London Region Succession

FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL A-Level Biology Day Course London Region

Succession For new specifications from September 2015 Programme description Students will use field sampling methods to determine the distribution and abundance of organisms in a named ecosystem(s). Concepts of primary and secondary succession, colonisation by pioneer species and progression to climax communities will be covered.

Students will explore how ecosystems are maintained and how they dynamically change over time under the influence of abiotic and biotic factors and collect data on a range of factors. Students will consider deflected succession and the impact of management on a climax community.

Programme outline Pre course - please ensure the students have covered this content before attending Consider how conservation of habitats can involve management of succession.

Course Outline – please note that the order of the day may vary Recommended Start: 0930

Activity Outcomes

Introduction and Objectives  Describe the objectives of the day  Set specification linked learning objectives for the course  Define Succession including seral stages  Background on ecosystem being studied with particular reference to management  Describe how to use quadrats (open, gridded, point) and when they are suitable for use.  Identify organisms Fieldwork  Plan a practical investigation collecting random / non- random samples in the field collecting quantitative data  Develop scientific questions based on observations made  Collect biotic data along a belt transect in relation to abiotic factors  Use Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient Analysis and Summary  Draw Kite diagrams  Draw conclusions from the data collected  Evaluate methodology and appreciate the limitations of experimental data Recommended Finish: 1600

Post Course – suggestions for further study Using a contrasting case study, consider succession in a wider context.

FSC London Region: Juniper Hall, Amersham, Epping Forest, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park and London locations Website: www.field-studies-council.org Field Studies Council is a limited Company, registered in England and Wales No. 412621 and a Charity No. 313364. Registered Office; Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HW FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL A-Level Biology Day Course London Region

Learning Objectives All students will: Most students will: Some students will:  Demonstrate the ability to use  Identify indicator species which  Assess the validity of their appropriate investigative describe different seral stages. methodology and recognise approaches and sampling  Recognise each seral stage and ethical implications. techniques to determine the make links to observations in  Consider how conservation of distribution and abundance of relation to site management and habitats can involve organisms. interrupting factors. management of succession.  Understand the dynamic nature of ecosystems and the process of primary succession from pioneer species to a climax community.  Identify interrupting factors and areas of deflected succession.

Links to Specification, Core Apparatus and techniques, Skills and Practicals Covered

Practical Skills: Independent thinking, Use and apply scientific methods and practices, Research and referencing (Post course opportunities), Instruments and equipment

Use of apparatus and techniques:  Use of appropriate apparatus to record a range of quantitative measurements  Use sampling techniques in fieldwork  Use ICT such as computer modeling, or data logger to collect data, or use software to process data

Common Practical Assessment Criteria:  Applies investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment  Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials  Makes and records observations  Researches, references and reports (Post course opportunities)

Mathematical Skills*: MS1.5: Understand the principles of sampling as applied to scientific data MS1.7: Use a scatter diagram to identify a correlation between two variables MS1.9: Select and use a statistical test MS2.3: Substitute numerical values into algebraic equations using appropriate units for physical quantities MS3.2: Plot two variables from experimental data or other data

*some of these mathematical skills may be developed after the course by building upon the work carried out on the day

Specification links:

AQA: 4.6 Biodiversity within a community , 7.4 Populations in Ecosystems. Required Practical 12: Investigation into the effect of a named environmental factor on the distribution of a given species.

OCR A: Module 1 - Development of practical skills in biology, Module 4.2.1 – Biodiversity, Module 6.3.1 - Ecosystems, Module 6.3.2 - Populations and sustainability. Core Practical Activity Group 3: Use of sampling techniques in fieldwork

Edexcel A: Topic 4 - Biodiversity and Natural Resources, Topic 5 - On the Wild Side. Core Practical 10: Carry out a study on the ecology of a habitat, such as using quadrats and transects to determine distribution and abundance of organisms, and measuring abiotic factors appropriate to the habitat.

Edexcel B: Topic 10 – Ecosystems Core Practical 16: Investigate the effect of one abiotic factor on the distribution or morphology of one species taking into account the safe and ethical use of organisms

Learning Locations offering this programme The Regent’s Greenwich London Amersham Epping Forest Bushy Park Park Park Locations     

What is included in the fee?  Up to 6 hours of tuition, longer days can be arranged on request  Expert tuition, from fully trained staff  Use of facilities including workrooms, ICT and centre grounds  Established health and safety procedures. All education staff are first aid trained & DBS checked  Access to specialist equipment and resources  Support before and following the course

Tuition is delivered by talented tutors, with not only an expert knowledge of their subject and field work locations, but a passion for the subject being taught. All members of our education team are DBS checked and undergo a regular and rigorous training process, including training in first aid, risk assessment and water safety. Course options This programme is designed to meet the requirements of your specification. If this programme doesn’t meet your needs, or you would like to make adjustments to one of our standard programmes, please contact us to discuss what we can offer you to suit your requirements.

External Recognition of Quality All of our learning locations have been awarded the Quality Badge by The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. The badge is awarded to organisations that have demonstrated that they consistently deliver high quality teaching and learning experiences and manage risk effectively. This means that you will have to complete less paperwork when visiting our centre

To make a booking or if you have an enquiry contact: Amersham 01494 721054 [email protected] Epping Forest 020 8502 8500 [email protected] Bushy Park, Greenwich 01306 734501 [email protected] Park, The Regents Park & other London Locations