STUDY

The dissertation provides the opportunity to develop an area of personal scientific interest arising from individual or course-based experiences. The dissertation will be a research-focused study, which will centre on the generation and testing of a hypothesis. It will enable students to utilise practical, intellectual and decision-making skills in new and different situations. The dissertation provides a mechanism for the development of autonomy and self-direction whilst undertaking a problem-solving approach to a research topic

This module explores rewilding; the most modern, dynamic and perhaps controversial of ecological restoration strategies lauded by many as the way forward to large-scale ecological recovery, future proof ecological resilience, economic stability and also as a vehicle for the enhancement of human wellbeing. Students will study and critically evaluate this method in all its forms; from its diverse theoretical basis to practical applications, whilst exploring and reviewing small and large scale implementations both global and local, many of which are in the early stages in the Eastern region. The module also explores the role rewilding has to play in future land use, sustainability, ecological resilience, ecotourism potential and furthermore the impact on the physical and emotional welfare of the human species. The module links to numerous level 4 and 5 modules from our Foundation degree pathways, but is stand-alone in its content and focus enabling a student from outside these pathways to access the material with confidence.

Data Science and GIS (Georaphic and Information sceince/systems is a very high growth area. The ability to collect, store, manage, clean, analyse and visualise both numeric and spatial data is a highly sought after skill set across nearly all employment sectors, but is especially useful to wildlife, conservation environment and sustainability science and industries. This is a predominantly practical module utilising leading free open source software packages such as; PythonTM (data science) and QGIS® (GIS). Skills gained in this module can be utilised across all others on the programme and will be invaluable in the understanding and evaluation of scientific and professional literature. Furthermore, it will enable students to complete strong data/spatial analysis and visualisation in the dissertation module. This University of Suffolk Form Number CP/20/006 Course Proposal Form – Website Information Page 2 of 3 Version 1.0 Template owner: Registry Services module covers all aspects of statistical analysis necessary for level 6, but delivers it in a numeracy friendly format. The module adds to the repertoire of skills learned at level 4 and 5 in our Foundation degree pathways yet works from the ground up using different aspects of programming and data analysis enabling a student from outside these pathways to access the material with confidence.

Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts – Zoonoses are diseases that can cross the species gap. Approximately 60% of emerging human pathogens are zoonoses. Climate change, human population increase and the degradation of the natural environment have played a significant role in the transmission of zoonoses and these diseases have had wide-ranging impacts upon human populations across the millennia. Students will explore the causes, transmission pathways, environmental, social and economic impacts and implications of zoonoses, beginning with the historical, and moving forward with particular emphasis on the far reaching and ongoing impacts of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Large amounts of unprecedented data have been and will continue to be gathered relating to the impacts of COVID 19 for example the reduction of global CO2 emissions, wildlife infiltrating previously ‘non wild’ areas and the impact on human well-being both positive and negative. Students will have the opportunity to analyse, evaluate and critique cutting edge scientific research, literature and data from multiple disciplines, which will form a strong critical and evaluative skill base and supportive framework for all other modules. The module will also emphasis the difference and potential underlying causes of the misinformation dissemination of scientific research by media corporations and social commentators.

The global average atmospheric carbon dioxide in 2019 was 409.8 parts per million (a new record high). Carbon dioxide levels today are higher than at any point in at least the past 800,000 years. There is now little dispute that these rising levels of CO2 (and other atmospheric gasses) have an anthropogenic source. Carbon reduction is now a global priority written into the legislation of most countries. CO2 and the associated climate shift have far-reaching impacts on human health, environment, wildlife and economics. Students will study these impacts and the mitigation strategies (present and future) implemented to reduce emissions. The discipline of carbon management is a highly sought after vocational skill across all sectors from agriculture to management. Students will learn how to perform carbon footprint plans (CFP) and carbon reduction plans, and gain skills in online delivery of professional science based webinars.