Module Code - Title:
GY5031
-
URBAN ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Ecosystems aren't simply aspects of the natural world which must be protected from the growth and expansion of human civilisation, to be watched on nature documentaries. We are part of ecosystems; and we benefit from and depend on ecosystems, often in subtle and unseen ways. In rural and marine areas, our dependance on ecosystems for agriculture and food production is a clear example. Less obvious, but just as important, are the services provided by ecosystems in urban areas - villages, towns, and cities. Cleaner air and water, flood protection, pest control; even health and recreation benefit from ecosystems.
This module, part of the Professional Diploma in Climate Adaption and Sustainability, will explore the various services provided by ecosystems in urban areas, assessment of those benefits, and strategies to develop those benefits to mitigate environmental issues.
Syllabus:
This module will explore the range of services provided by ecosystems in urban settings - including provisioning services such as food, regulating services such as water storage and absorption of atmospheric pollutants; cultural services such as recreation; and support services such as nutrient cycling, which enable the other services. Examples will be used to consider how best to support and grow ecosystem services in mutually beneficial ways, such as sustainable urban drainage schemes - nature based solutions to environmental challenges.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe and explain the provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services provided by ecosystems in urban areas
2. Assess and categorise ecosystem services provided in a geographic area
3. Evaluate the impacts of ecosystem services in a geographic area
4. Assess areas in which ecosystems services could provide nature-based solutions to environmental issues
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
5. Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of biodiversity in urban areas
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, tutorials, digital geography exercises, and self directed learning. Students will develop the skills to analyse readings, improve their capacity for critical assessment, and communicate their own work in written and digital form.
Case studies for the module will include recently published research. Digital geography exercises will include active use of data from current or recently-published research, challenging students to apply their discipline knowledge to real world circumstances, including appreciation of social and corporate responsibility.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Geneletti, D., Cortinovis, C., Zardo, L., and Esmail, B.A. (2020)
Planning for Ecosystem Services in Cities
, Springer
Jacobs, S., Dendoncker, N., and Keune, H. (2013)
Ecosystem Services : Global Issues, Local Practices
, Elsevier
Douglas, I., Goode, D., Houck, M.C., and Maddox, D. (2011)
The Routledge Handbook of Urban Ecology
, Routledge
Niemelä, J., Breuste, J.H., Guntenspergen, G., McIntyre, N.E., Elmqvist, T., and James, P. (2011)
Urban Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Applications
, Oxford University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Zhu, X. (2016)
GIS for Environmental Applications: A practical approach
, Routledge
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Spring
Module Leader:
immanuel.darkwa@ul.ie