OCR AS Level Biology Course Options For teaching from September 2015

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1 FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL Dale Fort Field Centre OCR AS Level Biology Course OCR AS Level Biology Course Options For teaching from September 2015 Dale Fort was built in 1856 in an attempt to deter the forces of Napoleon III from invading the west coast of Britain. The spectacular location near the entrance to Milford Haven uniquely provides a wide variety of onsite seashore habitats making it the perfect place for Marine Biology and Ecology fieldwork. At Dale Fort we pride ourselves on our flexible approach when designing fieldwork to meet the learning needs of students. The options listed here are popular with our groups and are designed to meet the requirements of your specification. However, if your requirements are not covered here please contact us to discuss alternatives. FSC Dale Fort, Dale, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 3RD Tel: enquiries.df@field-studies-council Website:

2 DALE FORT FIELD CENTRE EXEMPLAR COURSE PROGRAMME OCR A 5 S A LEVEL BIOLOGY: BIODIVERSITY, ECOSYSTEMS AND PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES ONE SESSION ONE SESSION TWO SESSION THREE Arrive lunchtime* Room Allocation. Introduction to the Centre. Waterproof/welly hire. Outline of course. (* packed lunch not normally provided on day one) PRACTICAL BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEMS Students will explore the varied coastal habitats around the Dale and Marloes Peninsulas, where wildlife like porpoises, seals, gannets and chough can be seen. They will make qualitative ecological observations and consider how to design quantitative investigations. Using local examples the value of long-term ecological studies will be discussed. From the deeper ecological understanding developed in this session objectives are set for the whole course which will: make links to the OCR specification set personal learning goals consider wider environmental issues consider the skills needed by working ecologists CLASSIFICATION AND EVOLUTION Using local examples students will: consider biological classification (using the binomial system of naming species) identify the features used to classify organisms into five kingdoms consider the relationship between classification and phylogeny TWO This session can also incorporate: RIB plankton sampling Seine netting Conservation Walk (see last page for option details) FIELD SITE(S): Various (Dale & Marloes) ROCKY SHORE ECOLOGY - BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT AND SAMPLING Practical Activity Group 3: Sampling. Students will investigate a rocky shore ecosystem using random and non-random sampling techniques: quadrat sampling in different areas and a transect up or down the shore. They will practice identifying and classifying rocky shore species and will consider variations within and between species. They will consider how those species are adapted anatomically, physiologically and behaviourally. Data analysis can include calculations of species richness, evenness and Simpson s index of diversity. Factors affecting rocky shore biodiversity will be considered. The importance of baseline monitoring will be discussed in relation to the effect of external factors e.g. oil pollution, on rocky shore biodiversity. Practical Activity Group 10: Data Logging. Transect data can be collected and collated using ipads and a Field Network System (portable Field WiFi). Data from local permanent light and temperature data loggers will be analysed. Choose from: Exam Skills Workshop Data Analysis & Maths Workshop Advanced Field Surveying Maintaining Biodiversity and Resources Practical Activity Group 6: Chromatography FIELD SITE(S): Castle or Jetty Beach or Black Rock (Dale Village)

