KE5030 - Ecosystem Processes in the Anthropocene

You will learn through lectures, seminars, practicals/workshops, fieldwork and directed independent learning. Lectures will cover key theories and concepts . During seminars, you will discuss and challenge these concepts in real world situations and case studies. Practicals/workshops, supported by fieldwork, will develop hands-on skills in analytical methods to assess the impact of human activities on ecosystem processes. Independent study will be guided and supported by interactive learning resources on the module eLP site.

Each week lectures will introduce a topic, which will be supported by in-depth discussion during seminars. These seminars will be student-led and include a case study example presented by a group of students. These case studies, together with further independent research, will help develop your arguments for the summative assessment. Over the course of the semester, practical/workshop sessions will develop skills in data collection, analysis and data interpretation. Results will be collated throughout the semester and incorporated into the final assessment. Formative feedback will be provided in the seminars and practical/workshop sessions.

Support will include face to face feedback during the seminars and practicals/workshops. You will have an opportunity to discuss how you are developing your summative report and get direct feedback on your ideas.

Support will also be provided via the module eLP site. Online resources include interactive reading lists and links to practical examples and case studies.

Teaching staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students meaning you can approach them anytime during normal office hours, or via email, to answer questions, receive feedback and support your learning on the module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the Anthropocene disruptions on ecosystem processes and how these can be mitigated and/or reversed.
• MLO 2: Effectively research a case study relating to ecosystem process disruption and potential solutions

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 3: Undertake data collection, analysis and interpretation from practical/workshop activities

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 4: Work effectively as an individual and as part of a group to deliver timely peer learning support
• MLO 5: develop an awareness of and critical engagement with, wider environmental issues.

A final individual written portfolio on ecosystem processes will be submitted, worth 100% of the module marks, comprising:
1. a lab report (1000 words; 50% of marks)
2. an essay (1500 words; 50% of marks)


The lab research and essay critical evaluation on ecosystem processes for the portfolio will be developed through seminar-led discussions and practical/workshop materials developed over the course of the semester. This will cover MLOs 1-5.

Formative feedback will be provided during seminars and practicals/workshop sessions.

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Human-induced disruptions to ecosystem processes are evident all around us at local and global scales, leading to novel challenges. Human activities throughout the Anthropocene manage, alter and disrupt key ecosystem processes which underpin the ecosystem services we rely on for food, fibre and clean air and water. Ecosystem processes, namely the cycling of nutrients, water and energy, are the complex interactions between biotic and abiotic forces which govern the ecosystem services we rely on: such as soil formation, carbon cycling, pollination, flood regulation. We are now living in the era of the Anthropocene, and the pressures on land and water resources, and in particular, the ecosystem processes that underpin them are increasing.

Focusing on land use issues and the competing demands for a range of challenges such as food production, biodiversity conservation, space for recreation and waste disposal, this module considers the role of ecosystem processes and biodiversity, both above- and below-ground; how they have been disrupted and impacted by human activities; and how they can be harnessed/restored to help Society achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Within the Anthropocene, sustainable ecosystem management is a huge challenge, and this module explores solutions based on a better understanding of ecosystem processes and their inclusion in policy frameworks. As an environmental scientist, this module will strengthen your skills in written and oral communication, laboratory methods, data analysis and critical evaluation of ecosystem-based land management options.