BS371-15 Environmental Science and Management
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 aims
By the end of the module students should be able to understand the concept of environmental degradation and global change and the role of human populations in environmental change especially climate change. They should also understand how natural processes can influence a changing climate as well as feedback loops and tipping points. They should have an understanding of the use of remote and in-situ technologies for natural resource measurement and different approaches to environmental problem solving. As part of this problem solving will include the principles and practice of conservation techniques and environmental management.
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)
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
- Critical appraisal of source material
- Self directed learning
- Adult learning
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 sessions of 1 hour (13%) |
| Private study | 130 hours (87%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
130 hrs of self-study and directed reading to prepare for the open book assessment
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Poster | 20% | 20 hours | No |
|
Group poster |
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| Open Book Assessment | 80% | 20 hours | No |
|
Final assessment for the module will be on open book assessment. This is an essay based assessment consisting of 4 questions- students need to answer 2. The essays cannot be answered using lecture notes alone- students will need to perform background research and essays will need to be fully referenced. |
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Assessment group R
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Book Assessment | 100% | No | |
|
Final assessment for the module will be on open book assessment. This is an essay based assessment consisting of 4 questions- students need to answer 2. The essays cannot be answered using lecture notes alone- students will need to perform background research and essays will need to be fully referenced. |
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Feedback on assessment
Pastoral meetings with personal tutor
Courses
This module is Core optional for:
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UIPA-C1L8 Undergraduate Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development
- Year 3 of C1L8 Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development
- Year 3 of C1LB Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development: Ecology
- Year 4 of UIPA-C1L9 Undergraduate Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development (with Intercalated Year)
This module is Optional for:
- Year 3 of UBSA-3 Undergraduate Biological Sciences
- Year 3 of ULFA-C1A1 Undergraduate Biological Sciences (MBio)
- Year 4 of ULFA-C113 Undergraduate Biological Sciences (with Placement Year)
- Year 3 of ULFA-C1A5 Undergraduate Biological Sciences with Industrial Placement (MBio)