Course Title:
BiodiversityCourse Code:
313 Bio-2Program:
BiologyDepartment:
BiologyCollege:
Sciencesand Art CollegeInstitution:
Najran UniversityTable of Contents
A. Course Identification ... 3
6. Mode of Instruction (mark all that apply) ... 3
B. Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes ... 4
1. Course Description ... 4
2. Course Main Objective ... 4
3. Course Learning Outcomes ... 4
C. Course Content ... 5
D. Teaching and Assessment ... 5
1. Alignment of Course Learning Outcomes with Teaching Strategies and Assessment Methods... 5
2. Assessment Tasks for Students ... 7
E. Student Academic Counseling and Support ... 7
F. Learning Resources and Facilities ... 7
1.Learning Resources ... 7
2. Facilities Required ... 8
G. Course Quality Evaluation ... 8
H. Specification Approval Data ... 9
A. Course Identification
1. Credit hours: 2 (1+1) 2. Course typea. University College Department x Others
b. Required Elective
3. Level/year at which this course is offered: level 5 / third year 4. Pre-requisites for this course (if any):
5. Co-requisites for this course (if any):
6. Mode of Instruction (mark all that apply)
No Mode of Instruction Contact Hours Percentage
1 Traditional classroom 15+30 100%
2 Blended 3 E-learning 4 Correspondence 5 Other
7. Actual Learning Hours (based on academic semester)
No Activity Learning Hours
Contact Hours
1 Lecture 15
2 Laboratory/Studio 30
3 Tutorial
4 Others (specify)
Total 45
Other Learning Hours*
1 Study 22
2 Assignments 3
3 Library 10
4 Projects/Research Essays/Theses 5
5 Others(specify): Office hours 5
Total 45
*The length of time that a learner takes to complete learning activities that lead to achievement of course learning outcomes, such as study time, homework assignments, projects, preparing presentations, library times
B. Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes
1. Course DescriptionA course is the study of a particular topic within a wider subject area and is the foundation of a qualification. This course will address approaches and techniques for the measurement, assessment, monitoring, and management of biodiversity from genes to ecosystems.
This course will focus on the variety of animal and planet species. The foundations of biological diversity will be studied: ecology, systematics, evolution, and biogeography. The course will analyze the effects of historical, cultural, economic, religious, and political forces on biodiversity. This course will provide a novel, and hopefully fun, way of learning about how and why life is distributed across the surface of the Earth. We will learn about biodiversity through a combination of discussion, reading, writing, and in-class activities.
2. Course Main Objective
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to identify issues at the heart of biodiversity science:
students should be able to identify issues at the heart of biodiversity science: what’s happening, who's involved, what's at stake, and how to engage in a global conversation.
In-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the theory and principles of biodiversity and the interrelationships of its levels with the basic effects from infrastructure development in nature conservation areas.
Knowledge and skills to realize and combine the complexity of the relations and interactions between the ecosystem structures and functions and the human impacts from the one side with the sustainable management aiming at the conservation of species and habitats.
Knowledge of the tools for applied policy measures in the section of nature conservation and management in Greece and EU, as well as how to focus and contribute to the problems solving from their implementation methodology in Greece.
Analyze the possible effects to the natural environment and to the biodiversity elements and propose measures to minimize the consequences with the priority given to the conservation of the important for the national and European legislation for species, habitats and areas.
Know and apply the rules and recommendations related to environmental protection 3. Course Learning Outcomes
CLOs AlignedPLOs
1 Knowledge:
1.1 Describe the fundamental concepts, theories and principles of biodiversity.
1.2 Illustrate an up-to-date knowledge of the major areas of biodiversity.
1.3 Recognize the importance and significance of biodiversity 1...
2 Skills :Cognitive
2.1 Develop skills of critical thinking and analytical reasoning of current theories and hypotheses
2.2 Tackle sufficient field data skills appropriate to biodiversity to ensure competence.
2.3 Explain the interdisciplinary nature of biodiversity and the validity of different NGOS opinions.
CLOs AlignedPLOs 2...
3 Competence: interpersonal Communication Psychomotor
3.1 Assess and interpret biodiversity problems using qualitative and quantitative statistical measurements.
3.2 Show a critical approach, research oriented attitude and a concern for biodiversity problems and data.
3.3 3...
C. Course Content (Theoretical + Practical Lab.)
No List of Topics Contact
Hours 1 Terms, concepts, levels and characteristics of biodiversity 1+2 2 Biodiversity of living world: Complexity and functions of
ecosystems with identification of biodiversity features
1+2 3 Biodiversity levels: genetic,- species (species concept)- and habitats
diversity
2+4
4 Biodiversity and specification mechanism 1+2
5 Biodiversity extinctions a. Natural extinctions
1+2 6 Biodiversity extinctions
b. human mad activities
1+2
7 Biodiversity conservations 2 2 1+2
8
Conservation strategies a. strategies
b. IUCN read list of threatened species
1+2
9 National and international biodiversity legislations 1+2
10 Biodiversity in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (case study) 1+2
11 International biodiversity conservation 1+2
12 Relationship between human and biodiversity 1+2
13 Midterm Exam + Practical Exam 2+4
Total 15+30
D. Teaching and Assessment
1. Alignment of Course Learning Outcomes with Teaching Strategies and Assessment Methods
Code Course Learning Outcomes TeachingStrategies AssessmentMethods 1 Knowledge:
1.1 Describe the fundamental concepts, theories and
principles of plant taxonomy.
Theoretical & lab exams (Mid +
Quizzes+ final exam) and lab reports
Theoretical Exam – Practical Exam- capability to use microscope and lenscounting-
Code Course Learning Outcomes TeachingStrategies AssessmentMethods dissection and identifying plant organs
1.2 Outline the basic knowledge of Identification, Nomenclature and Classification
Theoretical & lab exams (Mid +
Quizzes+ final exam) and lab reports
Theoretical Exam – Practical Exam- capability to use microscope and lenscounting- dissection and identifying plant organs
1.3 Demonstrate understanding of the biological subjects inputs to the development of knowledge about origin, different levels and complexity of life.
Theoretical & lab
exams (Mid +
Quizzes+ final exam) and lab reports
Theoretical Exam – Practical Exam- capability to use microscope and lenscounting-
dissection and identifying plant 2 Skills :Cognitive
2.1 Develop skills of identification, nomenclature and classification of different species from different flowering plants.
Individual and group reports, open class discussion.
laboratory performance and reports
2.2 Compare data and information from
macromorphological, micro-
morphological and floral characters.
Individual and group reports, open class discussion.
laboratory performance and reports
Demonstrate understanding of origin and evolutionary history of the plants, the Structure, function, properties of flower part, inflorescences and different types of fruits.
Exams, quizzes,
Homework oral
question and exams, Tutorial discussion, interpretation of videos / pictures and slides
Exams – discussion laboratory reports
Interpret taxonomical problems using qualitative and quantitative measurements, statistical, mathematical, and use of information technology.
Exams, quizzes,
Homework oral
question and exams, Tutorial discussion, interpretation of videos / pictures and slides
Exams – discussion laboratory reports
3 Competence: interpersonal Communication Psychomotor
3.1 Work effectively in groups on laboratory experiments and thoughtful discussion and interpretation of data.
Quizzes, Homework
& group reports, oral discussions.
Research reports - presentations 3.2 Operate effectively the different
informational resources including the library resources and websites
Oral presentation, homework reports, videos/ pictures /slides with questions and responses.
Practical exam
Code Course Learning Outcomes TeachingStrategies AssessmentMethods 3.3
Examine the collected data and critically evaluate the biological data to prepare reports.
Lab Exam, oral presentation, slide identification
Practical exam
2. Assessment Tasks for Students
# Assessment task* Week Due Percentage of Total
Assessment Score 1
Quizzes,Class activities including (participation in open discussions, speech, oral presentations, group reports, essays) and attendance.
continuous 10%
2
Major exam (multiple choice- short assay- labeling – drawing- memorizing – discussion- solving
problems).
5th week 15%
3 Laboratory activities (log book- student work - working in groups).
continuous 5%
4 Practical mid exam (examining slides- interpretation – diagramming).
6th week 10%
5 Final practical exam (examining slides- interpretation – diagramming).
14th week 15%
6
Final exam (multiple choice- short assay- labeling – drawing- memorizing – discussion- solving
problems).
15-16th week
50%
*Assessment task (i.e., written test, oral test, oral presentation, group project, essay, etc.)
E. Student Academic Counseling and Support
Arrangements for availability of faculty and teaching staff for individual student consultations and academic advice :
Six office hours per week are offered to support students individually.
Reachable via email.
Personal web pages of academic members staff in university website.
F. Learning Resources and Facilities
1. Learning ResourcesRequired Textbooks
1. Science for Environment Policy (2015). Ecosystem Services and the Environment. In-depth Report 11 produced for the European Commission, DG Environment by the Science Communication Unit, UWE, Bristol.
2. European Commission (2013). Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services. An analytical framework for ecosystem assessments under Action 5 of the EU Biodiversity strategy to 2020. Technical Report – Discussion paper
3. European Commission (2014). Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services. Indicators for ecosystem assessments under Action 5 of the EU Biodiversity strategy to 2020. Technical Report - Discussion paper
Essential References Materials
1. Maczulak, A. (2010). Biodiversity: Conserving Endangered Species. ISBN-10: 0-8160-7197-7.
2. Van Dyke, F. (2008). Conservation Biology: Foundations, Concepts, Applications. 2nd Edition. Springer. ISBN: 978- 1-4020-6890-4.
3. Magurran, A. E. (2004). Measuring Biological Diversity.
Blackwell Publishing. ISBN-13: 978-0-632-05633-0 4. Mora et al. (2011). How Many Species Are There on Earth
and in the Ocean? PLoS Biology, 9, e1001127.
Electronic Materials
1. http://archive.wri.org/biodiv/biolinks.html 2. http://www.cbd.int/
3. http://www.iucn.org/
4. http://www.iucnredlist.org/
5. http://www.conservation.org/where/priority_areas/hots pots/Pages/hotspots_main.aspx
6. http://www.edgeofexistence.org/index.php Other Learning
Materials
Lab. Notes:
Will be distributed to the students by the lecturer 2. Facilities Required
Item Resources
Accommodation
(Classrooms, laboratories, demonstration rooms/labs, etc.)
Lecture room ( 8 x 15m ) equipped with about 20 student seats,
Lab. ( 8 x 15 m) equipped with about 20 student seats.
Technology Resources
(AV, data show, Smart Board, software, etc.)
White Board, computer, Data Show, Overhead projector and laptop.
Other Resources
(Specify, e.g. if specific laboratory equipment is required, list requirements or
attach a list)
Library, and Seminar Room and Wi-Fi internet connections
Well-equipped laboratory with dissecting microscopes and stereo microscopes. - Permanent slides - Slides and covers - Fresh specimens - Preserved specimens - Chemical reagents
G. Course Quality Evaluation
EvaluationAreas/Issues Evaluators Evaluation Methods
Feedback on effectiveness of
teaching Students Indirect (by questionnaire)
Extent of achievement of
course learning outcomes Course coordinator Direct
Quality of learning resources Internal Audit Committee Indirect (by questionnaire)
Evaluation
Areas/Issues Evaluators Evaluation Methods
Evaluation areas (e.g., Effectiveness of teaching and assessment, Extent of achievement of course learning outcomes,Quality oflearning resources, etc.)
Evaluators (Students,Faculty, Program Leaders,Peer Reviewer, Others (specify) Assessment Methods (Direct, Indirect)
H. Specification Approval Data
Council / Committee Internal Audit Committee
Reference No.
Date
