Module BSX-3157:

Module Facts

Run by School of Natural Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Charles Bishop

Overall aims and purpose

The purpose and aim of this module is to provide a detailed account of the diverse behavioural ecology of birds, to impart an understanding of monitoring and survey techniques and to develop field experience and skills. Examples will also be given of key processes that underpin individual and lifetime reproductive success, such as those involved in reproductive strategies, locomotion and migration. The role birds play in promoting conservation will be emphasised and the requirement for standardised methods in ecological and behavioural monitoring.

Course content

This module will cover the main extant groups of birds and their intra- and inter-ordinal evolutionary relationships. The role of flight and its subsequent loss in key groups will be discussed, along with effects of environmental variables on the ecology, behaviour and migration of birds more generally. The biology of sexual display and adornments, acoustic communication and mate selection will be presented. Key factors affecting the conservation of birds will be discussed and ecological techniques, survey methods and related use of modern technological approaches evaluated, with regard to their value to behavioural monitoring, ecological surveys, and population and species management.

Assessment Criteria

C- to C+

50-59% - The student should demonstrate a reasonable factual knowledge of some of the core material (facts and concepts) presented in the module. They should have a reasonable ability to evaluate the processes governing how organisms survive in specific environments.


40-49% - The students should be able to express a basic factual knowledge of at least some part of the core material (facts and concepts) presented in the module. They should be able to appreciate how the features and adaptations of an organism enhance its survival and lifetime reproductive success in a specific environment. Reports should demonstrate a basic ability to introduce the subject, present methods, analyse and present results, discuss the implications of the main research findings. Test and exam answers should demonstrate a basic ability to present lecture material and to outline key concepts.


69% - The student should demonstrate comprehensive factual knowledge, critical understanding of theory, evidence of extra reading of primary literature and the ability to integrate this extra knowledge in a relevant manner.


60-69% - The student should be able to express a thorough factual knowledge of much of the core material (facts and concepts) presented in the module. They should have a competent and detailed ability to critically evaluate the principles and processes governing the interactions of organisms and their environment, using specific examples. Some evidence of further reading and ability to integrate material from the full range of the lecture content.

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate practical fieldwork skills, including ornithological survey techniques.

  2. Exhibit an ability to analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically and write formal reports or manuscripts.

  3. Develop practical, interpersonal and teamwork skills by working jointly with other students to undertake a short practical project.

  4. Gain knowledge of the major threats facing some bird species and how such threats can be quantified, evaluated, managed and countered.

  5. Demonstrate an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes.

  6. Engage with the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with the adaptations shown by birds to their environments.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
REPORT Species Poster

An Individual poster for the general public that informs on the natural history and conservation of a specific species of bird of importance to the Malltraeth Marsh Nature Reserve.

REPORT Management Plan

A reserve management report covering the main 5 or 6 species avian species of primary importance to the Malltraeith Marsh, discussing the compromises in reserve strategy and management that are inevitable when trying to maximise biodiversity and support and maintained a number of key species within a limit site.

EXAM Exam (Essay) 50

Teaching and Learning Strategy


Two field trips, focussed on ecological methods of surveying and species identification, along with land use management and species conservation practice.


20 lectures cover subjects such as phylogenetic diversity, major ecological and behavioural trends, contribution of birds to the development of socio-biology theory, comparative flight biology and migration, reproductive biology and sexual selection, field and survey techniques, conservation biology and population management.

Private study

Time for researching the published literature, writing up notes from lectures, field trips and practical, along with any associated data analysis and writing.


There will be one or two additional opportunities to have trips out to ornithologically important sites (e.g. Newborough Forest, Lavan Sands, RSPB reserve).


Transferable skills

  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives

Subject specific skills

  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
  • Engagement with current developments in the biosciences and their application.
  • Undertake field and/or laboratory studies of living systems.
  • Undertake practical work to ensure competence in basic experimental skills.


Talis Reading list

Reading list

Essential Ornithology (Graham Scott), Introduction to Behavioural Ecology (Davies et al.), Ornithology (Gill), Bird Ecology and Conservation: A handbook of techniques (Sutherland et al.), Collins Bird Guide (Lars Svensson),

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: