| Module Code | BD7056 |
| Module Name | Human-Biodiversity Interactions |
| ECTS Weighting [1] | 5 ECTS |
| Semester Taught | 2 |
| Module Coordinator/s | Dr Jessica Knapp |
Module Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the links between biodiversity and ecosystems and the flow of ecosystem services which benefit human well-being.
- Articulate the pros and cons of the “Natural Capital Approach” to nature conservation.
- Discuss the role of nature-based solutions in urban ecosystems.
- Appreciate challenges and develop solutions for businesses to incorporate biodiversity-friendly practices into their work.
- Appreciate human-wildlife conflict in a range of contexts.
- Appreciate the role of biodiversity in addressing other global challenges, including food production, health, and climate change.
- Conduct independent and group research, synthesise information and present in various formats.
Module Content
Topics covered in this module are:
- Valuing nature and natural capital accounting
- Natural capital Ireland and communicating approaches.
- Urban Biodiversity & nature-based solutions
- Business and Biodiversity
- Engaging across sectors – All-Ireland Pollinator Plan
- Biodiversity and agriculture
- Restoration and rewilding – peatlands
- Biodiversity conflicts – sharks
- Biodiversity conflicts in urban contexts
- Biodiversity and Health
- Biodiversity and climate change
Teaching and Learning Methods
- Lectures and seminars
- Independent and group work
Assessment Details
| Assessment Component | Brief Description | Learning Outcomes Addressed | % of Total | Week Set | Week Due |
| Group presentation | Pitch how your business will incorporate biodiversity. | Appreciate challenges and develop solutions for businesses to incorporate biodiversity-friendly practices into their work. Conduct independent and group research, synthesise information and present in various formats. | 20 | 5 | 7 |
| Policy note | Write a policy note on biodiversity conflicts | Appreciate human-wildlife conflict in a range of contexts. Conduct independent and group research, synthesise information and present in various formats. | 20 | 11 | 15 |
| Opinion piece | Write an opinion piece on restoring biodiversity on Irish farmland | Appreciate the role of biodiversity in addressing other global challenges, including food production, health, and climate change. Conduct independent and group research, synthesise information and present in various formats. | 60 | 8 | 15 |
Reassessment Details
Contact Hours and Indicative Student Workload
| Contact Hours (scheduled hours per student over full module), broken down by: | 43 hours |
| Lecture | 30 hours |
| Laboratory | 0 hours |
| Tutorial or seminar | 8 hours |
| Field | 5 hours |
| Independent study (outside scheduled contact hours), broken down by: | 37 hours |
| Preparation for classes and review of material (including preparation for examination, if applicable) | 16 hours |
| Completion of assessments (including examination, if applicable) | 21 hours |
| Total Hours | 80 hours |
Recommended Reading List
Module Pre-requisites
Prerequisite modules:
Other/alternative non-module prerequisites: N/A
Module Co-requisites
N/A