ENVB40130 Global Change Ecology

Academic Year 2024/2025

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.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

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
Autonomous Student Learning

106
Lectures

10
Computer Aided Lab

4
Field Trip/External Visits

5
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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered

Not yet recorded.

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