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Ecosystems & Evolution 1

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Unit Summary

This first Ecosystems & Evolution unit consists of six exciting lessons that immerse students in the world of living organisms and their relationship in an ecosystem. Initially, the students will explore competition between species and learn about the concept of natural selection - and how it drives evolution - before exploring interdependent species. They will then discover the delicate balance of interdependence among various organisms within ecosystems, including the complex world of food chains and food webs. They will then investigate real-world examples of environmental disasters and their consequences for living organisms, describe factors that affect human food security and delve into the relationship between human populations and ecosystems. Finally, in Lesson 6, the students will explore the importance of maintaining biodiversity. They will discover the significance of biodiversity in supporting ecological balance and how it contributes to the resilience of ecosystems. 

By the end of the unit, the students will have developed a solid understanding of ecosystems and the intricate relationships among species. They will have honed essential skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, communication and problem-solving and will have explored all the knowledge and skills required before progressing to Ecosystems & Evolution 2. 

During this unit you will hear from the following industry experts:

         Name:                                Job Title:

1.       Andy Brass                        Professor of Bioinformatics

2.      Anneke Lucassen             Professor of Clinical Genetics

3.      Tom Reid                           Biotechnologist

4.      Piers Warren                     Conservation and Sustainability Expert

5.      Dr Ian Bedford                  Head of Entomology

6.      Luke Farnish                     Ecologist

7.      Miranda                             Genomics Practitioner

8.      Melissa McGuinness        Laboratory Support Technician

9.      Sophia Makki                    Consultant of Communicable Disease Control 

10.     Julia Culley                       Train Performance Analyst 

This unit has been written by

Dr Shannon Weldon

Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!

Maria Bateson

Maria completed her PGCE at Oxford in 2005 and taught at schools in Oxford and London before taking time out for family and travel. Maria has led INSET for teachers in Ukraine and gained her Scouting Wood Badge in Belgium. Since returning to the UK and the classroom in 2019, Maria has been awarded Chartered Science Teacher status and more recently, Lead Practitioner. She is also on the Editorial Board for School Science Review, the ASE Journal, and currently teaches at The Charter School East Dulwich as KS5 Science Lead.

Rebecca Willerton

Rebecca studied Psychology at the University of York before working in a variety of roles - in both the UK and internationally - where she assisted individuals with neurodegenerative and developmental conditions. She then completed her science teacher training with the National STEM centre, Royal Society of Chemistry and the Association for Science Education. Rebecca teaches biology and chemistry at Key Stage 4 and general science at Key Stage 3, and has also ran neuroscience and eco clubs at her school. 

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