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ENVB40360

Academic Year 2024/2025

Peatlands & Global Change (On-line) (ENVB40360)

Subject:
Environmental Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Florence Renou-Wilson
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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

About this Module

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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Fully formatted essay critically analysing a question on peatland management Week 15 Graded No
60
No
Individual Project: Presentation on a particular topic to the class. Week 12 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

• 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.