AESC30110 Diversity in the Rural Landscape

Academic Year 2022/2023

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.

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Curricular information is subject to change

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
Lectures

30
Practical

6
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

40
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 Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: End of trimester examination. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60
Assignment: Production of a plant herbarium Week 8 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40

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