Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Foundation concepts required to understand the material in Current Research in Ecology are introduced in NES1302 Ecology and Conservation and NES2305 Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), this module will cover how advances in ecological theory can be used to address global challenges, in particular SDG 2 Zero Hunger; 13 Climate Action; 14 Life Below Water; and 15 Life on Land. The module will consist of contemporary topics in a range of biomes, each taught by experts intimately involved with the research developments being discussed. A central focus is the application of ecology to real-world problems, drawing on international examples as well as in Newcastle and the wider region, and the importance of effectively communicating scientific knowledge into clear guidelines that can be used by policy-makers, natural resource managers and/or the general public.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lectures will be based on up to four of the following topics in ecology, based on expertise of the teaching team including (but not limited to):
• Management of pest and beneficial species in agro-ecosystems
• Marine resource management
• Upland ecology
• Rewilding
• Afforestation and woodland management
• Efficacy and biosafety of GM crops
• Application of network ecology for restoration
• Evidence synthesis
• Biodiversity in agro-ecosystems: multifunctional land-use in farmed landscapes
• Coral reef restoration
A unifying theme is how to effectively communicate at the science-policy interface.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will develop an appreciation of key topics of current ecological research together with a recognition of the skills required to pursue this research and present its conclusions. Students will learn both ecological theory and examples of its application for best management and restoration of individuals, communities and ecosystems. Lectures and site visits will include case studies to demonstrate the application of ecological theory in practical contexts. Students will participate in a real-world role play exercise, and learn the skills needed to communicate scientific findings to policy makers.

Intended Skill Outcomes

To complete the module successfully students will need to demonstrate the ability to:
• Understand ecological theories that underpin applied ecology
• Apply those theories to real-world situations
• Identify knowledge gaps through critical analysis of contemporary scientific literature
• Communicate both in writing and verbally the application of ecological theory to non-specialists

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will include case studies to demonstrate the application of ecological theory in practical contexts. Students will choose one of the topics for further investigation as part of a small-group field trip, use what they have learned for a guided roleplay exercise focussed on ecological practice relevant to that topic (part of the Policy or Management Brief assessment), and learn the skills needed to communicate scientific findings to policy makers.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Both assessment methods will give students an opportunity to demonstrate that they have a thorough understanding of both underlying ecological theory, and how this can be applied to real-world situations and broader areas of the module content. Students will be expected to integrate material from multiple lectures, a fieldtrip, a roleplay exercise plus additional study, in order to answer the questions effectively.

The Policy Brief will assess students’ abilities to communicate often complex ecological concepts in clear, concise yet precise language, suitable for non-scientists to understand and make informed decisions.

The Critique of a choice of key papers appropriate to the topics covered will assess the students’ abilities to both describe contemporary ecological theory and evaluate its effectiveness in addressing an applied ecological problem. It will allow the assessment of students’ ability to critically evaluate methodology, types of analysis, scientific limitations and suggested improvements and identify knowledge gaps and future research questions.

General Notes

N/A