ENVB40360 Peatlands & Global Change (On-line)

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module should provide students with a comprehensive summary of peatland science. Human activity, climatic variability as well as other natural processes shape peatlands which are dynamic ecosystems, constantly evolving. From microbial diversity to entire landscape, students will develop an understanding of peatlands, especially Irish ones, but also of those around the world.
This module brings together knowledge from science, policy and practice to highlight and debate the importance of peatlands from an ecological, social and economic perspective.
Topics include:
• Natural history, biology and ecology of peatlands
• Distribution and classification of peat soils
• Peatlands and climate
• Utilization and management of peatlands
• Peatlands and people
• Current research in peatland science

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to:
- Recognise peatland types and understand their natural history (their origin and development and how they got to their current status);
- Understand processes within these ecosystems (ecology, hydrology and peat accumulation);
- Understand peatland-environment feedback, especially with regards to global climate;
- Recognise the different ecosystem services they provide and appraise the consequence of these values;
- Evaluate resource management options.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

23

Autonomous Student Learning

80

Online Learning

24

Total

127

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, videos and other online learning tests, MCQs form the bulk of the learning methods with compulsory participation on the forum to discuss articles and topics. 
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
Project: In semester project assignment on a topic Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

40

Essay: Critical essay on a given question Unspecified n/a Graded No

60


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, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.