Module description
Human activity has vastly influenced the nature of the planet we occupy and as our population expands rapidly so too does the potential impact of this influence. Concern over the capacity of the planet to sustain continued population growth has resulted in an increase in international co-operation, conferences and agreements. The action required to implement these agreements will often take place at the local level and may often involve, directly or indirectly the countryside manager. This module is intended to give the student an understanding of the major environmental issues, their causes and potential effects. The module will evaluate the biological effects of environmental pollutants at the local level, and describe and assess pollution management and control measures.

Outcomes
Outcome 1

Demonstrate an understanding of the key issues resulting from human population growth.

Performance criteria:
a. Factors responsible for population growth and the associated problems of population control are identified.
b. The implications of population growth for food supply and demand are appreciated.
c. The implications of population growth for energy production and consumption are appreciated.

Ranges:
Population growth and control:- factors to include agricultural, technological, medical, economic, religious.
Food and agriculture:- grain, meat, fish.
Energy:- fossil fuels, nuclear, renewable sources

Outcome 2

Appreciate the global impact of human activity on other species.

Performance criteria:
a. The impact of human activity on major ecosystems is assessed.
b. The impact of humans on other species is assessed.

Ranges:
Ecosystems to include several from:- tropical and temperate forests; grasslands; arid zones; wetlands; marine and coastal.
Impacts on other species to include:- contraction, expansion, decline, extinction.

Outcome 3

Understand the impact of human activity on major natural systems.

Performance criteria:
a. The human impacts on soils and water supply are assessed.
b. Evidence for and the possible effects of, human activity on global atmosphere and climate are discussed.
c. Potential impacts of climate change are assessed.

Ranges:
Soils:- salinization, laterization, acidification, erosion.
Water:- domestic and industrial use, drainage, irrigation.
Atmosphere and climate:- ozone depletion, global warming.
Effects of climate change:- sea level rise, climate belts, ecosystems

Outcome 4

Demonstrate an understanding of the extent and biological effects of water/land pollutants in different ecosystems.

Performance criteria:
a. The extent and biotic effects of inorganic and organic pollutants are described.
b. The use of biological indicators is understood.
c. The extent and effects of domestic and industrial leachates from contaminated land are appreciated.
d. The extent and effects of thermal pollution and turbidity are appreciated.

Ranges:
Inorganic pollutants:- fertiliser, oesticides, heavy metals, radiation.
Organic pollutants, several from:- oil, sewage, slurry, silage effluent, food processing wastes, industrial wastes.
Biological indicators:- invertebrates, lichens.
Leachates from contaminated land, several from:- mining, domestic refuse landfill, reclaimed land, industrial sites.

Outcome 5

Appreciate the types of pollution control measures and methods of waste management.

Performance criteria:
a. The use of positive economic incentives, advisory measures and UK legislation for pollution control are appreciated.
b. The methods available for treatment of organic wastes are described.
c. The types of pollution control measures available are described.
d. International pollution control agreements and their implementation are appreciated.