Overview

Overall, the aims of this module are:

• To visit and observe a range of tree-based land use systems and management practices.

• To meet stakeholders to understand their dependency on the forest resource.

• To introduce the key ecological, socio-economic and political influences on the management of natural resources by different groups of people in particular environmental contexts, and to participate in group discussions about these.

• To develop a critical and analytical attitude to the natural and managed environment.

• To gain experience with project and hypothesis design and execution.

• To develop skills in data interpretation and analyses.

By the end of the module, you should be able to:

• Identify and discuss the key ecological, socio-economic and political influences on the management of forest resources by different groups of people in the region.

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

• Critically judge the usefulness of methods and the reliability of collected data as well as the significance of obtained results.

• Communicate research findings through oral or written means.

• Argue cogently and think critically within the parameters of a particular academic discipline

• Demonstrate the values of scholarship: inquiry, reflection, integrity, open mindedness, evidence-based thinking and collegiality

Assessment Strategy

-threshold (50% / -C) The reports give a factually correct account of topics discussed during the field trip, including some quantitative information. The reports show evidence of ability to collate information from a variety of sources; the majority of the material included is relevant although some relevant literature sources are not included. An attempt has been made to link the principles and theory described in the reports to the practice(s) seen during the trip. The reports are logically structured, the majority of the writing is clear, and referencing uses a standard system.

-good (60% / -B) The reports give a comprehensive account of topics discussed during the field trip, including considerable quantitative information. The reports show evidence of ability to collate and appraise information from a variety of sources; all of the material included is relevant and most of the important literature sources are included. The links between the principles and theory described in the report and the practice(s) seen during the trip are discussed. The reports are logically structured and well written, with only minor typographical errors and very few mistakes in the referencing

-excellent (70% / -A) The reports give a comprehensive and critical account of topics discussed during the field trip, including considerable quantitative information. The reports show evidence of ability to collate and critically appraise information from a variety of sources; all of the material included is relevant and all the important literature sources are included. The links between the principles and theory described in the report to the practice(s) seen during the trip are fully and thoughtfully discussed. The report is logically structured and well written, with only minor typographical errors and no mistakes in the referencing.

Learning Outcomes

• Accurately apply principles, theories and frameworks to locally-specific conditions.

• Identify and discuss the key ecological, socio-economic and political influences on the management of forest resources by different groups of people in the region.

• To develop a critical and analytical attitude to the natural and managed environment.