Overview

The module is based on an assessment of an existing site to answer a specific question or series of questions related to the area's land use. Students will be provided with background information and will have opportunities to visit the locations. Using this information plus other relevant physical, biological, technical, economic and geospatial data, a management plan / strategy document will be prepared. Students will be provided with a detailed assessment brief that defines the scope of the planning assignment and the outcomes. Tutorial support will be provided to address technical issues as they arise.

The module is based on an assessment of an existing site to answer a specific question or series of questions related to the area's land use. Students will be provided with background information and will have opportunities to visit the locations. Using this information plus other relevant physical, biological, technical, economic and geospatial data, a management plan / strategy document will be prepared. Students will be provided with a detailed brief that defines the scope of the planning assignment and the outcomes. Tutorial support will be provided to address technical issues as they arise.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade D- to D+The document is logically structured and includes some analysis, evaluation and discussion. The technical parts of the document are described coherently but without detailed analysis or interpretation. There are some errors in the assumptions or calculations. The discussion is limited in scope and depth. The standard of presentation is acceptable, with limited use of maps derived from the datasets provided.

-good -Grade C- to B+The document is logically structured and includes appropriate analyses, evaluation and discussion. The technical and evaluative parts of the Plan are described coherently with evidence of synthesis, detailed analyses and interpretation. There are very few errors in the assumptions or calculations. The discussion includes critical interpretation and application. The standard of presentation is good, including appropriate mapping derived from the datasets provided.

-excellent -Grade A- to A**The document is logically structured and includes appropriate analyses, evaluation and discussion. The analyses are detailed with evidence of original thought. The technical and evaluative parts of the Plan are described coherently with evidence of extensive synthesis and in-depth analyses and interpretation. There are no errors in the assumptions or calculations. The discussion includes critical interpretation and application including comments that reflect understanding of the weaknesses and strengths of the methodologies employed. The standard of presentation is high, including high quality maps derived from the datasets provided.

Learning Outcomes

• Be aware of legal constraints and appropriate land law.

• Be familiar with Welsh Government / UK policy and legislation, the policies of statutory bodies plus other relevant organisations regarding the component land uses / designations / management agreements found within the case-study site.

• Have completed a management plan / strategy document for the case-study site incorporating appropriate technical and financial data where required, using relevant evaluative, modelling and visualisation techniques (e.g. GIS).

• Have gathered relevant biophysical, technical and economic/socio-economic and geospatial data to allow an appraisal of the case-study site.