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AESC30110

Academic Year 2024/2025

Diversity in the Rural Landscape (AESC30110)

Subject:
Agricultural&Environmental Sci
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Helen Sheridan
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In this module the student is introduced to the range of components of natural heritage which occur within the landscape. Some attention is also devoted to components of cultural heritage. Concepts and methods for the evaluation of natural heritage, together with an overview of important concepts in Landscape Ecology are provided. The major habitats of significance in the Irish rural landscape are reviewed and management options for their ongoing conservation discussed. Students are introduced to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and its use in habitat mapping and quantification. This module will be delivered through a series of lectures and campus field trips.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1) Identify the main components of natural heritage present in the rural landscape.
2) Evaluate management options for a range of habitats within the landscape.
3) Be familiar with the standardised guide to habitat classification in Ireland and understand the processes involved in undertaking a habitat survey and presenting the results of such a survey using GIS techniques.
4) Demonstrate a basic level of skill in terms of plant identification.

Indicative Module Content:

Key topics that will be covered within this module:
Formation, conservation status and management of a range of habitat types in the farmed landscape
Plant growth strategies
Biogeography
Basic GIS
Basic plant identification skills

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

30

Autonomous Student Learning

40

Lectures

30

Practical

6

Total

106


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through a series lectures and outdoor on-campus practical classes / field trips.

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
Exam (In-person): End of trimester (RDS scheduled) examination End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Graded No
60
No
Individual Project: Plant herbarium. Week 10 Graded No
40
No

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?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
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) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 12:00 - 13:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 10:00 - 10:50