Module DXX-2012:
Field Course: Enviro Conflict

Module Facts

Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr James Gibbons

Overall aims and purpose

The module aims to illustrate conflict in the environment covering examples, causes and resolution. The module is largely practical and field visit based with 2 nights away from Bangor.

Course content

A one week course combining field practical sessions based in Bangor and field visits away from Bangor. The practical element illustrates the conflict between land use for economic production and conservation & biodiversity outcomes. Specifically the practical sessions will investigate the relationship between diffuse environmental pollution and biodiversity levels. The field visits provide further examples of conflict and also illustrate how conflict resolution has been tackled and how we can evaluate the relative success of different approaches.

Assessment Criteria

excellent

Grade A- and above Thorough and polished approach to data collection, analysis and interpretation. Excellent discussion of findings drawing on relevant literature. Demonstrates excellent insight into environmental conflict drawing on extensive examples and literature.

threshold

Grade D- to D+ Demonstrates basic competence in data collection but with some errors in analysis, presentation and interpretation. Limited discussion of study findings. Able to provide examples of environmental conflict but no great depth about cause and resolution.

good

Grade C- to B+ Demonstrates competence in data collection, analysis and interpretation with some minor errors. Able to discuss research findings and identify limitations of methods used. Demonstrates good understanding of the causes and resolution of environmental conflict.

Learning outcomes

  1. Able to take measurements and analyse environmental pollution.

  2. Able to estimate and analyse multivariate data.

  3. Able to communicate the results of an investigation clearly and effectively.

  4. Understand the causes of environmental conflict.

  5. Understand how environmental conflict can be resolved.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
GROUP PRESENTATION Group presentation on academic paper 10.00
REPORT Practical report in the form of a scientific paper 45.00
ESSAY Essay on environmental conflict and resolution 45.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Fieldwork

2.5 days of field visits (with 2 nights away).

 20
Practical classes and workshops

2*6 hour practical classes

 12
Lecture

1*2 hour lecture

 2
Workshop

2*2 hour workshops on conflict resolution

 4
Private study

Private and self-guided study

 162

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Subject specific skills

  • Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.
  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Recognize and apply appropriate theories and concepts from a range of disciplines.
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Engage in debate and/or discussion with specialists and non-specialists using appropriate language.
  • Undertake field and/or laboratory studies of living systems.
  • Undertake practical work to ensure competence in basic experimental skills.
  • Understand the provisional nature of information and appreciate competing and alternative explanations.
  • Recognize the moral, ethical and social issues relating to the subject.
  • Collect and record data generated by a diverse range of methods.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation
  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation

Resources

Resource implications for students

For residential fieldwork, the School will pay for bed and breakfast accommodation for students. Students will need to provide other meals.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/dxx-2012.html

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: