Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
Code ENVS157
Coordinator Prof RHW Bradshaw
Geography and Planning
Richard.Bradshaw@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2013-14 Level One Second Semester 15

Aims

Aims Using certain key themes, to introduce students to the complex and multifaceted nature of environmental issues and ecological science, particularly stressing the interrelationships between their biophysical and human dimensions.

To encourage students to manage their own learning.


Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes Students completing this module should have:

an appreciation of the complexities and multifaceted nature of environmental issues.

an understanding of land-use change, its history, the main drivers and their interactions.

an overview of natural disasters and irreversible environmental change.

an introduction to the politics of natural resources and energy.

a basic understanding of ecological principles,

an understanding of the complexities of conserving biodiversity.

an understanding of the scientific debate about evidence for global climate change, the possible socio-economic impacts of various climate change scenarios, and possible ameliorative measures.


Syllabus
1  Overview

Land-use and land-cover change on a millennial time-scale. Hunter-gatherer societies and the development of agriculture. Current issues of land-use management and future scenarios.
2 

Extinction and the biological impacts of land-use and climatic change. Best use of natural resources. Environmental policies.

3 

Species diversity and factors that control it.

4 

Succession and its relevance to conservation.

5 

Climatic change: biophysical evidence for, and explantion of, recent climate change; scenarios for the future; socioeconomic impacts of climate change; possible ameliorative measures.

6 

Energy issues, current status and policy, future scenarios. Nuclear and renewable energy options in theory and practice.

7 

Conservation issues, world-wide and national, reserve selection.

8 

Knowledge of some of the issues facing some key biotopes in the UK.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching and Learning Strategies Each theme is introduced through a series of lectures. Students will have the opportunity to engage in small group discussions to explore certain key issues raised during lectures and through the formal assessment procedures. There will be a prepared class debate on a topical subject.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 22

           22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
MCQ 60 questions  90 minutes  Semester 2  80  Yes.     
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Class test, written contribution to debate topic and group presentation    2  20  Yes.  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.   

Recommended Texts

Recommended Texts

Middleton, N. (1999) The Global Casino: An Introduction to Environmental Issues, 2nd edition, Arnold, London.

Oldfield, F. (2005) Environmental Change. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.

Lomborg, B. (2001) The Skeptical Environmentalist. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Townsend, Begon & Harper (2008). Essentials of Ecology. Blackwells, Oxford.

Pullin, A.S. (2002). Conservation Biology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.