BI2EY5-Birds: Diversity, Behaviour and Conservation

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Christopher Foster
Email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Lectures will introduce the broad diversity of bird life, before considering in detail the structure and function of key adaptive features, such as those associated with flight. Moving from physiology to ecology, we consider the diversity of reproductive, territorial and dispersal behaviour of birds, including a deeper consideration of the role of migration in bird ecology. We also consider interactions between birds and people, such as conservation.

Aims:
This module aims to provide an introduction to the study of avian biology, particularly in helping to develop an integrated understanding of their evolutionary history, diversity, adaptations, social behaviour, reproduction and conservation.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, it is expected that students will be able to:

Describe and explain the origins and diversity of birds.
Describe and explain the physiological adaptions that have enabled birds to inhabit most of the globe.
Describe and explain the behavioural ecology of birds.
Describe and explain the primary threats to bird populations.

Additional outcomes:

Students will have the opportunity to:

• Gain experience of teamwork and leadership


• Practice their communication skills


• Develop their scientific writing skills


• Develop their research skillsÌý

Outline content:

Lectures will introduce the broad diversity of bird life, before considering in detail the structure and function of key adaptive features, such as those associated with flight. Moving from physiology to ecology, we consider the diversity of reproductive, territorial and dispersal behaviour of birds, including a deeper consideration of the role of migration in bird ecology. We also consider the conservation status of birds, and how active conservation techniques can be used in situ.



Practical classes cover a wide range of workshops to teach valuable research and communication skills including; researching a topic, developing a research question, communicating results different audiences. Other practical classes will focus on the physiological and behavioural adaptions of birds.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Recommended books:

Lovette, I.J. & Fitzpatrick, J.W. 2016 Handbook of Bird Biology (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) 3rd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell, New Jersey.Ìý