 x 1hr Lectures; 1 x 4 hr Practical; 1 x 6 hr directed study.
Dr F. Butler, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C.
Staff of School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C., guest
lecturers.
To introduce the topics of the scope and science of ecology, the nature of
ecological variation and natural selection. To introduce the influence of
the physical environment on the nature of the habitat.
Elements of ecology; adaptation and natural selection; geology; climate
and habitat; biogeography.
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
 critically review the scope and science of ecology;
 relate the effect of past geological processes on the Irish
landscape;
 frame concepts such as adaptation and natural selection in
practical terms.
Total Marks 100. Continuous Assessment 100 marks (In-Class Test).
Continuous Assessment
40%
None.
None
Requirements for
Supplemental
Examination:
Failed elements of Continuous Assessment must be repeated.
AE1821 Integrated Ecological Concepts
Subject Area:
Credit Weighting:
Semester(s):
No. of students:
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods:
Module Coordinator:
Lecturer(s):
Module Objective:
Module Content:
Learning Outcome:
Assessment:
Compulsory
Elements:
Penalties (for late
submission of
Course/Project
Work):
Pass Standard and
any Special
Requirements for
passing the Module:
End of Module
Written Examination
Profile:
Requirements for
Supplemental
Examination:
Field Ecology
5 credits
Semesters 1, 2, 3 and 1
10 - 35
None
None
4 x 1hr Tutorial; 3 x 10 hrs directed research.
Dr F. Butler, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C.
Staff of School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C., guest
lecturers.
To enable students to review and report on key ecological concepts as
reported in scientific literature.
Scientific writing; critical review of scientific literature
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
 critically review key ecological concepts;
 review and report on ecological literature;
 present a reasoned ecological argument with appropriate
supporting data and references.
Total Marks 100: Continuous Assessment 100 marks (in-class test, 50
marks; 2 x 1,500 word written assignments, 15 marks each; 1 x 1,500 word
assignment, 20 marks).
Continuous Assessment.
Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 5% of the total
marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is
submitted up to and including 14 days late, 10% 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.
40%
None
Marks in passed elements of Continuous Assessment are carried forward.
Failed elements of Continuous Assessment must be repeated.
AE1823 Ecological Methods
Subject Area:
Credit Weighting:
Semester(s):
No. of students:
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods:
Module Coordinator:
Lecturer(s):
Module Objective:
Field Ecology
10 credits
Semesters 1, 2, 3 and 1
10 - 35
None
None
20 x 1hr Lectures; 16 x 1 hr Fieldwork; 12 hours directed learning
Dr F. Butler, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C.
Staff of School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C., guest
lecturers.
To introduce animals and plants in a range of aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems with particular reference to Ireland, and practical sampling for
selected communities.
Module Content:
Irish wildlife focusing on a range of Irish plant and animal communities;
identification and sampling techniques; habitat mapping.
Learning Outcome:
Assessment:
Compulsory
Elements:
Penalties (for late
submission of
Course/Project
Work):
Pass Standard and
any Special
Requirements for
passing the Module:
End of Module
Written Examination
Profile:
Requirements for
Supplemental
Examination:
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
 demonstrate clear knowledge of a range of Irish habitats;
 choose and use appropriate sampling techniques for a range of
Irish ecosystems;
 approach the identification of a selection of taxonomic groups;
 understand how to conduct a basic habitat survey and create a
habitat map.
Total Marks 200: Continuous Assessment (2 x in-class test) 200 marks.
Continuous Assessment
None.
40%
None
Failed elements of Continuous Assessment must be repeated.
AE1824 Reporting Ecological Data
Subject Area:
Credit Weighting:
Semester(s):
No. of students:
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods:
Module Coordinator:
Lecturer(s):
Module Objective:
Module Content:
Learning Outcome:
Assessment:
Compulsory
Elements:
Penalties (for late
submission of
Course/Project
Work):
Pass Standard and
any Special
Requirements for
passing the Module:
End of Module
Written Examination
Profile:
Requirements for
Supplemental
Examination:
Field Ecology
10 credits
Semesters 2, 3 and 1
10 - 35
None
None
4 x 1hr Lectures; 20 x 1 hr Field Practical; 20 hrs directed study
Dr F. Butler, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C.
