BSc Environmental Management / Course details

Ecology is the science studying the relationship between organisms and their environment. A core aspect of ecology in the twenty-first century is the importance of biodiversity (biological diversity) and how we can conserve it for the future. However, ecology is not merely a science focused on protecting all species other than humans. The very serious environmental problems that currently face the world, and in particular the human species, can only be properly addressed by understanding the underlying principles of ecology. This includes understanding how an increasing demand for water, food, energy and chemical elements impact on natural systems, and the thresholds and tipping points that may prevent these systems from returning to their original state. Critically, we are becoming increasingly aware that many natural processes and resources, or ‘ecosystem services’, are fundamental to our current way of life. The importance of ecology means that there is a very strong jobs market for graduates with a high level of ecological knowledge. This knowledge must cover both the theoretical and applied aspects of the science, including a wide range of field skills. This course unit therefore aims to introduce many of the key theoretical concepts in ecology and the allied discipline of nature conservation. At the same time it has a very applied focus, developing students knowledge and application of field skills, in line with standards set out by professional bodies such  as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

This course unit supports students with developing a range of skills that they can draw on in other course units during the first year – and subsequent years – of their degree programme. In particular it introduces a number of the core survey skills that the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) has identified as important for graduates of environmental management. The specific skills that students gain relate to taxonomy, the design and implementation of site surveys, species identification, analytical skills, synthesis of data, report writing and team working.  All of these skills are also important for a range of careers in environmental professions.

Students should be able to: 
 

This course unit uses a ‘flipped classroom’ approach of ‘asynchronous’ lectures (workbooks with a variety of interactive learning content) followed by weekly face-to-face workshops and five half-day field visits. The pedagogical purpose of this teaching style is to provide an optimal blend of interactive and practical teaching alongside student-led learning, where students can assimilate lecture material at their own pace and at their own convenience

• Name, classify and compare global biomes, ecosystems and some European habitat types 
• List human impacts on biodiversity and describe the implications for both nature and people
• Explain the changes that have occurred in the global conservation movement

• Synthesise and analyse secondary data and information  on the ecology and conservation of one taxonomic group
• Evaluate and compare different policy and practice approaches to conserving and managing biodiversity

• Interpret and analyse data and maps on ecology, biodiversity and conservation
• Identify and apply appropriate techniques for assessing and calculating biodiversity 

• Recall appropriate digital tools that can be used to help with the collection and analysis of ecological data      
• Collate and present information in a professional format 

Feedback will be provided through formal feedback for assessed work and through verbal feedback during the workshop sessions each week as well as through VLE. 

Part A: Introduction to Ecology and Conservation 
Barrow, C. (1999) Environmental Management: Principles and Practice, Routledge, London 
Hambler, C. and Canney, S.M. (2013) Conservation, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 
Kneale, P.E. (2019) Study Skills for Geography, Earth and Environmental Science Students (4th edition), Hodder Education, London.
O’Riordan, T. (2000) Environmental Science for Environmental Management (2nd edition), Prentice Hall, Harlow.

Morin, P.J. (2011) Community Ecology, 2nd Edition. Wiley & Sons, Chichester. 

Wheater, C.P., Bell, J.R. and Cook, P. (2011) Practical Field Ecology: A Project Guide. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester.

Part B: Ecology and Conservation of Semi-Natural Ecosystems
UKNEA (2011) UK National Ecosystem Assessment: Technical Report, UNEP, Cambridge.
Usher, M.B. (2007) Conserving European Biodiversity in the context of Climate Change Nature and Environment No. 149, Council of Europe Publishing.
Sutherland, W.J., Dicks, L.V., Ockendon, N. and Smith, R.K. (2017) What Works in Conservation: 2017, Open Book, Cambridge.

Part C: Ecology & Conservation in Agricultural Ecosystems
Dent, D. and Boicean, B. (2021) Regenerative Agriculture: What’s Missing? What do we still need to know? Springer International Publishing, Cham, Switzerland.
Gepts, P., Famula, T.R., Bettinger, R.L., Brush, S.B., Damania, A.B., Mcguire, P.E. and Qualset, C.O. (2012) Biodiversity in Agriculture : Domestication, Evolution, and Sustainability, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Tivy, J. (1990) Agricultural Ecology Longman Scientific & Technical, Harlow. 
Williamson, T. (2013) An Environmental History of Wildlife in England: 1650-1950. Bloomsbury, London.

Part D: Ecology and Conservation in Urban Ecosystems
Adams, C.E. and Lindsey, K.J. (2006) Urban Wildlife Management. Taylor and Francis Group, New York
Benedict, M.A. and McMahon, E.T. (2006) Green Infrastructure; Linking landscapes and communities. Island Press, Washington.
Francis, R.A. and Chadwick, M.A. (2013) Urban Ecosystems: understanding the humans environment. Routledge, Oxon.
Gaston, K.J. (Ed) (2010) Urban Ecology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Popular Science Reading:

Monbiot, G. (2013) Feral: Rewilding the land, sea and human life. Penguin Books, London.

Kolbert, E. (2014) Sixth Extinction: An unnatural history. Bloomsbury, London.

Rebank, J. (2020) English Pastoral: An inheritance. Penguin Books, London.

Thomas, C.D. (2018) Inheritors of the Earth: How nature is thriving in an age of extinction. Penguin Books, London