3 THREE FOUR FIVE FIVE SALT MARSH ECOLOGY - SUCCESSION AND VARIATION Practical Activity Group 3: Sampling. Students will use field sampling techniques to determine the distribution and abundance of plants across a salt marsh ecosystem at the Gann Estuary SSSI (within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park). They will explore how the ecosystem is maintained and how it dynamically changes over time under the influence of abiotic and biotic factors. Students will learn about primary succession (pioneer species to climax communities), deflected succession and recycling within ecosystems. Xerophytic and halophytic adaptations of plants in a saline environment will be considered. Data analysis can include Spearman s rank correlation coefficient, student s t- test and graphical representation. FIELD SITE: The Gann Saltmarsh ROCKY SHORE/TERRESTRIAL/FRESHWATER ECOLOGY BIODIVERSITY, BIOMASS AND TROPHIC LEVELS Students will investigate and evaluate ways of estimating the total amount of energy being fixed through photosynthesis within an ecosystem. They will collect numerical data from either a marine or freshwater habitat, enabling them to quantify the efficiency of transfer of biomass and energy between trophic levels. This session can also incorporate: RIB plankton sampling Seine netting (see last page for option details) POPULATIONS: DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE AND CHI-SQUARED Students will design a sampling strategy to investigate the distribution and abundance of a named species or group of species in a freshwater or marine habitat (e.g. topshell association with microhabitats). A chi-squared test will be applied to the data. Students will be able to justify why this statistical test is appropriate. Limiting factors which may determine the population carrying capacity of this species will be considered (including predatorprey relationships and intra and inter-specific competition). FIELD SITE(S): Jetty Beach (rocky shore), Watwick Pond (freshwater), Dale Fort Field/Woods (terrestrial) FRESHWATER/ ROCKY SHORE/ Depart - lunchtime TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY Practical Activity Group 3 & 12: Investigation Students will carry out their planned individual investigation. They will use the most appropriate equipment and methods and control key variables. They will work safely, assessing the risks of working in the selected habitat and making adjustments if necessary. FIELD SITES: Various Choose from: Exam Skills Workshop Data Analysis & Maths Workshop Advanced Field Surveying Ecosystem Management and Conservation Practical Activity Group 11: Animal Responses Practical Activity Group 3 & 12: Planning Students will choose and plan an individual ecological investigation to carry out the following day, using the knowledge of sampling (PAG 3) and the research skills (PAG 12) they have acquired during the course. A range of habitats can be used for this investigation. FIELD SITES: Various Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for students, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and tides Note: Teachers will have the opportunity to assess students for the Practical Endorsement against Common Practical Assessment Criteria across a number of Practical Activity Groups throughout this course. The teaching days at Dale Fort can vary in start and finish times. Most of our field sites are adjacent to or within easy walking distance from the field centre. As well as reducing transport costs and travel times, this allows teachers and FSC staff to plan in some flexibility to the days to meet students needs. Normally the teaching day would run from 9am to 6.30pm. Session Three can either be an evening or late afternoon session (dependent on tides, arrival time and field trip travel time during the day). Where evening sessions are not tutor-led, directed tasks and resources are available to further extend student learning.

4 ON S TWO AND THREE PLEASE SELECT FROM THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS FOR SESSION THREE: (We can of course be flexible and re-arrange these sessions to match your own requirements): Exam Skills Workshop We recognise that students often struggle with exam questions on ecological topics. This is partly because they find it difficult to simply restate the facts they have learnt in class. Often students do not successfully transfer their knowledge of one habitat (e.g. woodland) to a question set in a different habitat. Therefore they do not score highly even though they actually understand ecology well. This workshop will help students to identify the key ecological principles and successfully apply them to questions set in a variety of different contexts. Data Analysis and Maths Workshop Maths skills now make up 10% of the total marks in Biology A-level exams. The standard sessions in the programme will include up to three statistical tests (Spearman s rank, student s t-test and chi-squared), standard deviation and some other graphical and mathematical analysis. This session is an opportunity for students to spend more time getting to grips with the basics, using real data sets to practice the techniques they find difficult. The focus can be on one of the following three areas: a) Statistics. Why is statistics important for biologists? How do you choose the right statistical test and design an investigation so that you can collect data, which can be analysed successfully? How do you interpret the results of the statistical test and link this to the hypothesis being tested? b) Data handling. In ecological investigations students can collect a large amount of data. It is important that they feel confident in identifying trends and patterns and in applying graphical and mathematical treatment to this data (e.g. mean, median, mode, standard deviation). Students will have the opportunity to practice handling real data sets relating to the habitats they are studying during the course. This will help them answer exam questions which include data handling. c) Mixture of statistics and data handling. Most suitable for more confident students who are able to work independently or in small groups. This will give practice in a number of skills. You can select in advance the areas you want to focus on. Advanced Field Surveying This is a great opportunity for students to experience an additional practical technique outside the scope of the standard course. You can choose from estimating population size using the Lincoln Index, moth trapping and identification, small mammal sampling, bat detecting and sampling and observation of marine or freshwater plankton using microscopes. Maintaining Biodiversity and Resources In this classroom based session some of the ecological, economic, social, ethical and aesthetic reasons for conserving of biological resources and for maintaining biodiversity will be considered. Some of the factors that can affect biodiversity will be explored using local case studies e.g. excess bait digging on local mud-flats and the impact of climate change on rocky shore snail species. Ecosystem Management and Conservation Dale Fort is located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The Pembrokeshire offshore island of Skomer was identified as a Marine Nature Reserve in 1990 and has just been re-designated as a Marine Conservation Zone. In this session students will use local marine examples to explore the conflicts between conservation and human needs - such as fishing. They will consider how local fish stocks might be managed in a sustainable way. They will compare the success of in-situ conservation methods such as marine conservation zones and ex-situ conservation in marine aquaria. The conservation of keystone species such as sea birds and their interdependence with other species will also be studied.

