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  6. EK5506: Ecology and Society

EK5506: ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:37


Course Overview

·        Six themes that reflect current theory and practice in the interface between ecology and society; these are explored through structured in-class activities that challenge you to consider problems and evidence from different perspectives.

·        Guest lecturers from anthropology, human geography and philosophy increase your capacity for self-reflection and awareness of ethical and moral issues embedded in problems that are often framed as ecological.

·        Four short discussion essays are required; you will get detailed feedback for improving your writing skills.

·        Weekly student-led discussions allow you to develop your capacity for attentive exchange, informed argument and reasoning, and skills in facilitating discussion.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Michelle Pinard

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • One of MSc People and Environment (Studied) or MRes Ecology & Environmental Sustainability (Studied) or MRes Applied Marine and Fisheries Ecology (Studied) or MSc Ecology & Environmental Sustainability (Studied) or MSc Applied Marine and Fisheries Ecology (Studied) or MSc Forestry (Taught) (Studied) or MSci Biological Sciences (Studied)
  • Either Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied) or BI4015 Grant Proposal (Passed)
  • Either Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied) or MSci Biological Sciences (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The aim of this module is to examine aspects of interface of ecology and society and to explore aspects of environmental sustainability.   In the course we will examine these questions:

1) Given how our world is changing, do we need to change how we do science? ; 2) How does science influence policy? How do we consider the impact of research?; 3) What are the challenges and opportunities for interdisciplinary work?; 4) What characterises resilient, flexible and adaptable socio-ecological systems and what are the messages for ecologists?; 5) How and why is the public being encouraged to participate in science?; 6) What is good practice in relation to communicating science to the public?.

In the course students will:

  • Engage with scholars in anthropology, philosophy, environmental economics and human geography and reflect on the role of epistemology in problem definition and interpretation;
  • Develop communication skills relevant for facilitating discussions, engaging with the public and writing focused, concise essays;
  • Interpret and analyse scientific publications and position papers and develop focused and critical discussion essays;
  • Develop knowledge and understanding related to the key themes addressed during the course and increased their awareness and appreciation of the ethical and moral issues embedded in conservation, sustainable development and environmental management; 
  • Develop their skills in facilitating group discussions, dealing flexibly with new situations, and becoming adept at taking different perspectives;
  • Develop their capacity for attentive exchange, informed argument and reasoning and the ability to express their ideas concisely;
  • Develop their skills in interpreting complex ideas and in writing creatively, concisely and critically;
  • Develop their willingness to question accepted wisdom and their capacity for self-reflection and an enhanced awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses;

Associated Costs

None

Further Information & Notes

Four short discussion essays are required; you will get detailed feedback for improving your writing skills. 

  • Weekly student-led discussions allow you to develop your capacity for attentive exchange, informed argument and reasoning, and skills in facilitating discussion.


    • Contact Teaching Time

    Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

    Teaching Breakdown

    More Information about Week Numbers


    Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

    Summative Assessments

    Assessment is based on one-page discussion essays based on set papers (70%), participation in discussions and tutorials (5%) and performance leading a discussion (25%).

    Formative Assessment

    There are no assessments for this course.

    Feedback

    None.

    Course Learning Outcomes

    None.
     

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