NES8101 : Ecosystem Management
NES8101 : Ecosystem Management
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Janet Simkin
- Lecturer: Dr Helen Adamson
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
NES8104 (previously ACE8116) Forest Ecology is desirable but not essential
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module aims to teach understanding of the philosophical and ecological principles underlying the management of ecosystems, particularly for conservation purposes.
Outline Of Syllabus
Emphasis is placed on management for the conservation of biodiversity in the UK.
Part 1: Basic Principles of Ecosystem Management.
Material includes: selection and management of protected areas, managing outside of protected areas, succession, restoration ecology and invasive species management.
Part 2: Ecosystem management in semi-natural and agricultural ecosystems.
Management issues and solutions in different habitats (including agri-environment schemes).
Part 3: Emerging issues in ecosystem management.
e.g. Adapting to climate change and the impacts of nitrogen pollution.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of this module students will have an understanding of a range of ecosystems and their wildlife species, advanced knowledge the influence of environmental, management and land-use factors on ecosystems and wildlife species, and an awareness of scientific survey and experimental techniques in this field.
They will understand how scientific research and enquiry are used to develop effective management plans for species and habitats.
Intended Skill Outcomes
For the assessment students will write a realistic habitat management plan. This is a key document in the ecosystem management field and preparing it will also teach project planning and report writing skills.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 31:00 | 31:00 | Report and presentation |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Online Lecture Materials |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Research and reading |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 1 | 12:00 | 12:00 | preparation for seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | This will be taught in seminar groups |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Fieldwork activties |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Present in person sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 16:00 | 16:00 | Research and reading beyond the taught material |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Module Introduction |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures introduce basic principles and then apply these through detailed examples of ecosystem management in a range of semi natural and agricultural ecosystems. Discussion through seminars enable students to develop their awareness of how scientific research, survey and practical management approaches can be integrated.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 100 | Management plan for a conservation site. Max 2000 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 2 | M | Presentation to the class to introduce their chosen site for the management plan. Max 5 mins. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The case study (management plan) will test knowledge and understanding of conservation issues and the application of the scientific method to the solution of conservation management problems.
Informal feedback on student led presentations will support this and help students prepare the assignment.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES8101's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES8101's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.