Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Conservation Biology
Lowland heaths have high conservation value in the UK. Here, final-year students are collecting invertebrates to assess the
diversity in several different experimental areas. This kind of survey work helps to decide what kinds of conservation manage-
ment work best. (© Paul Ramsay)
Learning forest survey techniques in a mahogany plan- One of the students “rescuing” Steve Burchett as part of a
tation in Mexico. (© Paul Ramsay) canopy access course. (© Paul Ramsay)
Dr Mairi Knight
Research interests: gene flow and dispersal in and between populations, species
delineation, mating systems and speciation mechanisms.
Teaches: molecular ecology and conservation genetics; field ecology (in the UK
and overseas).
Dr Mick Hanley
Research interests: plant-animal interactions and their influence on ecosystem
structure and function.
Teaches: habitat management; conservation biology; field ecology (in the UK and
overseas).
Dr Jon Ellis
Research interests: molecular ecology in connservation.
Teaches: conservation biology and conservation genetics, molecular ecology, evo-
lution & biodiversity, terrestrial invertebrate ecology, esp. insects and moss inver-
tebrates.
Dr Alex Wilson
Research interests: marine and freshwater ecology
Teaches: applied conservation biology, field biology, fish biology
Dr Sarah Collins
Research interests: mate choice in birds and humans; the evolution of vocaliza-
tions in birds; stress and animal welfare, how the social environment affects be-
haviour.
Teaches: animal behaviour, acoustics.
Dr Andy Foggo
Research interests: spatial pattern in marine and freshwater organisms; plant and
algal interactions with herbivores .
Teaches: invertebrate ecology and identification; numeracy and statistics.
Dr Louise Firth
Research interests: marine ecology and conservation, restoration ecology
Teaches: biodiversity and community ecology in urban and natural systems, re-
sponses of organisms to global climate change
Dr Michael Thom
Research interests: behavioural ecology, especially sexual selection and the evolu-
tionary consequences of mate choice and intrasexual competition among males.
Teaches: behavioural ecology.
Dr Kerry Howell
Research interests: deep-sea ecology, conservation and sustainable management;
marine habitat mapping.
Teaches: marine biology and conservation.
Dr Pete Cotton
Research interests: behavioural ecology; predator-prey interactions and contest
behaviour.
Teaches: vertebrate biology; evolution and animal behaviour.
Dr Lucy Turner
Research interests: marine ecolphysiology, impacts of climate change.
Teaches: ecology and physiology of marine organisms, impacts of climate change
on marine ecosystems.
Dr Abigail McQuatters-Gollop
Research interests: marine conservation and ecology, conservation policy.
Teaches: marine conservation, bioindicators, conservation policy and science.
Dr Clare Embling
Research interests: ecology and conservation of marine vertebrates, bioacoustics
and the impact of noise on marine vertebrate behaviour.
Teaches: ecology and conservation of marine vertebrates
Dr Simon Ingram
Research interests: conservation ecology of marine mammals.
Teaches: marine biology; marine conservation.
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Dr Stacey DeAmicis
Research interests: Marine botany, natural history and coastal ecology.
Teaches: seagrass ecology, catchment management, and human impacts on
coastal ecosystems .
Dr Antony Knights
Research interests: marine population dynamics and ecosystem-based manage-
ment and risk assessment models.
Teaches: marine population and community ecology.
Dr Benjamin Ciotti
Research interests: marine ecophysiology, fisheries biology.
Teaches: physiology and behaviour of marine animals, coastal ecology, fisheries
biology.
Ecology
Behaviour & Conservation Physiology
Development in
Professional
Animal Behaviour
Placement Year optional six months or more of work experience in conservation biology
Personal Research
Behavioural Ecology Global Change Biology
(final year project)
BIOL132Z Ecology and the Diversity of Life 50% coursework and 50% exam
This module introduces the fundamental principles of ecology and the diversity of life. It examines patterns of life on
Earth, past and present, and how an understanding of these supports efforts to conserve biodiversity and manage
resources sustainably. The module also provides an overview of the domains of life on Earth, introducing the remark-
able variety of organisms with which we share the planet.
BIOL131Z Cells: the Building Blocks of Life 50% coursework and 50% exam
This module will introduce you to the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the various processes of cell
biology that allow different cells to do different things including some of the highly specialised cells required in multi-
cellular organisms. The module will then focus on the biochemical basis that underlies cell function introducing you
to metabolic pathways and the biomacromolecules that allow cells to work the way they do.
Lab work at Plymouth. Giraffes at Paignton Zoo. A “fungus foray” near Plymouth.
Survey of Ideford Common SSSI. The lowland heath of Ideford Common is consid- Vist ot the Eden Project, Cornwall. Good communication with the public is an
ered of special importance for its invertebrates. However, some of the rare species are important part of science. The Eden Project is a famous example of an attraction that
disappearing from the site. Some experimental management trials were started engages the public in the science of biodiversity conservation. During this visit, you
several years ago, and we carry out an annual survey to see what is happening. The will appreciate the range of species and habitats it contains and consider the value of
results are given to the site managers to help them refine their management plan for places like this for conservation in a wider sense. (© John Moody)
the site. (© Paul Ramsay)
Visit to Paignton Zoo. We work closely with several local zoos, and this is the Field work is great fun. Although the science is serious and the results valuable, we
largest of them. On this visit, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the zoo, its enjoy ourselves. Field work is a great opportunity to develop all kinds of skills (like
animals and various approaches to studying animal behaviour and their welfare. team working). (© Pete Smithers)
(© Sarah Collins)
Rocky shore ecology, Plymouth. Of course, Plymouth Dartmoor ecology and management. We have many Pollution monitoring at Cadover Bridge , Dartmoor.
provides an ideal location for looking at coastal habitats nationally and internationally important reserves on our You will assess water quality and the use of freshwater
and biodiversity. doorstep. Dartmoor National Park is one of the biggest. invertebrates, like this dragonfly nymph, as indicators.
The field course location offers a wide variety of One of the key habitats in southern Spain is the
habitats and species to investigate. Mediterranean vegetation, dominated by shrubs.
A team of students carrying out a field study in an The field course continues into the evening, over food and
Andalusian dune system. drink...
The impact of habitat management on biodiversity is also considered, such as grazing (left) and fire (right).
BIOL214Z Ecology 30% coursework, 20% in-class test and 50% exam
An understanding of basic concepts is needed to solve ecological problems. This module explores key concepts in
ecology at the levels of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The concepts are supported with ex-
amples taken from terrestrial and aquatic systems.
BIOL219Z Ecology Field Course 50% coursework and 50% in-class test
This module employs a two-week-long residential field course to familiarise students with the history, structure and
function of a range of ecosystems not found in the UK. Students have the opportunity to develop their field biology
skills through a variety of exercises at individual organism to community level scales.
Swimming in a cenote.
Birdwatching in the
Environmental assessment of tourist ECOSUR research mangroves, Laguna Leaf-cutting ant study at Dzibanché
development at Mahahual. station. Guerrero. Mayan ruins.
MBIO320Z Ecology and Conservation of Marine Vertebrates 30% coursework and 70% exam
Discussion of recent advances in selected topics within aquatic biology. There is a strong emphasis on critical evalua-
tion of relevant primary literature.
Other work is published each year in our own scientific journal, The
Plymouth Student Scientist. Follow this link to see the latest issue:
http://bcur.org/journals/index.php/TPSS