Ecological Techniques
Description
On completing this module students will be able to identify factors that limit the distribution and abundance of species and determine patterns in biological diversity; they will learn to design and set up robust laboratory and field experiments and to choose appropriate sampling techniques. They will understand statistical theory and be able to apply the relevant statistical techniques to the analysis of ecological data.
Learning Outcomes
Identify possible factors responsible for setting the limits to the distribution and abundance of species, and for determining variation in biodiversity.
Choose appropriate techniques for sampling marine and freshwater organisms.
Create hypotheses, design and set up experiments and field sampling programmes to test them.
Select and apply appropriate statistical principles and techniques to analyse ecological data.
Use statistical software applications for data analysis.
Present and interpret ecological data in scientific format.