LARC40550 Building Biodiversity: nature as Builder

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module explores notions of biodiversity from scientific, philosophical and artistic viewpoints.

Through reading and discussion, this class delves into concepts such as the Anthropocene, deep ecology, the critical zone of life, ecosystems, habitats and biodiversity... seeking better understanding and representation of the natural activities that take place all around us, so often unseen, or unnoticed or misunderstood. We're interested in the wild creatures that share their life spaces with us, adapting and transforming them, creating, maintaining and enriching biodiversity, often to our benefit. How can we better adapt to their needs? What do we need to know?

Whilst some of our discussion is philosophical, and some scientific, the module is taught in the hope that being touched by the "magic of nature" could cause us to radically change our approach to conservation, design and management.

A field trip takes place in April. 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 understanding of

- aspects of biodiversity, of the animals in our lifespaces and of human-animal ecosystems
- theories, philosophies and strategies that might help restore or regenerate biodiversity in our life-spaces
- the causes of the biodiversity crisis, in Ireland and elsewhere

I hope that increased awareness of biodiversity, and the crisis that we're in, will help inspire you to invent future solutions, no matter your discipline.

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.