Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Aims
Students will develop a critical understanding of key sustainability concepts and the interplay of economic development, social progress, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change action through an ocean-focused perspective. The ¿Blue Economy¿ has become a key phrase, with ambiguous meaning, in policy and practice for ocean- and coastal-focused ¿sustainable¿ development and exemplifies many broader sustainability challenges. Studying these will develop critical evaluation and arguments skills transferable across environmental and geographical scholarship and professional practice.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Critically evaluate the scope, contradictions, challenges and solutions of key approaches to sustainable coastal and ocean focused economic development: 1,2Demonstrate advanced information literacy skills in evaluating evidence, debates and conceptual arguments from the literature: 1,2Integrate evidence and concepts from different academic disciplines and show interdisciplinary practice in assessing sustainable development debates: 1,2Communicate an evidence-based persuasive narrative evaluating key aspects of the Blue Economy in both written and oral presentation forms: 1,2
16 hours lectures6 hours workshops128 hours independent study and completion of assessmentsFor indicative purposes, anticipate 8 hours independent study per week of work towards assessments and activities or readings suggested from the lectures and workshops (96 hours). This leaves 32 hours for additional independent study across teaching weeks, at weekends, over the Christmas vacation, and when assessment deadlines are approaching.
Description of Module Assessment
1: Literature Review weighted 70%Literature review on a focused topic within the Blue Economy literature3,000 word literature review evaluating the context, issues and solutions for one focused topic within the Blue Economy literature
2: Oral Presentation weighted 30%Recorded oral presentation on a focused aspect of the Blue EconomyVideo recording of an oral presentation using visual aids to evaluate a focused aspect of the Blue Economy (approximately 10 minutes +/- 90 seconds)