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Last modified: 29 Jan 2026 13:46
A research-led course exploring sustainable natural resources management (NRM) through an ecological systems lens.
The field and data-driven research provide interdisciplinary insight into complex challenges associated with land and soil degradation, biodiversity loss and depletion of freshwater and marine resources.
Lectures, debates, case studies and applied exercises encourage students to engage with the latest trends in NRM and design sustainable, system driven, management solutions.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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A course focusing on sustainable natural resources management (NRM), an essential and ever evolving field of environmental management. It builds upon the systems ecology paradigm (SEP) to provide an interdisciplinary insight into complex challenges associated with land and soil degradation, biodiversity loss and depletion of freshwater and marine resources. Demonstrating the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and economic systems, students will develop a holistic understanding of sustainable management approaches in the face of environmental change and uncertainty. Case studies and applied exercises offer opportunities to critically assess real-world NMR challenges, while the research-led teaching approach promotes the latest scientific findings.
Students are encouraged to engage with the topics and case studies through scientific literature, design of evidence-based management approaches and debates with leading experts. It prepares students to work across disciplines and scales, from local land-use planning to global climate adaptation strategies. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with both conceptual frameworks and practical skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate sustainable natural resource management strategies informed by systems thinking.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 31 | Feedback Weeks | 34 | |
| Feedback |
The assessment consists of a comprehensive, 3,000-word Land Management Plan outlining how a specified area of land will be sustainably managed, protected and utilised, highlighting strategies for revegetation and compliance with relevant legislation. Students will be given detailed guidance, grading criteria and opportunities to ask questions. Students will work in groups and receive written feedback on the final report. Groups will typically be composed of three students, with each student taking responsibility for one component (typically one habitat) and the group works together for the background, and budget components of the plan. Individual marks are awarded for the habitats (70% of assessment grade) and a group mark (30% of assessment grade) is awarded for the overall plan coherence, the background and budget. Peer assessment will be used to gain insight into individual contributions to the overall plan. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Apply | Implement systems ecology paradigm to solve complex natural resource challenges |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand ecological concepts, such as ecosystem structure and function, biodiversity, population dynamics, succession, disturbance and resilience. |
| Procedural | Analyse | Critically analyse issues affecting effectiveness of natural resource management and formulate alternative solutions in the context of published evidence. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 41 | Feedback Weeks | 44 | |
| Feedback |
This assessment requires a development of a 500-word Environmental Policy Statement that outlines an organisation’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. The task involves identifying the organisation’s key environmental impacts and setting clear principles or goals for reducing negative effects on the marine environment. Students will be given detailed guidance, grading criteria and opportunities to ask questions. Students will receive individual written feedback on the final report |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Analyse | Critically analyse issues affecting effectiveness of natural resource management and formulate alternative solutions in the context of published evidence. |
| Procedural | Create | Communicate complex information effectively through written reports and statements to various audiences, including stakeholders. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 34 | Feedback Weeks | 39 | |
| Feedback |
1,500-word report. Students will test specific hypotheses related to a given data set to advance knowledge on carbon sequestration and loss through land-use practices. The emphasis will be placed on visual presentation (e.g. graphs, tables) and interpretation (effective use of information sources) of data. Students will be given detailed guidance, grading criteria and opportunities to ask questions. Students will receive individual written feedback on the final report. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Evaluate | Evaluate the role of data and modelling in resource management |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
The grades from any passed elements will be carried forward. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Create | Communicate complex information effectively through written reports and statements to various audiences, including stakeholders. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand ecological concepts, such as ecosystem structure and function, biodiversity, population dynamics, succession, disturbance and resilience. |
| Conceptual | Apply | Implement systems ecology paradigm to solve complex natural resource challenges |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Evaluate the role of data and modelling in resource management |
| Procedural | Analyse | Critically analyse issues affecting effectiveness of natural resource management and formulate alternative solutions in the context of published evidence. |
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