Staff of School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C., guest
lecturers.
To introduce students to the discipline of presenting, analysing and
interpreting ecological data in the form of a written report.
Scientific method, formulating a hypothesis, gathering data, practical
statistics for field biology; presenting data, interpretation.
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
 critically review the scientific method and how it applies to field
ecology;
 use a number of statistical techniques to analyse ecological data;
 present ecological data in the form of a concise written report.
Total Marks 200: Continuous Assessment 200 marks (5 x 1,000 word
written reports 30 marks each; 1 x data handling exercise 50 marks).
Continuous Assessment.
Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 5% of the total
marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is
submitted up to and including 14 days late, 10% 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.
40%
No End of Year Written Examination.
Marks in passed elements of Continuous Assessment are carried forward.
Failed elements of Continuous Assessment must be repeated, as
prescribed by the Module Coordinator.
SECOND YEAR MODULE DESCRIPTIONS
AE2820 Ecological Methodology and Practice
Subject Area:
Credit Weighting:
Semester(s):
No. of students:
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods:
Module Coordinator:
Lecturer(s):
Module Objective:
Module Content:
Learning Outcome:
Assessment:
Compulsory
Elements:
Penalties (for late
submission of
Course/Project
Work):
Pass Standard and
any Special
Requirements for
passing the Module:
End of Module
Written Examination
Profile:
Requirements for
Supplemental
Examination:
Field Ecology
10 credits
Semesters 2, 3 and 1
Min 10; Max 35
None
None
18 x 1hr Lectures; 6 x 4 hr Practical; 1 x 6 hr directed study
Dr F. Butler, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C.
Staff of School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C., guest
lecturers.
To develop an understanding of ecological theory and practice including
applications such as ecotoxicology and Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA).
Pollution; ecotoxicology; EIA legislation; Environmental Assessment;
Mitigation; ecological methods.
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
 measure the effects of organic pollution on a biological indicator
 critically review the ecological elements of an EIS
 understand ecological management in Ireland in relation to
relevant Environmental Legislation
Total Marks 200: Continuous Assessment 200 marks (In-Class Test, 120
marks; 1 x 1,000 word Report, 80 marks)
Continuous Assessment
None.
40%
None.
Failed elements of Continuous Assessment must be repeated.
AE2821 Ecological Reporting and Interpretation
Subject Area:
Credit Weighting:
Semester(s):
Field Ecology
10 credits
Semesters 2, 3 and 1
No. of students:
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods:
Module Coordinator:
Lecturer(s):
Module Objective:
Module Content:
Learning Outcome:
Assessment:
Compulsory
Elements:
Penalties (for late
submission of
Course/Project
Work):
Pass Standard and
any Special
Requirements for
passing the Module:
End of Module
Written Examination
Profile:
Requirements for
Supplemental
Examination:
Min 10; Max 35
None.
None.
15 x 1hr Lectures; 24 x 1 hr Field Practical; 20 x 1hr directed research.
Dr F. Butler, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C.
Staff of School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C., guest
lecturers.
To enable students to design, implement and report a sampling
programme for the ecological assessment of a site, and to interpret this
assessment in the light of a selection of ecological theory.
Sampling Irish ecosystems; Practical statistics for field biology II; Data
presentation II, Animal and plant communities of a range of Irish habitats
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
 design a sampling programme for a selection of terrestrial
ecosystems
 analyse ecological data and present the results in the form of a
written report
 apply numerical analysis tools such as diversity indices to the
assessment of a plant/animal community.
Total Marks 200: Continuous Assessment 200 marks (5 x 1,000 word
written reports, 33 marks each; 1 x data handling exercise 35 marks).
Continuous Assessment.
Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 5% of the total
marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is
submitted up to and including 14 days late, 10% 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.
40%
None.
Failed elements of Continuous Assessment must be repeated.
AE2822 Research Project
Subject Area:
Credit Weighting:
Semester(s):
No. of students:
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods:
Field Ecology
10 credits
Semesters 2, 3 and 1
Min 10; Max 35
None.
None.
Research project (12 x 1 hr tutorial; 200 hrs self directed study).
Module Coordinator:
Lecturer(s):
Module Objective:
Module Content:
Learning Outcome:
Assessment:
Compulsory
Elements:
Penalties (for late
submission of
Course/Project
Work):
Pass Standard and
any Special
Requirements for
passing the Module:
End of Module
Written Examination
Profile:
Requirements for
Supplemental
Examination:
Dr F. Butler, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C.
Staff of School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, U.C.C., guest
lecturers.
To equip students with the experience necessary for the planning, conduct
and analysis of independent research in a selected area of Field Ecology.
The research project involves an independent piece of scientific research in
an area of field ecology of interest to the student. The project will be field
based, and will be conducted over a period of approximately 6 months.
The planning, design and analysis of the project will be carried out under
the supervision of a member of staff.
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
 Investigate an ecological problem using the scientific method
 Collect and arrange data in a logical manner
 Present research findings in a concise written manner
 Present their findings orally and using audio visual aids
Total Marks 200: Continuous Assessment 200 marks (Research Project
Report 8,000 words (160 marks); Seminar (40 marks).
Continuous Assessment.
Where work is submitted up to and including 7 days late, 5% of the total
marks available shall be deducted from the mark achieved. Where work is
submitted up to and including 14 days late, 10% 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.
40%
No End of Year Written Examination.
Marks in passed elements of Continuous Assessment are carried forward.
Failed elements of Continuous Assessment must be repeated.
MARKS AND STANDARDS
Title and Year of
Programme:
FIRST UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN
Diploma in Field Ecology
Time
Marks for all modules including those wholly assessed by Continuous
Assessment, will be presented to the Spring Examination Board. For
students failing to achieve the pass standard at the Spring Examination,
they will resubmit failed elements of Continuous Assessment and their
marks will go to the next available Examination Board.
Candidates take 30 credits as follows:
AE1820 Introduction to Ecology (5 credits)
AE1821 Integrated Ecological Concepts (5 credits)
AE1823 Ecological Methods (10 credits)
AE1824 Reporting Ecological Data (10 credits)
100 per five credit module; 200 per 10 credit module. Total Marks: 600.
Distribution of marks and assessment details for individual modules are
contained in Module Descriptions.
The pass standard for each module is 40% (40 marks for a 5 credit module
and 80 marks for a 10 credit module). Special Requirements for individual
modules, if any, are detailed in Module Descriptions.
To pass First Year and progress to Second Year, a candidate must:
i. Pass modules to the value of 25 credits
ii. Obtain an overall aggregate pass of 240/600 (40%) across all
modules
iii. Obtain a mark of not less than 30% in any remaining modules
Candidates who successfully complete the First year may opt not to
proceed to Second year and may exit the programme with a Certificate in
Field Ecology.
Students who successfully complete First Year and choose to exit the
programme after First Year will be eligible for the award of honours for the
Certificate in Field Ecology on the basis of the marks achieved over the End
of Year and Supplemental Examinations.
First Class Honours:
an aggregate of at least 420/600 marks (i.e. 70% or above)
Second Class Honours, Grade I:
an aggregate of at least 360/600 marks (i.e. 60% or above but less than
70%)
Second Class Honours Grade 2:
an aggregate of at least 300/600 marks (i.e. 50% and above but less than
60%)
All passed modules carry an exemption, which is limited to a period of five
years from the date a student originally achieved the exemption.
o Please refer to the Module Descriptions for requirements governing
the Supplemental Examination for individual modules. Note: for some
modules there is no Supplemental Examination.
o Students who fail to achieve the pass standard for the year at the
Spring Examination must repeat all failed/absent modules at the
Supplemental Examination, where there is provision to do so and if not
disallowed by the Examination Board, or in a Repeat Year (see below).
Marks from all passed modules are carried forward to the
Modules
Marks maxima
Distribution of
Marks
Pass standard
(module level)
Pass and
progression
standards
(programme level)
Honours standard
Exemptions
Supplemental
Examinations
Supplemental Examination.
