AESC40440 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Academic Year 2023/2024

In this module the significance of biodiversity in facilitating ecosystem services will be explored in detail, with particular empahsis on those services that underpin agricultural production systems e.g. soil formation, structure and fertility, crop productivity and natural control of pest populations. The causes of biodiversity loss will be examined and the potential consequences, particularly for human welfare, of this decline discussed. It will explore the failures of current agricultural practices to fully exploit the ecological and production advantages of more diverse systems. Participants will also be introduced to the objectives and findings of key research programmes and policy initiatives in this area.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Understand the ecological significance of biodiversity and the causes of global biodiversity loss.
2. Appreciate the necessity for biodiversity conservation, particularly in relation to agricultural production systems.
3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the key challenges associated with biodiversity conservation both at gobal and national scales.
4. Explain the principles of management strategies that can help restore the benefits of biodiversity within agro-ecosystems, particularly in relation to improvement of soil functions, crop production and pest management.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

102
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be taught through a series of lectures plus some seminars. 
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
Essay: Essay on specified topic Week 8 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60
Class Test: Class test - short questions Week 4 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

• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Finbarr Horgan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Olaf Schmidt Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Brian Tobin 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) - 1, 2, 3, 4 Mon 11:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4 Wed 12:00 - 13:50
Autumn