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Overview

Module description Insects have a major impact on the ecology and economy of the world. The great diversity of insect form and function means their impact on human populations and activities can be beneficial or detrimental. During this module you will explore the complex beneficial interactions between insect pollinators and humans. For example insect pollinators provide an important service to plants, which in turn results in fruit, nuts and seed of vital nutritional importance to humans.
Module aims The module will consider how key pressures (e.g. land-use, disease) affect pollination services to crops (including cultivars) and wild plant species by altering pollinator populations and communities. The module will summarise how changes to pollinators (e.g. abundance, diversity, complementarity, redundancy, range shifts, phenology) may limit pollination services. The ecological and economic impacts will be considered with a focus on the main groups (bees and flies) involved in pollination services encompassing both managed (honey bees & bumblebees) and wild pollinators (butterflies & hoverflies). Throughout the module how local context (e.g. geographic region, landscape type) affects pollination services, and consequent effects on crop yields, biodiversity and wild ecosystem health, will be made clear. This module will introduce you to the diversity of insect pollinators and the plants they provide pollination services for and the role they play in the environment in terms of their interactions with plants, humans and other animals. Since insects play a key role in our environment, the knowledge and skills acquired by taking this module are relevant to many areas of employment such as conservation, consultancy, environmental planning, and agriculture.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold (-C/50%) -Students understand some of the aspects of the two-way interaction between plants and insect pollinators. They have a passing understanding of the physiological ecology of plants, and understand the ways in which this governs plant productivity. They can describe some of the interactions between flowering plants and insect pollinators. They have a working understanding of the life cycle of honey bees within the colony and are able to explain some of the key environmental and human challenges that the bees face. They describe some of the key aspects of the ecology of a range of bumblebees and butterflies. Submissions cover the fundamentals of the chosen topics, but are mainly based on material provided during the module, showing little evidence of supplementary reading or original information and lacking critical analysis.

-good (-B/ 60%) -Students have a solid understanding of the two-way interaction between plants and insect pollinators. They have a rounded understanding of the physiological ecology of plants, and understand the ways in which this governs plant productivity. They can demonstrate a fairly robust understanding of the interactions between flowering plants and insect pollinators. They have a good understanding of the life cycle of honey bees within the colony and are able to explain the key environmental and human challenges that they face. They have a working understanding of the ecology of a range of bumblebees and butterflies. Submissions are well-argued, showing understanding and some depth of knowledge of the chosen topics, evidence of some supplementary reading, collection and use of original information, and much critical thought.

-excellent (-A/70%) -Students have an excellent understanding of the two-way interaction between plants and insect pollinators. They have an excellent understanding of the physiological ecology of plants, and understand the ways in which this governs plant productivity. They can demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between flowering plants and insect pollinators. They have a full, mechanistic understanding of the life cycle of honey bees within the colony and are able to explain the key environmental and human challenges that they face. They have an excellent understanding of the ecology of a range of bumblebees and butterflies. Submissions very well-argued, showing excellent understanding and depth of knowledge of the chosen topics, evidence of substantial supplementary reading, sound collection and use of original information, and much critical thought.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse, present and interpret ecological data, including from published literature. Appraise how ecological data is relevant to management and conservation of flowering plant and insect communities.

• Cogently explain the principles and use of modelling, monitoring and experimentation

• Translate contemporary scientific evidence for future plant and habitat assessment and management and proscribe executable actions.