This two-part 30-credit core module takes place in September and November and must be taken at the beginning of your course, no matter which route you take through your studies.

In part one, we will contextualise sustainability and transformational adaptation in view of current environmental changes, exploring the interconnectedness of the factors involved.

There will be an in-depth look at the wider implications of transformational adaptation on social structures, land use, trade, resource management, energy provision, governance, health and economic systems through a critical exploration of the primary considerations related to sustainability and environmental change.

In part two, you will experience transformational adaptation planning through a facilitated self-reflective practical team exercise, and form a deep appreciation and holistic understanding of adaptation transformation planning.

You will develop the skills and knowledge needed to assess risks and make informed decisions, despite the uncertainties that come with a changing climate.

Read more about this module for courses awarded by the University of East London: EV7102 - Sustainability and Adaptation Concepts and Planning UEL

Read more about this module for courses awarded by Liverpool John Moores University: 7501CATSCI -Sustainability and Adaptation Concepts and Planning LJMU

The aims of this module are to:

1. Study and understand research based methods which have been developed to assess key concepts in sustainable ecology, such as biodiversity, carbon storage and nutrient status and forms of ecosystem functioning.
2. Understand concepts of ecosystem health and functioning and carry out an assessment of habitat function, habitat quality and health.
3. Practice the use of, and evaluate the value of, identification techniques for flora and fauna which focus on different taxonomic levels and morphological-functional groups.
4. Show critical awareness of the value of local, national, international and traditional records of ecology, ecological health and ecological change and know how to access such records.
5. Use multivariate data and expert knowledge to suggest management plans for ecosystems or habitats.

The syllabus comprises: ecological surveys, functional habitat mapping, definitions of ecosystem health and how this might be determined; recognising habitat values such as carbon retention, biodiversity, and regulating service; the value and availability of local, national and international data sets, value of citizen science, local and traditional environmental knowledge; management scenarios to maximise ecosystem health.

This module will comprise a series of practicals, supported by lecturers and interactive seminars. Practicals will be based in local habitats for onsite learners. Distance learners will be set practical tasks of habitat evaluation for sites local to them and/or be provided with example datasets and information. Lectures will draw on a wide variety of theoretical and applied topics with a wide use of case studies throughout.

This module is assessed via:
80%  Coursework: Report (2400 words)
20% Coursework: Presentation (600 words equivalent)

This is a 15 credit module.

Read more about this module for courses awarded by Liverpool John Moores University  7514CATSCI Ecological Assessment

The aims of this module are to:

1. Study the role of ecosystems in sustainability with a focus on their role in biogeochemical cycling, as a sink for carbon and for providing other ecosystem functions.
2. Investigate methods of restoration of habitats, including at landscape and global scales.
3. Appreciate methods of setting restoration goals and assessing the success of restoration projects.
4. Analyse the theoretical science and practical implications of species reintroductions, rewilding and invasive species control.
5. Examine the value of policy, community involvement and public support, health and wellbeing, in habitat restoration and management.

The syllabus comprises: ecosystem change over time and space, biodiversity and connectedness, stabilization wedges, land sparing v land sharing debate;  the science behind rewilding, reintroduction and management of invasive species, phytoremediation and restoration of peri-urban spaces; the role of communities, impact of restoration on communities and economies, and the impact of national and international legislation.

This module will comprise a series of lectures, supported by interactive seminars and in-depth analysis of real-life potential restoration projects. Lectures will draw on a wide variety of theoretical and applied topics with a wide use of case studies throughout. Practicals based in local habitats for onsite learners and similarly directed field or desk based investigations for distance-learners.

This module is assessed via:

60% Coursework: Management report (1800 words)
40% Coursework: Essay (1200 words)

Read more about this module for courses awarded by Liverpool John Moores University  7513CATSCI Restoration Ecology

This is a 15 credit module.

This module gives you an appreciation of the key roles played by species, populations and healthy ecosystems in the provision of essential tangible and intangible services to human society, as well as the need to ensure ecological integrity on appropriate scales.
It provides you with an understanding of the overriding roles of climate change and industrial expansion in imposing progressive change in ecosystem and resource management, and the imperative for sustainable adaptation.

We explore the environmental impacts of sourcing, management and disposal of material and water resources, the case for minimisation, wise use and reuse where appropriate in order to function within resource, ecological and societal constraints, and the lessons to be learned from nature in resource design and processing.

It will enable you to comprehend the varied impacts of land use on environmental quality, biodiversity and ecosystem service provision, including industrial, domestic and agricultural wastes and their management; and to recognise the inherent lack of sustainability in modern, centralised food production and the necessity for ecologically-designed agriculture.

This is a 15 credit module.

Read more about this module for courses awarded by the University of East London: EV7103 - Ecosystem Services Land Use Water and Waste Management UEL

Read more about this module for courses awardedby Liverpool John Moores University 7506CATSCI - Ecosystem Services Land use and Waste Management LJMU.pdf

What’s it like to study at CAT? Read more about the teaching and learning experience.

The dissertation involves designing, investigating, and presenting an extended and independently conceived piece of research on a topic of your choosing within a field of study relevant to your course.

This will help you to develop skills in: research methods; data collection and analysis; interpreting results in relation to existing knowledge; self-reflection on research processes; subject-based practical skills; evaluating methodologies; analysis; conclusions; and relevance.

Teaching and learning is by tutorial-supported work on the preparation of this major item of academic discourse. After an initial seminar group meeting involving other students, tuition is mainly on an individual basis.

This is a 60 credit module.

Read more about the dissertation module for courses awarded by the University of East London:  EV7101 - Dissertation Module UEL

Read more about the dissertation module for courses awarded by Liverpool John Moores University 7500CATSCI - Dissertation LJMU

What’s it like to study at CAT? Read more about the teaching and learning experience.