ACE8041 : Ecosystem Management
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Janet Simkin
- Lecturer: Mrs Helen Adamson
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
This module aims to teach understanding of the philosophical and ecological principles underlying the management of ecosystems, particularly for conservation purposes. To gain an understanding of the methods used to manage habitats and the scientific tools used to assess and develop these methods and monitor their success. Increase knowledge of the basic principles of population, community and ecosystems ecology. To gain better awareness of new and emerging topics in ecosystem management, particularly the management of global environmental change. This module will give students an understanding of the issues faced by ecosystem managers and the solutions to these management problems.
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.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Non-synchronous online. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Report |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Research and reading |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | All PiP |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 1 | 12:00 | 12:00 | preparation for seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | PiP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Synchronous online. |
| 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 - PIP. |
| 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.
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 2500 words |
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 discussions.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ACE8041's Timetable