Overview

A two-week field course to an environmentally diverse area. This will alternate between various countries endowed with tropical forest resources, such as Uganda and Ghana, in collaboration with host country organisations and universities. You will visit various forest and agroforestry sites, which cover a range of managed approaches and sustainability issues. These site visits involve meeting and discussing with local experts. In addition, you will work in small teams on a research project developed in preparation of the tour in collaboration with fellow students and guided by Bangor University staff, and will learn a range of field techniques.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold - Pass grades: Basic knowledge of subject and ability to write descriptive accounts. Basic knowledge of the key topics covered in the Study Tour. A basic multidisciplinary approach to a range of issues. Ability to contribute constructively to debate, ability to write reports, peer review the work of others and work effectively as part of a team in the execution of a small research project. Structured, accurate and relevant description. Some quantification and basic level of critical evaluation expected.

Good - Merit grades: Sound knowledge of subject and ability to write descriptive accounts of the key topics covered in the Study Tour. A sound multidisciplinary approach to a range of issues. Ability to contribute constructively to debate, ability to write well-argued reports, peer review the work of others and work effectively as part of a team in the execution of a small research project. Structured, accurate and relevant description. Detailed quantification and sound level of critical evaluation expected.

Excellent - Distinction grades: Sound knowledge of subject and ability to pull together various elements of the course material and other material succinctly and perceptively. Evidence of substantive background reading. Lively, frequent and pertinent contributions to group discussions. Ability to write perceptive and well-argued reports, peer review the work of others in a critical and constructive manner and work very effectively as part of a team in the execution of a small research project.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply principles, theories and frameworks to locally specific conditions.

• Formulate, conduct and communicate high quality, need-driven research, in a group work setting.

• Identify and critically evaluate the key ecological, socio-economic and political influences on the management of land resources by different groups of people.