Dr Wendy Harris

• Untitled (current)

  PhD

  Other supervisor: Prof James Bull

• Scents and sensibilities: Do grass snakes alter predation response in the face of conspecific defensive musk? (current)

  MRes

  Other supervisor: Dr Kevin Arbuckle

• The role of spatial scale in structuring peat bog invertebrate communities (current)

  MRes

  Other supervisor: Prof James Bull

• Do predators perceive eyespots as eyes? (awarded 2024)

  MRes

  Other supervisor: Dr William Allen

  Other supervisor: Dr Miguel Lurgi Rivera

• Does patch quality or network connectivity drive insect community dynamics: A case study on Thistles (Cirsium arvense) (current)

  MRes

  Other supervisor: Prof James Bull

• Livestock grazing impacts bee (Apoidea) pollination networks in saltmarshes of South Wales (current)

  MRes

  Other supervisor: Prof James Bull

  Other supervisor: Prof James Bull

• Untitled (current)

  MSc

  Other supervisor: Prof Richard Johnston

• BIO018 Biology A' Level and Transition to University

  This course is designed for Biology students transitioning from A' Level to Higher Education, and will guide students through a series of tailored modules built around the WJEC Biology A' Level specifications. Each module covers information from across the curriculum, helping to link key biological concepts and build from core knowledge to more complex applications. The learning activities will consist of a short (10 ¿ 20 minutes) recorded or annotated lecture that will include self-assessment of understanding by a short quiz consisting of multiple-choice questions. Further on-line materials will be provided to assist students with learning independently. Personal support will be available through online tutor meetings at arranged time.

• BIO019 Techniques in Ecology and Biogeography

  This module builds on the principles of ecology and biogeography, incorporating appropriate terminology and techniques required for field work. You will learn about the major biomes and their characteristics, and the techniques to survey the plants and animals within them. Alongside these topics, you will develop key skills to support you working safely and competently in the field, and the knowledge to plan and carry out robust surveys.

• BIO230 Entomology

  Insects are arguably one of the most successful groups of organisms on the planet, and represent up to 90% of multicellular life. This course aims to encourage an understanding and appreciation for the adaptations and diversity of insect life, as well as emphasising the ecological and economic importance of this fascinating group. Lectures will aim to provide a broad understanding of the physiology and anatomy of insects, as well as aspects of their behaviour and ecology. Practical sessions will support the information provided in lectures, and provide opportunities to improve transferable skills. Topics covered are: Insects classification and taxonomy; insect anatomy, focussing on key adaptations of insects to life histories and features contributing to the success of this group; insect physiology, including the digestive, reproductive, nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems; insect senses and communication; the role of the cuticle and ecdysis; insect-plant interactions; insect defences, including the immune system; beneficial insects, including the role of insects as pollinators, in medicine, and in forensic science. Lectures are complemented by two practical sessions that include a demonstration of the insect orders to support lecture material, including examples of key groups and an introduction to identification; and further development of taxonomic skills to enhance field study..

• BIO253 Introduction to field zoology

  Delivery of both teaching and assessment will be blended including live and self-directed activities online and on-campus. This is a level 2 Biosciences module which is compulsory for zoology students and will be held from 2nd - 6th September 2024. Not available to Visiting - Exchange students.

• BIO331 Professional skills in conservation

  This field based module will introduce students to the professional techniques utilised to monitor and study animals and plants in a variety of terrestrial habitat types and in relation to conservation management and biodiversity monitoring in the United Kingdom. The course places a strong emphasis on ecological census techniques and basic classification and taxonomy. Students will develop key techniques relevant to the environmental sector including Protected Species (specifically birds, amphibians, mammals, reptiles and plants), River and Phase 1 habitat surveys and Environmental Impact Assessment. Students will also learn about the biotic and abiotic factors that define different UK habitats and be introduced to the natural history of Wales. A focus is on developing key transferable skills that enhance employability such as problem solving, data analysis, report writing, evaluation, communication and teamwork.This module is therefore suitable for students wishing to pursue a career in ecological consultancy or conservation.

• BIO347 Tropical Ecology and Conservation - Borneo Field Trip

  Borneo is a hot spot for biodiversity both in regards to terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This module is a residential field course which will explore ecological and conservation principles in tropical rainforests and marine ecosystems.

• BIOM32 Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management

  In this module, the students will learn to identify and understand the diversity and contrasting characteristics of terrestrial ecosystems with an emphasis on the origin and effects of various human-induced environmental impacts.

• GEC365 Cyfathrebu Gwyddoniaeth

  Science communication is a key skill for scientists. Developing these skills allows students to really digest complicated, often abstract theories ideas and find ways to successfully presenting them to non experts. This improves student¿s own understanding as well as equipping them for the much wider world of science and business. Students will learn how to communicate complex science concepts to different audiences using a variety of techniques. Each session of the course will focus onto different modes of communication and will include theoretical and practical components.

• GEC366 Cyfathrebu Gwyddoniaeth (GEC365) Lleoliad

  Partnered with BIO351 Science Communication module, this placement-based module allows students to undertake a communications-based placement to gain real-world experience of scientific communication.

• GEG365 Science Communication

  Science communication is a key skill for scientists. Developing these skills allows students to really digest complicated, often abstract theories ideas and find ways to successfully presenting them to non experts. This improves student¿s own understanding as well as equipping them for the much wider world of science and business. Students will learn how to communicate complex science concepts to different audiences using a variety of techniques. Each session of the course will focus onto different modes of communication and will include theoretical and practical components.

• GEG366 Science Communication (GEG365) Placement

  Partnered with GEG365 Science Communication module, this placement-based module allows students to undertake a communications-based placement to gain real-world experience of scientific communication.

• PH-217 Science Communication

  Science communication is a key skill for scientists. Developing these skills allows students to really digest complicated, often abstract theories ideas and find ways to successfully presenting them to non experts. This improves student¿s own understanding as well as equipping them for the much wider world of science and business. Students will learn how to communicate complex science concepts to different audiences using a variety of techniques. Each session of the course will focus onto different modes of communication and will include theoretical and practical components.

Swansea Science Festival:

2019 ‘The Science Behind the Sunflowers’ – showcasing our current collaboration with the National Trust at Gower, investigating the increase in biodiversity of insects as a result of sustainable farming approaches.

2018 ‘Insect communication and violence’ – using live exhibits and interactive games to show how insects communicate using colour, light and chemicals

2017 ‘Insect Roadshow’ – Highlighting the roles insects play in our everyday life

Super Science Saturday / Sunday:

2019 ‘CSI – Crime Scene Insects’ - Describing the ways insects are used in forensic science, and helping visitors solve a ‘murder’!

2018 ‘Love then, hate them, can’t live without them’ – Exploring the value of insects for our economy, health and everyday lives.

Soapbox Science:

2018 ‘Insects: Love them, hate them, can’t live without them’ – Spotlighting the abundance and diversity of insects, the extraordinary ways they communicate, their evolution and astonishing adaptations.

School Outreach:

Parklands Primary School 2017: The first insect roadshow taken to over 200 pupils across four year groups from local primary school.

Discovery SVS 2018: Showcased Insect Roadshow for community event for local school organised by university volunteer group.

Science taster sessions and Girls Science Club, 2018 – 2019: Organised informative and interactive sessions, and practical outdoor activities for HEFCW-funded college visits, Girls’ Science club and additional school visits organised by Reaching Wider.

• Co-investigator UKRI Public Engagement Citizen and Community Science with Oriel Science 2021

  , with Professor Chris Alton (PI) Professor Mary Gagen, Dr William Bryan, Dr Ceryn Evans (Co-I)

• Welsh Government Resilient Ecosystems Fund: Understanding fungal-plant interactions to maintain diversity and ecosystem functioning in the coastal sand dune ecosystem 2014

  , with Professor Daniel Eastwood, £30, 320

• Programme Approval Committee member, Swansea University

  2019 - Present

• Athena SWAN College of Science Self Assessment Team member, Swansea University

  2013 - 2015

• Athena SWAN Biosciences Self Assessment Team member, Swansea University

  2015 - Present

• Programme Director, Swansea University

  2018 - Present

• Working Group for Student Experience , Environment Platform Wales

  2020 - Present