The pass/progression rule is then applied to the combination of marks
carried forward in passed modules and marks obtained in repeated
modules.
o Capping of Marks at a Supplemental Examination: In determining
aggregation, progression, and the calculation of honours, the
maximum mark that will be taken into account is a pass (40%). The
actual mark achieved by the candidate will be recorded on the student
record.
Due to the cyclical nature of this programme, students wishing to repeat
the year may only do so in the next cycle of the programme. Students
repeating the year retain exemptions, if any, and must repeat all
failed/absent modules. In determining aggregation and progression, full
marks obtained in modules passed at the Spring Examination Board in the
first attempt year plus capped marks obtained modules in Supplemental
and Repeat Year Examinations are used.
Candidates must pass/progress within 3 academic years of the date of first
registration for First Year, otherwise they cannot continue in the
programme.
o
Repeat Year
Examinations:
Three-Year Rule:
Title and Year of
Programme:
SECOND UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN
Diploma in Field Ecology
Time
Marks for all modules including those wholly assessed by Continuous
Assessment, will be presented to the Spring Examination Board. For
students failing to achieve the pass standard at the Spring Examination,
they will resubmit failed elements of Continuous Assessment and their
marks will go to the next available Examination Board.
Candidates take 30 credits as follows:
AE2820 Ecological Methodology and Practice (10 credits)
AE2821 Ecological Reporting and Interpretation (10 credits)
AE2822 Research Project (10 credits)
100 per five credit module; 200 per 10 credit module. Total Marks: 600.
Distribution of marks and assessment details (including End of Year
Written Examination Profile) for individual modules are contained in the
Module Descriptions.
The pass standard for each module is 40% (80 marks for 10 credit
modules). Special Requirements for individual modules, if any, are detailed
in the Module Descriptions.
To pass Second Year, a candidate must pass modules to the value of 30
credits. All modules must be passed.
Modules
Marks maxima
Distribution of
Marks
Pass standard
(module level)
Pass and
progression
standards
(programme level)
Honours standard
Exemptions
Supplemental
Examinations
Repeat Year
Examinations:
Three-Year Rule:
Students will be eligible for the award of honours on the basis of the marks
achieved in Years 1 and 2 over the Summer and Autumn Supplemental
Examinations. Honours will be awarded on aggregate as follows:
First Class Honours:
an aggregate of at least 840/1200 marks (i.e. 70% or above)
Second Class Honours, Grade I:
an aggregate of at least 720/1200 marks (i.e. 60% or above but less than
70%)
Second Class Honours Grade 2:
an aggregate of at least 600/1200 marks (i.e. 50% and above but less than
60%)
All passed modules carry an exemption, which is limited to a period of five
years from the date a student originally achieved the exemption.
o Please refer to the Module Descriptions for requirements governing
the Supplemental Examination for individual modules. Note: for some
modules there is no Supplemental Examination.
o Students who fail to achieve the pass standard for the year at the
Spring Examination must repeat all failed/absent modules at the
Supplemental Examination, where there is provision to do so and if not
disallowed by the Examination Board, or in a Repeat Year (see below).
Marks from all passed modules are carried forward to the
Supplemental Examination.
o The pass/progression rule is then applied to the combination of marks
carried forward in passed modules and marks obtained in repeated
modules.
o Capping of Marks at a Supplemental Examination: In determining
aggregation, progression, and the calculation of honours, the
maximum mark that will be taken into account is a pass (40%). The
actual mark achieved by the candidate will be recorded on the student
record.
Due to the cyclical nature of this programme, students wishing to repeat
the year may only do so in the next cycle of the programme. Students
repeating the year retain exemptions, if any, and must repeat all
failed/absent modules. In determining aggregation and progression, full
marks obtained in modules passed at the Spring Examination Board in the
first attempt year plus capped marks obtained modules in Supplemental
and Repeat Year Examinations are used.
Candidates must pass/progress within 3 academic years of the date of first
registration for Second Year, otherwise they cannot continue in the
programme.