Module manager: Prof Jon Lovett
Email: j.lovett@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
| GEOG2661 | Social Ecological Systems |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides a broad outline of what is meant by resources and how humans have used and abused them. Over the course of the year students will consider how resources, once seen as an inexhaustible supply, are increasingly treated as constrained and limited. It will examine issues of equity both in the current generation and intergenerational. Lectures will familiarise students with key concepts and topics; while seminars will provide additional supporting material. Semester 1 is based on the online course ‘Environmental Challenges’ on the FutureLearn platform together with lectures and seminars. Semester 2 is taught using lectures and seminars.
On completion of this module, students should be able to have i) an understanding of both scientific and policy principles in relation to natural resources (including ecosystem services) and their management; ii) an appreciation of the issues around supply and demand of natural resource over the long term, approaches to resource management in different contexts, application of alternative management instruments, and examples of sustainable resource management initiatives; iii) an understanding of the key debates in resource management, such as the 'limits to growth' versus 'technological innovation'; iv) an ability to explore the alignment of different interest groups to certain interpretations of scientific evidence and how this influences policy making and implementation in private, public and third sector activities; v) an understanding of concepts that connect human and physical geography and the practical application of integrated approaches to natural resource management; vi) skills in critical appraisal, decision-making and effective action in a resource-constrained world.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. To understand the essential connections between physical and natural sciences, the social sciences and humanities.
2. To evaluate the role of changes in technology, markets and the operation of state interventions in influencing spatial patterns of economic activity.
3. To recognise the diversity of global environments and the operation of, and inter-relationships between physical and biological systems over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
4. To be able to critically analyse patterns and processes of environmental change and their inter-relationships with human activities.
5. To appreciate the geographies of difference and inequality.
6. To be able to contribute to contemporary debates about globalization and global interconnections.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Academic: Reflection. Critical Thinking. Academic language. Referencing.
2. Digital: Digital Learning and Development.
3. Sustainability: Systems Thinking. Anticipatory Thinking. Critical Thinking. Strategic Practise. Integrated Problem Solving. Information Searching.
4. Work Ready: Communication. Problem Solving. Creativity. Core Literacies.
5. Enterprise: Information Searching.
6. Technical: Using formats such as Policy Briefs, Terms of Reference, Technical Reports.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Independent online learning hours | 45 | ||
| Private study hours | 133 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Each assignment topic is discussed in class using active participatory learning during which students have an opportunity to receive feedback on their ideas and approaches to the assignment topics.
MCQs are available at the end of each of the five MOOC courses and can be used for formative self-assessment. Half an hour has been allocated for completion of each of the MCQ tests. Student progress will also be monitored in the seminars.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 50 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The coursework format is the type of format students might encounter in their future careers such as policy briefs, terms of reference, technical reports etc.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 5/10/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team