2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG5332M Global Change Ecology
15 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: Roel Brienen
Email: R.Brienen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
Undergraduate module in ecology.This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
In this module, you will obtain an overview of the multifaceted impacts of global climate and environmental change on ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. Using a series of case studies, you will gain in-depth insight in the effects of anthropogenic climate change on a range of different ecosystems from leading researchers in the field. You will further study the science behind several broad global issues and be stimulated to critically think of ways of tackling the issues. You will develop skills in synthesising research papers, presenting problems and ideas with clarity and challenging others with logical thought and clear argument.Objectives
The aim of the module is to equip students with an understanding of the ecological aspects of global change using a variety of international case studies, covering tropical rainforests, coral reefs, river ecosystems and soil and peatlands. The module will explore the implications of global and environmental change on ecosystems functioning, community diversity and resilience, its impact on global biogeochemical cycles.Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO1. Be able to identify key drivers impacting Earth’s ecosystems, including changes in atmospheric CO2 and climate, pollution, and landuse change.
LO2. Be able to describe the impact of key drivers on various levels from the individual species to the globe and to evaluate the relative importance of these drivers for ecosystem functioning and biodiversity.
LO3. Critically think about, and debate, challenges around global climate change and environmental issues and possible future courses of action and solutions.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
Academic skills:
SLO1: Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources.
SLO2: Articulated opinions supported by evidence.
Sustainability skills:
SLO3: Recognise and understand the interdependencies across environmental, social and economic systems.
Syllabus
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 6 | 2.00 | 12.00 |
| Seminar | 8 | 2.00 | 16.00 |
| Private study hours | 122.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Coursework | 75.00 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 25.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Essay resit will include an essay of similar length on a different topic. Resit to group presentation will be an individual presentation.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 29/04/2024 16:14:37
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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