Ecology Of Natural Resources
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 119 pages
- 10 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ESM428, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ESM428 · UNIT 1: NATURE OF RESOURCES
Natural resources refer to the untamed natural essence of the environment. They contain a significant amount of material as well as aesthetic values that exist relatively undisturbed by mankind, in a natural form. Examples such as land or raw materials occur naturally within environments. Many of them are essential for our survival while others are used for satisfying our wants.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the nature and types of natural resources.
- Analyze the impact of human activities on the natural environment.
- Apply the principles of resources sustainability.
- Identify instruments used in environmental protection.
- Evaluate conflicts in resources conservation and management.
- Discuss emerging issues in resources conservation.
What it prepares you for
- Environmental Consultant
- Conservation Officer
- Natural Resource Manager
- Environmental Educator
- Sustainability Manager
- Environmental Management
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Water Resources
- Tourism
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 2: Economic, Cultural, Political and Social Considerations in Resource Conservation and Management
Understanding the complexities of balancing economic development with cultural values and social equity requires critical thinking and nuanced analysis.
- Module 4:
Unit 2: Wildlife Conservation in Africa
Requires understanding of complex ecological interactions and human impacts, as well as the ability to evaluate different conservation strategies.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 96 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Nature of Resources · 6 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 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Man and the Natural Environment · 6 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 3Module 1:
Unit 3: Sustainability in the Use of Resources · 6 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 4Module 2:
Unit 1: Policies, Laws and Regulations on Natural Resources · 6 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 5Module 2:
Unit 2: Instruments of Environmental Protection · 6 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 6Module 3:
Unit 1: Conflicts in Resource Conservation · 6 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 7Module 3:
Unit 2: Economic, Cultural, Political and Social Considerations in Resource Conservation and Management · 6 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 8Module 4:
Unit 1: Watershed Management and Nature Reserves · 6 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 9Module 4:
Unit 2: Wildlife Conservation in Africa · 6 hours
Explain wildlife conservation.. Enumerate threats to wildlife conservation in Africa.. Discuss measures of wildlife conservation, such as control hunting and habitat improvement..
- Week 10Module 4:
Unit 3: Emerging Issues in Resources Conservations · 6 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 11Module 1:
Unit 1: Nature of Resources · 6 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 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 12Module 2:
Unit 1: Policies, Laws and Regulations on Natural Resources · 6 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 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 13Module 3:
Unit 1: Conflicts in Resource Conservation · 6 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 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all unit objectives and ensure you can address each one.
- Create concept maps linking key terms and concepts from different modules.
- Focus on case studies and examples provided in the course materials.
- Practice applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Allocate study time proportionally to the weight of each module in the final exam.
- Form study groups to discuss and clarify challenging topics.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ESM428 about?
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.
How many units does ESM428 have?
ESM428, Ecology Of Natural Resources, has 10 units across 4 modules, over 119 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ESM428?
ESM428 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is ESM428 hard?
ESM428 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ESM428 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 10 units.
How is ESM428 assessed?
ESM428 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ESM428?
Environmental Consultant, Conservation Officer, Natural Resource Manager, Environmental Educator and Sustainability Manager.