Teaching Responsibility

LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:

Civil Engineering and Built Environment

Learning Methods

Lecture

Seminar

Module Offerings

7108CIVPG-JAN-CTY

Aims

To develop an understanding of environmental systems and ways in which human activity can affect them. To develop knowledge and understanding of the workings of environmental systems, in particular: ecosystems, resources and human impact on the environment, and to enable the student to make justified technical and management decisions in the light of this knowledge and understanding.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Critical analysis of the environmental impact of alternative industrial and agricultural policies, both nationally and globally.
2.
Interpret ecological data, and critically review management of the natural environment.
3.
Generate and evaluate innovative ideas for the improvement of systems and processes in the field of water, energy and the environment.

Module Content

Outline Syllabus:1. The structure and function of the principal ecosystems and the relative importance of natural and human influence on their stability. 2. The structure of trophic levels and the movement of energy and nutrient; succession and climax; biodiversity, including measurement and modelling of biodiversity; the role of the biotic and abiotic. Calculation of biotic indicators. 3. Resources and their classification: renewable, non-renewable and recyclable - lifecycle analysis. Reserves. 4. Energy, water and mineral resources at a variety of scales; their spatial, economic and environmental advantages and limitations. 5. Evaluation of the extent of human impact on the environment; ecological footprint, natural resource exploitation, waste management and environmental pollution. 6. The impact of population growth and organisation; public health issues and the importance of clean water supplies and sanitation. 7. The systems approach; the importance of interlinkages between relevant factors and the concept of integrated pollution control. Systems modelling.
Additional Information:The module explores the background to the environment and how it can affect and be affected by human activity. It furthers an understanding of the complexity of environmental issues. In considering resource issues as well as pollutant effects, it builds on a background of both input and output effects of human impact. It provides methods by which to quantify impact.

Assessments

Centralised Exam

Report