AESC40390 Human Impact on the Environment

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module provides an overview of the key threats to the natural environment resulting from increasing human population and activity. The environment provides natural resources and key services. However, the health and resilience of natural systems is being seriously eroded by human activities and the unsustainable management of natural resources. This module provides an introduction to key, anthropogenic effects on the natural environment at both global and local scales. It is taught with a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. Students will work in groups to determine solutions to the problems posed via various assesments.
A recurring theme of the module is how each compartment of the environment is connected through abiotic and biotic processes/mechanisms. Throughout the module, consideration is given to international and national policy initiatives that seek to address the featured concerns.

Aims: To provide an overview of the key impacts of human activity on the natural environment, and on key natural processes and cycles. To extend understanding of these global issues, across multiple disciplines, and highlight impacts and policy responses at both global and local scales.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Learning Outcomes: On completion of the module, students should: (i) understand the main impacts of increasing human population and activity on the wider environment; (ii) know specific impacts on air, soil and water quality; (iii) be able to explain how unprecedented levels of biodiversity decline are linked to human activity; (iv) understand the implications of environmental impacts on food production & security; and (v) know the primary aims and focus of environmental policy in seeking to reduce these concerns.

Indicative Module Content:

Soil science; climate change; biodiversity; water resources; invasive species; policy.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

24
Specified Learning Activities

80
Total

104
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a problem-based learning module. Problems are used to guide the learning in small groups. Expert sessions are delivered by the lecturing staff that teach into this module. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Project: Assessment 3 Week 5 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

34
Group Project: Assessment 1 Week 4 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

33
Group Project: Assessment 2 Week 5 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

33

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will given in class as the lecturer facilities the problem-based learning tutorials. Post-assessment feedback will be given to the small groups.

Name Role
Dr Jan-Robert Baars Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Thomas Cummins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Barry John McMahon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Paul Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Olaf Schmidt Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Helen Sheridan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4 Fri 14:00 - 15:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Tues 09:00 - 10:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 4 Tues 09:00 - 10:50
Autumn