5 Practical Activity Group 6: Chromatography In this session students will carry out a chromatography investigation to separate out pigments from either the fronds of rocky shore algae or from the leaves of a terrestrial plant (collected in an earlier session). The role of accessory pigments in photosynthesis will be considered and related to adaptations to low light levels. Practical Activity Group 11: Animal Responses In this session students will investigate the behavioural responses of an invertebrate (either rocky shore snail species or terrestrial or freshwater invertebrates) to different abiotic factors such as water, light and temperature by designing simple choice experiments in the laboratory or the field. The results will be linked to the adaptations of these species to their environments discussed in previous sessions. Students will consider the safe and ethical use of organisms, ensuring optimal survival conditions are maintained before, during and after the experiments. FURTHER OPTIONS: Dale Fort Field Centre can also offer the following sessions which can be studied in addition to or instead of the above sessions: RIB Plankton sampling (half day) Students will look at different trophic levels of marine plankton, which they can collect by plankton netting from the Field Centre RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). The boat takes students for a 20 minute trip in the bay opposite the Field Centre. Students then use microscopes to examine and identify the plankton. This session complements the Biodiversity, Biomass and Trophic Levels session or could take place during the first afternoon or last morning - dependent on tides and weather. There is an additional cost of 7.00 per student. Seine Netting (half day or shorter) Students will help use a seine net to sample motile invertebrates and fish in the Gann Estuary (20 minute walk). The data collected is part of a long term monitoring programme of this important SSSI. Conservation Walk: Dale Marloes- Deer Park (whole or half day) Students will walk part of the outstanding Pembrokeshire Coast Path with spectacular views of the offshore islands of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm. They will study conservation management issues across a range of habitats including coastal meadows, marsh land and seal breeding beaches. This walk will complement the Ecosystem Management and Conservation session. Skomer Island (whole day) Students will visit this spectacular bird reserve and marine conservation zone, which can be reached by a short boat trip from Martin s Haven (10 minute car journey). They will walk around the island exploring the conservation management issues affecting sea birds, marine life and terrestrial habitats. This day trip will complement the Ecosystem Management and Conservation session. There is an additional cost of 9 per student to cover boat and landing fees. The trip is weather dependent, but a walk around the Deer Park (on the adjacent headland) can be substituted if necessary. THE FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL HAS TWO LARGE FIELD CENTRES IN PEMBROKESHIRE DALE FORT AND ORIELTON. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR COURSES AND FACILITIES VISIT OUR WEB PAGES AT: PLEASE CONTACT US ON or enquiries.df@field-studies-council.org