Research paper on student-selected 'hot topic' (2000 words)
80%
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Through the lecture series a knowledge base will be provided, students will then use this base to research a topic of their choice from the lectures. Such a case study approach provides problem centred and solution based learning.
Students are expected to:
Identify critical management issues and assess the importance of new developments to the field of environmetnal management.
Illustrate their understanding of environmental responsibility in the identification of natural or man-made problems.
Deliver practical solutions to improve or conserve environments with a high natural resource value.
Brief description
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the major themes and complexities involved in effective environmental management. Consideration is given to past, current and future problems and the range of approaches and technologies available to provide solutions to such problems. The issues and developments addressed in environmental management will include conservation, biodiversity and sustainability. Consideration is also given to how advances in technology can be incorporated in management practices. Through 20 problem-centred research lectures, a comprehensive knowledge base and research platform will be developed, which will then be used to pursue and synthesise information in the chosen pathway. The module covers a braod range of isses and developments in coastal, aquatic, estuarine and terrestial ecosystems. Using 'hot topic' examples from these ecosystems, the effects of pollution, climate change, natural resource exploitation, rehabilitation and new technologies on managing the environment will be explored. Aproaches will range from applications of Molecular Biology in managing the environment to key issues of Conservation and Sustainable Environmental Management.