LARC40550 Building Biodiversity: nature as Builder

Academic Year 2021/2022

*** Not available in the academic year indicated above ***

This module explores notions of biodiversity and ways to build biodiversity. It explores the roles of living creatures, including humans, in creating and maintaining natural habitats but explores in particular how animal species transform their environments and enrich biodiversity, often to the benefit of humans. Through reading and discussion, this class delves into concepts such as the Anthropocene, ecosystems, habitats, biodiversity, ecology... seeking better understanding and representation of natural activities that take place all around us, often unseen, unnoticed or misunderstood. Whilst some of this discussion is philosophical, the module is taught in the hope that recognizing the "magic of nature" could cause us to radically change our approach to conservation, land and water management and design.

This module was not planned with covid restrictions in mind and as a result field trips may take place in the Easter break. The module will be taught as a blended module, with most sessions face to face. Class content, assessment timing and field trips will be discussed and agreed in the first class.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Students will have a better grasp of

- aspects of biodiversity
- nature-led (including animal-led) solutions that can help mitigate against the effects of climate change - such as flooding, coastal erosion, biodiversity collapse etc
- the potential of natural habitats to rehabilitate themselves, to increase carbon storage and improve biodiversity, in landscapes, woodlands and wetlands
- the role of native woody habitats (native trees and woodlands) in mitigating against biodiversity collapse
- the need for improved understanding of human animal relationships in contemporary Ireland (and the rest of the world)

Indicative Module Content:

Content will be developed with students as the module progresses

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

18
Specified Learning Activities

36
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

114
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This seminar-based module will be taught through reading, reflection, discussion, debate and invited lecture. We expect to build field trips into the programme. 
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
Assignment: Essay or case study report Unspecified n/a Graded No

60
Assignment: Poster Unspecified n/a Graded No

40

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.