Introductory description

The module gives students with a predominantly cell and molecular biology background the opportunity to gain a scientific and interdisciplinary perspective of the earth, changes to its climate and environment and species responses to disturbances. The specific aims of the module are to examine major environmental issues and possible solutions to some of them, to translate into reality the ideas and theory and concepts learned through assessing and considering data and environmental states across the world.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The following topics will be included
Natural events and processes
Space time interactions
Biodiversity
Environmental disturbance
Global change
Rapid field assessment and Monitoring systems
Case studies (these will be changed annually to match recent well-publicised events).
Conservation and Protected areas

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the concept of environmental degradation and global change.
• Understand the role of human populations in environmental change especially climate change.
• Understand the use of remote and in-situ technologies for natural resource measurement
• Understand the principles and practice of conservation techniques including the use of protected areas
• Understand different approaches to environmental problem solving.

Indicative reading list

Environmental Management Barrow CG (1999)
Climate Change 2001: Synthesis Report. IPCC (2001)
Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections and Solutions Miller GT (2004)

More use will be expected of current primary literature.

Subject specific skills

a. Demonstrate clear understanding of the scientific topic

b. Contain evidence of extended reading and lateral integration of material not covered in the lectures

c. Demonstrate independent thought and deep understanding

d. Specifically answer the set question using information from multiple lectures and sources

e. Be structured and formatted in a way that demonstrates understanding and logical flow

f. Use multiple sources to construct complex scientific arguments and integrating these to build and develop the student's own scientific conclusions.

Transferable skills

1. Critical appraisal of source material
2. Self directed learning
3. Adult learning