ENVR08025 2019 Natural Resource Management
Full Title
Natural Resource Management
Transcript Title
Natural Resource Management
Code
ENVR08025
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
08 - NFQ Level 8
Credit
10 - 10 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Frances Lucy, Cait Coyle, Dolores Byrne
Programme Membership
SG_SECOL_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SENVM_K08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Management (Add-on)
SG_SECOL_H08 202100 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SENVI_K08 202300 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology (Add-on)
Description
This module challenges the student to develop a wide-ranged knowledge base and evaluation skills in natural resource management. Aquatic and land based resource management will include both traditional (e.g. mining and fishing) and also topical (e.g. aquaculture and sustainable land/water based ecosystem management) issues. The concept of ecosystem services will be integrated into this module including provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural services. Students will be required to investigate, evaluate and impartially report on several case-studies/scenarios, which may be of national or international importance.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Explain concepts of aquatic and land-based resource management and ecosystem services.
2.
Develop an integrated approach to natural resource management.
3.
Evaluate a complex resource management issue.
4.
Appraise topical resource management scenarios for presentation in a professional manner.
5.
Evaluate a mechanism for the utilisation of natural resources in an environmentally responsible manner during economic progression.
6.
Develop and defend decision making processes for resource management.
7.
Justify the importance of respectful engagement with stakeholders while maintaining an independent un-biased scientific approach.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered part‑time. This will include lectures and site visits augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes and uploading assignments).
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 50% continuous assessment and 50% exam.
Continuous assessment will comprise online quizzes and assignments during the mid and latter parts of the semester.
The assessment strategy will focus on helping the learner to apply the theory to typical practical scenarios that may arise in the workplace.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.
Indicative Syllabus
1.0 Explain concepts of aquatic and land-based resource management and ecosystem services.
Mining Sector
1.1 Importance of the mining sector at national level.
1.2 Introduction to mining methods.
1.3 Mining permits and relevant legislation.
Groundwater Resource
1.4 The importance of the protection of groundwater.
1.5 Introduction to hydrogeology.
1.6 Major threats to groundwater (quantity and quality).
The Soil Resource
1.7 Importance of the soil resource and soil ecosystem services.
1.8 Identification of major threats to soil.
1.9 Sustainable management of the soil resource.
Ecosystem services and ecosystems as resources
1.10 Outline of biodiversity, ecosystem services and natural capital concepts
1.11 Identification of ecosystems pertaining to terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater, wetland and coastal) systems
1.12 Main drivers of pressures and threats to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem services
1.13 Sustainable management (including sustainable development goals) of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
2.0 Develop an integrated approach to natural resource management.
2.1 Potential adverse impacts of mining on the environment and their management.
2.2 Impacts of groundwater pollution on the wider environment.
2.3 Adverse impacts of soil degradation on the wider environment.
2.4 Impacts of ecosystem degradation on the wider environment.
2.5 Impacts of agricultural intensification and changes on wider ecosystem functioning.
3.0 Evaluate a complex resource management issue.
3.1 Case studies on mine sites with adverse impacts on the environment.
3.2 Case studies/scenarios on factors which caused the deterioration of the groundwater resource.
3.3 Case studies/scenarios on factors which caused the degradation of soil.
3.4 Case studies/scenarios on factors degrading (past, present, future) terrestrial ecosystems.
3.5 Case studies/scenarios on factors degrading (past, present, future) aquatic ecosystems.
4.0 Appraise topical resource management scenarios for presentation in a professional manner.
4.1 Hydraulic fracturing for shale gas and its potential environmental impact.
4.2 Groundwater supply for the future.
4.3 Sustainable management of soil for global food security.
4.4 Maintaining ecosystem functioning in agricultural systems whilst maintaining the flow of ecosystem services.
4.5 Sustainable management of oceans and coastal ecosystems for global food supply and security.
5.0 Evaluate a mechanism for the utilisation of natural resources in an environmentally responsible manner during economic progression.
5.1 Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment of a mine site.
5.2 Strategies and legislation for the sustainable management of the hydrogeological environment.
5.3 The concept of soil ecosystems services and functional land management.
5.4 Strategies and legislation for the avoidance, mitigation and compensation of impacts on ecosystem functioning.
5.5 Ecosystem restoration.
5.6 Concepts of payments for ecosystem services.
6.0 Develop and defend decision making processes for resource management.
Case studies (at the discretion of the lecturer) will be used to illustrate decision making processes on natural resources.
7.0 Justify the importance of respectful engagement with stakeholders while maintaining an independent un-biased scientific approach.
Case studies (at the discretion of the lecturer) will be used to demonstrate the value of engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders during decision making on natural resource use and management. The module will also address the interaction of citizen science with natural resources.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
50 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
50 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Multiple Choice Exam | Formative | Multiple Choice/Short Answer Test | - % | Week 7 | 1,2,6 |
| 2 | Essay on topical ecosystem resource issue | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 10 % | Week 5 | 1,2,6 |
| 3 | Case Study/Scenario Based Assignment | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 30 % | Week 12 | 2,3,5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 50 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
Part Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop / Seminar | Not Specified | Site Visits/Presentations/Lectures/Groupwork | 4.5 | Once Per Semester | 0.30 |
Total Part Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 0.30 Hours
Distance Learning Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | Reading, studying, research,writing assignments | 10 | Weekly | 10.00 |
| Directed Learning | Not Specified | Directed Learning | 1.7 | Weekly | 1.70 |
Total Distance Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 1.70 Hours
Online Learning Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Offsite Facility | On Line Lectures | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.00 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Required Reading
2008-12-04 Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal CRC Press
ISBN 0415465109 ISBN-13 9780415465106
2008-12-04 Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal CRC Press
ISBN 0415465109 ISBN-13 9780415465106
The history of mining is replete with controversy, much of it relating to environmental damage and consequent community outrage. Over recent decades there has been increasing pressure to improve the environmental and social performance of mining operations, particularly in developing countries. The industry has responded by embracing the ideals of corporate social responsibility. This book identifies and discusses the wide range of social and environmental issues pertaining to mining, with particular reference to mining in developing countries from where many of the project examples and case studies have been selected. Following an introductory overview of the issues of concern, the book illustrates how environmental impact assessment as defined in 'The Equator Principles', integrates with the mining lifecycle, and how environmental assessment aims to eliminate the negative and to accentuate the positive mining impacts. The text illustrates the wide range of environmental and social concerns and opportunities. Practical approaches are provided to manage issues ranging from land acquisition and resettlement or indigenous peoples issues, through the technical aspects of acid rock drainage and mine waste management, to a thorough analysis of ways and means of sharing mining benefits with host communities so that these benefits are not transitory, allowing mining to become a sustainable economic activity. The wide coverage of issues raised illustrated by many real-life case studies, makes this practice-oriented book a reference and key reading for operators in the field, as well as for environmental consultants, regulators, and students. This book will also be of interest to environmental personnel in the oil & gas industry as much of the subject matter applies to the extractive industries as a whole.
