Landscape Ecology: A spatial-ecological approach

This unit introduces the theory, concepts and application of landscape ecology focusing on developing a deep understanding of the relationship between pattern and process for an ecological understanding of landscapes.

Students will be introduced to the core ideas in the discipline of landscape ecology. By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of theoretical foundations, have gained hands-on experience of landscape assessment and modelling methods, and acquired skills in statistical techniques employed in landscape ecology. Students will also have a firm grasp of social-ecological systems and the policy landscape influencing biodiversity science and restoration. 
 

Introduce students to the theory and practice of landscape ecology  

Equip students with the knowledge and skills to apply ecological concepts to landscape-scale problems, to critically assess methods and theoretical positions in landscape ecological analysis, and to communicate results to academic and non-academic audiences.  

Typical syllabus (indicative curriculum content):

W1.       Landscape Ecology: Introduction to the Pattern-Process Paradigm

W2.       Landscape Representation    

W3.       Landscape Models: Matrix, Mosaics and Metrics  

W4.       Species-environment responses  

W5.       Field visit - Bikershaw Nature Recovery landscape

W6.       Study Week

W7.       Landscape Heterogeneity

W8.       Landscape Connectivity and the fragmentation-biodiversity debate

W9.      Restoration and Community Ecology

W10.     Statistical Ecology

W11.     Urban Ecology and Social-ecological systems

W12.    Field visit – Landscapes for Water     

The module will be delivered through eight two-hour lectures, four one-hour computer practicals and two five-hour field trips. The fieldtrips are day trips within easy reach of Manchester and will require coach travel to the field site and back.  

All materials will be delivered synchronously but with asynchronous access to materials and practical instructions.  

Links to all resources are made available through the course Canvas page. 

• 
  Describe and explain the fundamental principles and theory supporting a landscape-oriented view of ecology.
• Recognise the application and influence of landscape ecology principles in conservation, restoration and land management policy and practice.

• Describe, synthesise and critically assess a range of theoretical positions and debates in landscape ecology.
• Demonstrate the application of key areas of landscape ecology theory to ecological problems in the context of the current biodiversity crisis.

• Perform statistical analysis on ecological datasets including spatial, regression-based and ordination analysis.
• Create landscape models and carry out spatial data analysis.

• Communicate the science of landscape ecology in clear language to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Apply problem-oriented thinking and data handling and analysis, to write accurate, focused and well-informed technical reports.  

Formative Assessment Task:

2 x online interactive quizzes (through Canvas VLE with automatic marking and links to additional resources)

10 minutes per quiz

Feedback: Automated through online software

Summative Assessment Task:

[A1] Essay on the fundamental principles of landscape ecology in the context of the broader fields of ecology, geography and environmental science  

Written essay (2000)

Written feedback through Canvas, 15 working days after submission.

Weighting: 40%

[A2] Student-led project on one of the real-world landscapes visited on the course. This will be based on an assessment of biodiversity status, ecological connectivity and restoration potential *

Report format, with statistical analysis deliverables (2000 words document)

Written feedback through Canvas, 15 working days after submission.

Weighting: 60%

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Dennis, M. and Huck, J.J., 2025. The Continuity‐Contiguity Problem in Fragmentation‐Biodiversity Research. Journal of Biogeography, 52(4), p.e15077.

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Wu, J., Buyantuev, A., Fernandez, I., Gilman, J., Jenerette, G.D. and Wang, X., 2024. Forty milestones in landscape ecology: commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Allerton Park workshop. Landscape Ecology, 39(12), p.216.

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