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ESM428Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Ecology Of Natural Resources

This course introduces students to the ecology of natural resources. It covers the nature and types of natural resources, the impact of human activities on the natural environment, and the principles of resources sustainability. Topics include environmental protection, resource conservation and management, watershed management, nature reserves, and wildlife conservation, with a focus on Africa. Emerging issues in resources conservation are also discussed.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
EcologyNatural ResourcesSustainabilityConservationEnvironmental Protection

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Natural Resources

2

Sustainability

3

Environmental Protection

4

Resource Conservation

5

Watershed Management

6

Wildlife Conservation

7

Climate Change

8

Environmental Policy

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conservation Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Natural Resource Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Educator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sustainability Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Environmental ManagementAgricultureForestryWater ResourcesTourism

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

6h

Unit 1: Nature of Resources

6 study hours
  • •Define natural resources and their characteristics.
  • •Classify natural resources based on origin, development stage, renewability, and availability.
  • •Study examples of water, sun energy, land, rock, mineral, and atmospheric resources.
Week
2

Module 1:

6h

Unit 2: Man and the Natural Environment

6 study hours
  • •Explain the Earth as a natural environment.
  • •Describe the components of the natural environment: lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
  • •Analyze human impact on ecosystems, habitats, and species.
Week
3

Module 1:

6h

Unit 3: Sustainability in the Use of Resources

6 study hours
  • •Discuss the historical development of resources sustainability.
  • •Explain the principles and goals of resources sustainability.
  • •Describe environmental management in terms of atmosphere, freshwater, oceans, and land use.
Week
4

Module 2:

6h

Unit 1: Policies, Laws and Regulations on Natural Resources

6 study hours
  • •Explain the general functions of environmental law and policy.
  • •Describe the objectives of policies and regulations on natural resources.
  • •Discuss the role of regulatory bodies in environmental and natural resources law enforcement.
Week
5

Module 2:

6h

Unit 2: Instruments of Environmental Protection

6 study hours
  • •State the common instruments used for environmental protection.
  • •Explain economic incentives, market-based instruments, and environmental impact assessments.
  • •Discuss greener public purchasing programs and voluntary measures.
Week
6

Module 3:

6h

Unit 1: Conflicts in Resource Conservation

6 study hours
  • •Explain resource conservation.
  • •Discuss factors influencing conflicts in resources conservation, such as land-use pressure and multiple use value.
  • •Describe conflict management and control measures in resources conservation.
Week
7

Module 3:

6h

Unit 2: Economic, Cultural, Political and Social Considerations in Resource Conservation and Management

6 study hours
  • •Define resource conservation and management.
  • •Discuss economic, cultural, political, and social considerations in resource conservation and management.
  • •Analyze the role of social equity in conservation.
Week
8

Module 4:

6h

Unit 1: Watershed Management and Nature Reserves

6 study hours
  • •Define watersheds and their types.
  • •Explain watershed management and integrated watershed management.
  • •State the importance of watersheds in terms of geopolitical boundaries, hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology.
Week
9

Module 4:

6h

Unit 2: Wildlife Conservation in Africa

6 study hours
  • •Explain wildlife conservation.
  • •Enumerate threats to wildlife conservation in Africa.
  • •Discuss measures of wildlife conservation, such as control hunting and habitat improvement.
Week
10

Module 4:

6h

Unit 3: Emerging Issues in Resources Conservations

6 study hours
  • •Discuss global warming and climate change in resource conservation.
  • •Explain the impact of climate change on land resources and agricultural production.
  • •Deliberate on agricultural activities that mitigate the impact of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Week
11

Module 1:

12h

Unit 1: Nature of Resources

6 study hours
  • •Review key concepts from Module 1.
  • •Practice defining key terms related to natural resources and sustainability.
  • •Work through sample problems related to resource classification.

Unit 2: Man and the Natural Environment

6 study hours
  • •Review key concepts from Module 1.
  • •Practice defining key terms related to natural resources and sustainability.
  • •Work through sample problems related to resource classification.
Week
12

Module 2:

12h

Unit 1: Policies, Laws and Regulations on Natural Resources

6 study hours
  • •Review key concepts from Module 2.
  • •Practice defining key terms related to environmental policies and instruments.
  • •Work through sample problems related to environmental regulations.

Unit 2: Instruments of Environmental Protection

6 study hours
  • •Review key concepts from Module 2.
  • •Practice defining key terms related to environmental policies and instruments.
  • •Work through sample problems related to environmental regulations.
Week
13

Module 3:

12h

Unit 1: Conflicts in Resource Conservation

6 study hours
  • •Review key concepts from Module 3.
  • •Practice defining key terms related to conflicts in resource conservation.
  • •Work through sample problems related to economic, cultural, political and social considerations in resource conservation and management.

Unit 2: Economic, Cultural, Political and Social Considerations in Resource Conservation and Management

6 study hours
  • •Review key concepts from Module 3.
  • •Practice defining key terms related to conflicts in resource conservation.
  • •Work through sample problems related to economic, cultural, political and social considerations in resource conservation and management.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives and ensure you can address each one.

2

Create concept maps linking key terms and concepts from different modules.

3

Focus on case studies and examples provided in the course materials.

4

Practice applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.

5

Allocate study time proportionally to the weight of each module in the final exam.

6

Form study groups to discuss and clarify challenging topics.

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