ENSb1302 Biophysical Resources and Socio-economic Systems

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2019
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 10 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Brian D. Fath, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. Bohuslav Binka, Ph.D.
Department of Environmental Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Bc. Petra Burišková
Supplier department: Department of Environmental Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Thu 26. 9. 10:00–11:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Thu 10. 10. 10:00–11:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Thu 17. 10. 12:00–13:40 P52, Thu 24. 10. 12:00–13:40 P52, Thu 31. 10. 10:00–11:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Thu 7. 11. 10:00–11:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Thu 14. 11. 10:00–11:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Tue 26. 11. 10:00–11:40 U35, Thu 28. 11. 10:00–11:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy
Prerequisites
This upper-level undergraduate course deals with the relationships between human society and natural ecosystems as they relate to the sustainability of both. Relevant scientific, socio-economic, and ethical issues will be addressed in connection to current events such as global climate change, energy, conservation, agriculture, and cities. Format is a combination of lectures, discussions, and in class exercises, culminating in student presentations.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 21 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
1. To provide students with a basic understanding of sustainability and the sustainable development goals. 2. To provide pertinent information about ecosystem functioning and services and how they interact with human society. 3. To explore the concept of sustainability and how it relates to the students’ everyday life.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to: 1. Gather and analyze evidence from a variety of sources pertinent to the issue under study, including materials that might support opposing points of view. 2. Articulate an understanding of the ethical dimensions of significant issues or dilemmas under study. 3. Construct and assess possible solutions to problems or dilemmas within an informed ethical and societal context. 4. Communicate arguments and conclusions effectively and clearly. Specifically, those will be attained by having students: 1. Define the concept of sustainability and how it relates to their everyday life 2. Identify ecosystem services and the contributions they make to and human society 3. Gather and analyze evidence from a variety of sources pertinent to sustainability 4. Articulate an understanding of the global dimensions of sustainability 5. Compose an argument in defense of an environmental position 6. Write a scientific essay on a current issue regarding Human Ecology and Sustainability 7. Create and present a PowerPoint seminar on a current issue regarding Sustainability 8. Demonstrate critical thinking and scientific literacy through effective oral and written communication
Syllabus
  • Arranged in 10- 90 minutes blocks; specific readings (in bold) from Encyclopedia of Ecology, 2nd Edition, 2019, Fath (eds), Elsevier. Students are expected to work on a case study of an environmental topic of interest to them that applies the socio-ecological systems approaches. September 26 Lecture 1: Systems thinking, system diagrams, systems analysis Ecological Systems Thinking: Orr, Niccolucci, Bastianoni October 10 Lecture 2: Ecosystems, Succession, Dynamics, Complex systems cycle (Holling) Ecosystems: Fath Succession: Pandolfi October 17 Lecture 3: Human population Human Population Growth: Goujon October 24 Lecture 4: Agriculture Agriculture Systems: Andrén, Kätterer Organic Farming: Nielsen October 31 Lecture 5: Energy basis for socio-ecological development: from solar to fossil fuels back to solar Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus: Bidoglio, Vanham, Bouraoui, Barchiesi November 7 Lecture 6: Global Climate Change Greenhouse Gases Formation and Emission: Barbera, Vymazal, Maucieri November 14 Lecture 7: Sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals System Sustainability: Pulselli The Sustainable Development Goals: Gigliotti, Schmidt-Traub, Bastianoni November 21 Lecture 8: Ecological Economics and Ecosystem Services Ecological Economics 1: Costanza Ecological Economics 2: Costanza November 28 Lecture 9: Urban systems Urban Systems: Elmqvist, Alfsen, Colding December 5 Lecture 10: Student presentations, summary and future research directions
Teaching methods
Course grade will be based on the combined total from paper, exercises, presentation, attendance, discussion, and exam. The final exam will be comprehensive, covering all class activities, discussions, lectures, and readings.
Assessment methods
Presentation (50), Participation (50), Reflections (50), Paper (100), Final Exam (150) = Total (500)
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught only once.
General note: Fulbright Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, USA.
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