Overview

The course will cover how climate change and aspects of zoology and biodiversity are connected and interact. Case studies focussing on taxonomic groups (such as mammals, birds, reptiles, plants, invertebrates), and ecosystems (such as wetlands, forests, coral reefs) will be included. Relevant, and emerging, national and international policy will be covered, along with potential conservation and management practices needed to cope with a changing climate.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(D) A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. Written answers should demonstrate an ability to organise relevant lecture material into a coherent argument. Practical reports should demonstrate a basic ability to analyse data and interpret and present results.

-good -(B) A good student should have thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to name examples where appropriate. Written answers should demonstrate an ability to think about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and some information from background reading. Practical reports should display a good level of understanding of data, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

-excellent -(A) An excellent student should have a high levels of detailed factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples where appropriate. Written answers should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from extensive background reading. Practical reports should display a high level of critical understanding of data, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate any social implications that current interactions between zoology and climate change are having, and could have in the future.

• Critically evaluate the evidence that climate change has affected species and ecosystems, and use this to provide an informed opinion on the prospects for further change under climate change scenarios.

• Demonstrate an understanding of cycles of policy development, and critically evaluate the likely consequences of implementation of, international climate change policy.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the evidence for anthropogenic climate change.

• Demonstrate the ability to articulate complex scientific principles, theories and arguments through a variety of media.

• Explain in detail how aspects of zoology and biodiversity are affected by the climate, and the interactions between them.

• Have a comprehensive understanding of the conservation and management practises of natural ecosystems – in terms of aspects of zoology – to cope with a changing climate.