University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Numbers will be restricted using a ballot to limit the class size to 25.

Planned timetable: Mon 10am-1pm

Planet Earth appears to be unique as the home of life. Biological processes are deeply woven into the fabric of the physical world and human societies. The resulting interactions, at every scale from microscopic to global, are fundamental to the geography of our planet. This module explores the discipline of biogeography, which aims to describe and explain the distribution of different life forms (species, communities) across the Earth. In lectures, seminars, and in the field, we will first investigate the fundamental controls on the distribution of life and engage with ongoing debates. The module then considers the role of biology in the Earth system as a whole, focusing on the cycling of key elements including carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus – the behaviour of which has huge ramifications for society today. Finally, using examples from around the globe, we will look at biogeographical changes in the Anthropocene, and consider the challenges for conservation and development.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass GG2011 and pass GG2012 or pass SD2001 and pass SD2002 or pass GG2013 and pass GG2014 and pass SD2100 or pass SD2005 and pass SD2006 and pass SD2100

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you pass GG3272 or take GG3272

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 hour lecture and 2 hour seminar/practical class (X9 weeks), 5 hour field class (X1 week)

Scheduled learning hours: 32

Guided independent study hours: 270

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 100% coursework


Re-assessment: 100% coursework

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr I T Lawson
Module teaching staff: Dr Ian Lawson and Mr William Hiles
Module coordinator email itl2@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Read primary biogeographical literature and place it into a theoretical framework
• Describe and explain global and regional patterns of terrestrial biogeography
• Understand how human activities influence biogeographical patterns and processes
• Appreciate a range of views about how biogeographical knowledge could and/or should be used, for example in conservation and environmental management
• Understand how biogeographical knowledge and understanding are produced, in part through hands-on experience in the lab and field