| Unit name | Global Change Biology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BIOLM0041 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Steve Simpson |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Biological Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
We live in an era where human activity is causing unprecedented global change, increasingly known as the Anthropocene (a geological unit to describe a period of Earth’s history where human activities have reshaped our planet’s climate and ecosystems). Countries, corporations, cities, social groups and individuals are declaring Climate, Ecological and Biodiversity Emergencies. But all is not lost.
In this unit you will explore with world-leading scientists some of the key global environmental issues, building deep and expert understanding to support your future communication. You will be trained by leading journalists in how to take a deep dive on a topic of your choice, uncover new information, present your findings to your target audience, edit and refine your communications so that they can effectively instil hope and motivate action.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This compulsory unit in Teaching Block 1 instils a culture of learning and curiosity-driven investigation that defines the programme. You will learn from academics, research scientists and practitioners (representing government science, consultancy, industry and charity), and receive training from celebrity, news, feature and investigative journalists.
In the context of Global Change Biology, we will transition through the stages of Eco-Grief experienced by environmental scientists and science communicators, addressing the potentially paralysing sense of Eco-Anxiety to build towards reconciliation, hope and action. We will also examine the lives and work of hidden heroes in science, championing underrepresented scientists and practitioners.
An overview of content
This unit is divided into three blocks, mirroring the different phases of Eco-Grief:
Each block will start with a workshop, where a science topic (e.g. ecology of climate change, overfishing, rewilding) will be introduced, examining current knowledge, identifying outstanding questions, and collaborating in groups to present findings to the class. You will then continue to work in groups, with regular support from academics and communication practitioners, to deepen your investigations, building towards a concluding workshop for each block where you will present back your findings and hear from your peers. You will be encouraged to provide peer-to-peer feedback to build editorial and critical skills that you can then apply to your own work.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
After this unit you will feel informed and empowered to communicate on global issues, with professional skillsets to explain complex science and future projections, examine underlying causes of global issues, and present information in accessible and engaging ways that support positive societal and individual actions. You will have built a valuable network of peers, experts and potential employers that will allow you to coordinate projects, programmes and initiatives that build towards a Better Planet.
Learning Outcomes
In this unit, you will learn key skills that support your development as an effective communicator:
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
During the first four weeks of the Global Change Biology unit, you will be formatively assessed by co-production of a feature article where your group will research an unsung hero of environmental science. You will be encouraged to research and showcase science from underrepresented groups, including those in the Global South. Your article will need to give a clear and engaging introduction to a global change issue, demonstrate an empathetic approach to understanding the context, motivations and challenges faced by the scientists involved, and draw on creative infographics to explain underpinning data and concepts. You will be given verbal feedback from academic staff, but also supported to critically assess the work of other groups to develop skills in giving peer-to-peer feedback.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
During the final four weeks of the Global Change Biology unit, you will be summatively assessed through the production of a press release and social media thread on an inspiring piece of science, which could be selected from researchers within the School and University, but also from researchers you identify from around the world that could benefit from being given a greater voice. This will have been taught and practiced during class workshops in the Communicating Data unit prior to being set here as a summative assignment. You will need to research from the primary literature, interview scientists, develop infographics, and prepare the story for science journalists and social media. You will receive written feedback from academic staff, and generalised verbal feedback given to the whole class.
When assessment does not go to plan
The summative assessment is an individual assignment, so if you are unable to submit due to exceptional circumstances or pass at the first attempt, you may be allowed to work with a new topic and resubmit with an agreed revised deadline.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. BIOLM0041).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
