ENVB40130 Global Change Ecology

Academic Year 2023/2024

Humans have modified the environment to the extent that it is currently suggested that we have entered a new geological epoch, where human activities are the main driving force of the dynamics of the Earth system (the Anthropocene). This module will review how humans have interacted with the environment since our evolution. We will explore 1) how we rely on and value the environment 2) why the impact of human intervention is hard to anticipate 3) what methods are used to describe global change dynamics. While learning the underlying scientific principles on how environmental issues arise is the main focus of the module, the societal debate on how to address environmental issues will also be highlighted in the module and reflection on these initiatives will be required by students.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module you will be able to:
- Explain how humans drive biodiversity loss;
- Understand how the value we place on ecosystems influences our actions;
- Explain the importance of data and models when it comes to measuring global change;
- Describe the methods used to understand global change dynamics in the past, present and future.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Computer Aided Lab

4
Field Trip/External Visits

5
Autonomous Student Learning

106
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Face-to-face lectures
Problem based learning
Critical writing
Field trip 
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: Model use and evaluation Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Examination: Students will receive a batch of questions - a subset of which will be taken for the in class exam. There are essay type responses to these questions. Week 10 No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

70
Continuous Assessment: Students will post short form responses to questions posed on each lecture. Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

10

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

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Bradshaw & Sykes (2014) Ecosystem Dynamics: From the Past to the Future 1st Edition
Name Role
Dr Jan-Robert Baars Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Florence Renou-Wilson 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) - 6 Fri 11:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 6 Fri 14:00 - 15:50
Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 5 Fri 14:00 - 17:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 5 Mon 09:00 - 09:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 6, 7, 8 Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 6, 7 Wed 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn