Overview

There are three broad parts to the module: Firstly, an introduction to environmental conservation (why is it important, who does it and where does it occur). The concepts of landscape multipurpose land-use, interpretation and evaluation. Environmental ethics, conflicts and rights. Introduction to marine conservation issues and to agri-environment schemes. There will be a field trip to view examples of conflicts between conservation and other land uses. Secondly, methods to assess impacts on the environment (e.g., carbon footprints, environmental impact assessment). A look at the tools available to reduce environmental impacts, and the importance of good environmental management. There will be a field trip to see how the impacts of large industrial projects are being managed and reduced. Laslty, economics and the environment: what’s the relationship? The economic problem and the importance of economics. How individual decisions add up to form social phenomena. Fundamentals of economic analysis. Markets, market failures and interventions. Institutions, incentives and interventions by governments. Growth and trade. Using economic analysis to understand the world and inform decisions. There will be a field trip to illustrate economic issues in the environment.

Examples of topics covered include: Introduction to environmental management and conservation (why is it important, who does it and where does it occur). The concepts of landscape multipurpose land-use, interpretation and evaluation. Environmental ethics, conflicts and rights. Introduction to marine conservation issues and to agri-environment schemes. There will be a field trip to view examples of conflicts between conservation and other land uses. Methods to assess impacts on the environment (e.g., carbon footprints, environmental impact assessment). A look at the tools available to reduce environmental impacts, and the importance of good environmental management. There will be a field trip to see how the impacts of large industrial projects are being managed and reduced. Economics and the environment: what’s the relationship? The economic problem and the importance of economics. How individual decisions add up to form social phenomena. Fundamentals of economic analysis. Markets, market failures and interventions. Institutions, incentives and interventions by governments. Growth and trade. Using economic analysis to understand the world and inform decisions. There will be a field trip to illustrate economic issues in the environment.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade D- to C+ The student displays a basic understanding of the principles and practices of environmental management and conservation. Most of the key issues are identified but there may be some omissions or gaps in understanding. Links between theory and practice are not well developed.

-good -Grade B- to B+ In addition to the above: the student should demonstrate an understanding of the principles of environmental management and conservation and the relevant policy and legislative frameworks within which they operate. They should also display an understanding of how environmental auditing and assessment influence current practice by private and public bodies. The student can evaluate and compare different methods of EIA and construct a satisfactory EIA for a given scenario. The student can demonstrate a good grasp of basic economic analyses.

-excellent -Grade A- and above The student demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of the different aspects of environmental management and conservation. There are no major areas omitted and the student demonstrates an ability to critically analyse and evaluate relevant information. Evidence of considerable effort and thought to construct an EIA for a given scenario of high standard, demonstrating an excellent grasp of all major issues. An ability to conduct basic economic analyses to a high standard.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess contemporary environmental issues using fundamental economic concepts

• Describe the application of techniques to manage the impacts of development on the environment.

• Describe the institutional framework within which land is managed for environmental purposes in the UK and in the wider context.

• Explain the issues associated with multipurpose land use, and the recognise the importance of different disciplines when tackling conservation issues