Life Sciences

Animal-Plant Interactions

Module code: C1110
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework, Computer based exam

Explore the ways in which animals and plants have evolved to produce current positive and negative ecological interactions.

On this module, you’ll look at:

positive interactions such as mutualisms (pollination, seed dispersal, ant-plant interactions) and commensalisms
antagonistic interactions, including herbivory (including herbivore impacts and plant responses), frugivory, seed predation and carnivorous plants
indirect interactions (mediated through species or resources)
applied aspects (grazing management, control of herbivorous pest species, invasive species, trophic cascades, conservation of interactions, responses to environmental change).

Critically evaluate the interactions between animals and plants, including the evolution of these interactions and, where appropriate, their applied significance
Critically evaluate significant reseach developments taking place at the forefron of the field, setting them in the context of established knowledge
Identify and extract key information from a range of sources, especially the primary literature
Synthesise and critically appraise informaiton and data from a range of sources, and communicate ideas, arguments and evidence in a clear and logical manner