BIOL6010 Applied Ecology

Module Overview

This module in applied ecology focuses on major topical issues of the day (e.g. GM crops, Food security, Ecosystem services). The major part of the module is concerned with management of land, especially in relation to food production. There is particular emphasis on sustainable intensification of agriculture and how best to use the ideas from ecosystem services to manage land for multiple users. This section concludes with an extended series of lectures, debates and videos addressing the potential risks and benefits associated with genetically modified organisms. The remainder of the module examines issues such as the ecological consequences of overfishing and the emerging ideas of land sharing versus land sparing for biodiversity and food security. This module is particular relevant to those students interested in applied ecological and environmental issues, and to those interested in some of the conflicts between science and society.

Aims and Objectives

Module Aims

1. To extend the knowledge of ecology and population biology taught in first, second and third year modules to cover the application of these disciplines to solving ecological problems, such as managing pests or genetically modified organisms and the problems associated with climate change. 2. To provide a coherent summary of the issues relating to managing land for food security 3. To examine the use of ecosystem services and toolkits for managing land for multiple users. 4. To examine the ecological impacts of managing ocean fisheries 5. To provide examples of the applications of theoretical ecology to topical ecological issues 6. To provide a summary of factors influencing how the land is managed, especially in terms of food production

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Describe the major issues relating to land use management for multiple ecosystem services.
Give a reasoned argument for or against genetically modified organisms.
Understand issues relating to land and ocean management in terms of sustainable food production

Syllabus

A module in applied ecology, focusing on major topical issues of the day (e.g. GM crops, Food security, Ecosystem services). The major part of the module is concerned with management of land, especially in relation to food production. There is particular emphasis on sustainable intensification of agriculture and how best to use the ideas from ecosystem services to manage land for multiple users. This section concludes with an extended series of lectures, debates and videos addressing the potential risks and benefits associated with genetically modified organisms. The remainder of the module examines issues such as the ecological consequences of overfishing and the emerging ideas of land sharing versus land sparing for biodiversity and food security. This module is particular relevant to those students interested in applied ecological and environmental issues, and to those interested in some of the conflicts between science and society. The module is supported by seminars on related topics of interest, some of which will be given by outside speakers and by researchers talking about their areas of particular expertise. Method of assessment: Examination and coursework

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, seminars, Debates, videos with guest speakers and independent study.

Type	Hours
Lecture	16
Seminar	2
Independent Study	128
Demonstration	2
Tutorial	2
Total study time	150

Assessment

Assessment Strategy

Method of assessment: Examination and coursework

Summative

Method	Percentage contribution
Essay	25%
Written exam (2 hours)	75%

Referral

Method	Percentage contribution
Essay	25%
Written exam (2 hours)	75%