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Project Design and Methodology in Terrestrial Ecology

Code: 42921
Credits: 9
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Terrestrial Ecology and Biodiversity Management OP 1

Contact lecturer

Name :
Rafael Poyatos Lopez
Email :
rafael.poyatos@uab.cat

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

Must have completed the initial modules of the Master.

Objectives

This module provides a link between the theoretical and methodological training offered in previous modules of the master and its application to solving a specific problem in the field of terrestrial ecology. This is achieved in a supervised individual work whose objectives are that students (1) be integrated into a working group in the chosen field; (2) become familiar with the literature on the subject of their work; (3) be able to provide valid solutions to problems that arise in the design of their master work; (4) produce a complete experimental design to be applied in this work; (5) plan and realistically schedule their master work; and (6) know how to soundly use the relevant methods .


This is a supervised work to train students in a specific field of terrestrial ecology. It can be carried out in the facilities of the UAB, in any of the other institutions participating directly in the master (CREAF, IRTA, CSIC) or in public or private companies or public agencies working in the field of terrestrial ecology.

Learning outcomes

  1. Use the main tools for searching in specialist literature.
  2. Display the (constructively) critical spirit that is essential to science.
  3. Discuss ideas, using scientific evidence and arguments.
  4. Participate in a research or working team in the field of terrestrial ecology.
  5. Delve deeply into a particular area of study, showing curiosity and the ability to work autonomously.
  6. Offer valid solutions to problems or doubts that arise when designing the master's dissertation.
  7. Produce a complete experimental design for application in the master's dissertation.
  8. Plan ahead and schedule work realistically.
  9. Correctly use the methodologies needed to carry out the work.
  10. Autonomously organise and carry out a study in the field of terrestrial ecology, from the initial hypotheses to the detailed planning.

Contents

Not applicable.

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Design and methodology of experimental projects 200 8 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Writing 25 1 2, 3, 4, 5

Students' own work, under direction of their supervisor.

The proposed teaching methodology may experience some modifications depending on the restrictions to face-to-face activities enforced by health authorities.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Written document 100% 0 0 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

The written report shall contain the introduction, methodology and expected results of the master work. The evaluation will be carried out both by the supervisors and the coordination.

Student’s assessment may experience some modifications depending on the restrictions to face-to-face activities enforced by health authorities.

Bibliography

  • Hairston NG (1991) Ecological Experiments: Purpose, Design and Execution. Cambridge University Press.
  • Henderson PA (2003) Practical Methods in Ecology, Blackwell Publishing (electronic book).
  • Hillborn R, Mangel M (1997) The Ecological Detective: Confronting Models With Data. Princeton University Presss (electronic book).
  • Newport C (2016) Deep work: rules for focused success in a distracted world. Piatkus, London.
  • Resetarits W, Bernardo J (2001) Experimental Ecology. Issue and Perspectives. Oxford University Press.
  • Underwood AJ (1997) Experiments in Ecology. Their Logical Design and Interpretation Using Analysis of Variance. Cambridge University Press.

Software

Not applicable

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(PEXTm) Pràctiques externes i pràcticum (màster) 1 Spanish Undefined morning-mixed
(PEXTinternm) Pràctiques externes i pràcticum amb supervisió interna (màster) 99 Unknown Undefined morning-mixed