Required Reading
2006-07-14 Groundwater in the Environment: An Introduction Wiley-Blackwell
ISBN 1405121432 ISBN-13 9781405121439
2006-07-14 Groundwater in the Environment: An Introduction Wiley-Blackwell
ISBN 1405121432 ISBN-13 9781405121439
Required Reading
2016-04-01 The Nature and Properties of Soils Pearson
ISBN 9780133254488 ISBN-13 9780133254488
2016-04-01 The Nature and Properties of Soils Pearson
ISBN 9780133254488 ISBN-13 9780133254488
Developed for Introduction to Soils or Soil Science courses, The Nature and Properties of Soils, Fifteenth Edition, can be used in courses such as Soil Fertility, Land Resources, Earth Science and Soil Geography. Help readers learn about soils and their connections to the ecosystem The Nature and Properties of Soils is designed to engage readers with the latest in the world of soils. This hallmark text introduces the exciting world of soils through clear writing, strong pedagogy, and an ecological approach that effectively explains the fundamentals of soil science. Worked calculations, vignettes, and current real-world applications prepare readers to understand concepts, solve problems, and think critically. Written for both majors and non-majors, this text highlights the many interactions between the soil and other components of forest, range, agricultural, wetland and constructed ecosystems. Now in full-color, the Fifteenth Edition includes hundreds of compelling photos, figures, and diagrams to bring the exciting world of soils to life. Extensively revised, new and updated content appears in every chapter. Examples include: coverage of the pedosphere concept; new insights into humus and soil carbon accumulation; subaqueous soils, soil effects on human health; principles and practice of organic farming; urban and human engineered soils; new understandings of the nitrogen cycle; water-saving irrigation techniques; hydraulic redistribution, soil food-web ecology; disease suppressive soils; soil microbial genomics; soil interactions with global climate change; digital soil maps; and many others.
Required Reading
2017-03-27 Ecosystem Services Taylor & Francis
ISBN 9781315531809 ISBN-13 1315531801
2017-03-27 Ecosystem Services Taylor & Francis
ISBN 9781315531809 ISBN-13 1315531801
The concept of ecosystem services has emerged in recent years as one of the most powerful guiding principles for ecology, biodiversity conservation and the management of natural resources. It provides the basis of assessing the multiple values and services that ecosystems can provide to humankind, including such diverse issues as carbon sequestration, flood control, crop pollination and aesthetic and cultural services. This introductory textbook sets out the key aspects of ecosystem services. The book details the historical roots of ecosystem services in the second half of the twentieth century and through initiatives such as the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. It shows how ecosystem goods and services can be categorised and valued in economic as well as non-monetary terms, while also highlighting some of the difficulties and limitations of valuation techniques. The author describes how themes such as systems thinking, social-ecological resilience and natural capital relate to ecosystem services, and how these can contribute to more sustainable and equitable development. The book assumes limited prior knowledge and is aimed at a wide interdisciplinary audience of students across the social, environmental and life sciences. It is illustrated by a wide range of international case studies and includes learning objectives and guidance for further reading.
Required Reading
2015-04-30 Water ecosystem services UNESCO Publishing
ISBN 9789231000683 ISBN-13 9231000683
2015-04-30 Water ecosystem services UNESCO Publishing
ISBN 9789231000683 ISBN-13 9231000683
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Potential books of interest for background reading (please note this list will be updated occasionally during the programme):
Lucas, J.S., Southgate, P.C. and Tucker, C.S. (eds) (2019). Aquaculture: Farming Aquatic Animals and Plants. 3rd edition. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-119-23086-1
Shumway, S.E. (2011). Shellfish Aquaculture and the Environment. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-8138-1413-1
Journal Resources
The following journals may be of interest for background reading:
Journal of Applied Ecology
Journal of Ecology and Natural Resources
URL Resources
www.gsi.ie
www.teagasc.ie
www.mineralsireland.ie
www,npws.ie
www.fao.org
www.biodiversity.europa.eu/maes
www.naturalcapitalforum.com
Other Resources
Durham E., Baker H., Smith M., Moore E. & Morgan V. (2014). The BiodivERsA Stakeholder Engagement Handbook. BiodivERsA, Paris
Burkhard, B. and Maes, J. (eds) (2017). Mapping Ecosystem Services. Pensoft.
Costanza R. et al. 1987. The value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature. 387; 253-260.
BBC. 2017. The Blue Planet II. DVD series.
Additional Information
Additional resources will be made available on IT Sligo learn online system (Moodle) at the discretion of the lecturer. This may contain pdfs of powerpoint lectures and links to additional reading material for selected topics.