Module manager: Dr Anne Grainger
Email: a.grainger@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Background knowledge of ecology, biogeography, environmental management, remote sensing and modelling.
| GEOG3034 | Tropical Forests: past, present and future |
| GEOG3341 | Environment and Development in South-East Asia |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Tropical forests are one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, containing approximately half of global biodiversity, 40% of terrestrial carbon stocks and providing resources that directly and indirectly support millions of people. As a result, achieving sustainable development of these regions and reducing the rate that these ecosystems are being cleared and degraded has become an emblematic struggle of the conservation movement. This module explores the geological history of tropical forests, the role these ecosystems currently play in the earth system and the threats and debates that are determining their future. Drawing on examples and case studies from all the major tropical forest regions of the world, the module also looks at how forests and land in the humid tropics are used and managed, and how this reflects trade-offs between the economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. It explores the methods that have been developed to model and monitor trends in land use and forest cover in the humid tropics, and how these methods are being employed in international schemes to mitigate, and adapt to, global climate change.
On completion of this module, students should have:
(I) A detailed understanding of the role that tropical forests play in the earth system.
(II) A detailed understanding of the literatures on modelling and monitoring changes in land use and forest cover in the humid tropics and their role in sustainable development.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated these learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Discuss the role that processes occurring on geological timescales play in determining current patterns in the biosphere.
2. Critically analyse how climate change and human activity is perturbing tropical forest environments.
3. Examine the distribution and dynamics of land use and forest cover in the humid tropics, their relation to national and international political debates about improving the sustainability of land use and forest management and conservation.
4. Apply techniques for modelling and monitoring changes in land use and forest cover in the humid tropics and their role in sustainable development.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Reflection: reflect on learning, especially in seminars, and use this to strengthen retained knowledge and understanding. (reflection, critical thinking).
2. Critical thinking: critically evaluate alternative theories, methodologies, arguments and perspectives, and develop one's own perspectives. (critical thinking and analytical skills, strategic practice).
3. Presentation skills: develop group learning skills and communicate clearly to fellow students, especially through oral and visual presentations in seminars. (presentation skills, digital communication).
4. Academic writing: write effective essays, in which a coherent line of argument is supported by relevant evidence and framed by academic convention. (academic writing, academic integrity).
5. Time management: demonstrate the above objectives by effective planning of time, prioritizing of tasks and balancing academic and personal commitments. (time management).
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group learning | 14 | 1 | 14 |
| Lecture | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Seminar | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Seminar | 10 | 0.5 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 150 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 50 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students receive formative feedback during seminars.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 50 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 50 |
| Coursework | Oral assessment – Pass for Progression | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The presentation will have an individual resit assignment, e.g. reflecting on the work undertaken by the student.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 03/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team