5B007B - Biological Sustainability 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 5B007B | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Biological Sustainability | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biology and Chemistry | ||
| Module Leader: | Natalie Lubbock | ||
| Module Team: | Tracie McKinney, Cerith Jones, Sky Redhead | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 33 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100381 - environmental sciences | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
Aim 1: Systematic synthesis of planetary health to enable students to integrate foundational biological theories with the principles of sustainability science, allowing them to evaluate the intricate relationship between environmental health, human requirements, and the resilience of global ecosystems.
Aim 2: Critical analysis of anthropogenic drivers and barriers to provide students with a framework to critically appraise how the historical development of communities, industrialisation, agriculture, and technology has shaped current ecological challenges, while identifying the specific political, economic, and systemic barriers that impede sustainable scientific solutions.
Aim 3: Professional application of data-driven solutions equipping students with the analytical competencies required to propose ethically grounded, data-driven strategies for biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration within complex real-world socio-political contexts that support human sustainability.
Content Summary
This module explores the intersection between the subdisciplines of biological sciences and their overall part in global sustainability. It challenges you to apply core biological principles to the world’s most pressing crises that threaten biological survival from invertebrate to human life. Moving beyond basic conservation, this module will examine how biological processes such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, genetic diversity, biodiversity underpin the \\\"ecosystem services\\\" that determine planetary health.
The purpose of this module is to equip you with the analytical tools to evaluate the impacts of anthropogenic activities on natural systems. We begin by asking, \\\"How did we get to this point?\\\", unpacking the historical evolution of communities, agriculture, and biotechnology to understand our current ecological footprint. In this module you will critically review the current the biggest threats for our sustainability and begin to investigate sustainable management strategies from bioremediation to ecological restoration while identifying the significant barriers to sustainability found within policy, economics, and politics.
As a vital component of the degree, this module bridges the gap between foundational biological, and ecological theory and transposes it to applied sustainable environmental policy. It contributes to the course’s overarching aim of producing graduates who are not only subject-matter experts but also \\\"Global & Ethical\\\" citizens. By synthesizing complex biological data to solve real-world challenges, you will develop the high-level critical thinking and professional competence required for careers in sustainability policy, environmental consultancy, research, and conservation management.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 56 |
| Formative Assessment | 30 |
| Summative Assessment | 60 |
| Independent/Self Directed Study | 113.5 |
| Guided Digital Learning | 10.5 |
| Directed Study | 30 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Evaluate planetary health by synthesising foundational biological theories with the practical analytical methods of sustainability science to propose data-driven solutions for ecosystem resilience. |
| LO2 | Critically appraise the socio-economic, political, and systemic barriers to biological sustainability, evaluating how these constraints impede the application of scientific solutions in real-world contexts. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Student Choice 1 | This assessment requires students to synthesise biological and sustainability data into an accessible format, communicating ourcomes of GIS land use software analysis. | 0 | 2000 | 70 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Group Professional Discussions | This simulates a professional stakeholder environment, developing teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. The oral format reflects real-world contexts such as consultancy and policy discussions, supporting authentic and inclusive assessment. | 60 | N/A | 30 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Student Choice 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Group Professional Discussions | ✔ | ✔ | |