Managing Ecosystems for Climate Resilience

Learn more about this course:

What will I learn?

This course will explore the causes and implications of the Climate and Biodiversity Emergencies and considers them as one imperative.

Key concepts (specifically those of ecosystems, climate resilience, primary productivity and biogeochemical cycling) will then be explained through tangible examples, and their relevance to humanity explored. The atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere will be introduced as central themes in environmental science, and how the unravelling of their interactions is central to understanding how natural systems can be used as potential “nature-based solutions”.

The marine biome acts as a buffer to anthropogenic climatic disruption and offers the greatest potential to sequester excessive carbon emissions. Marine ecosystems are also uniquely vulnerable to human-generated changes and a range of strategies and initiatives to reduce these impacts and increase resilience will be examined.

Freshwater wetlands and aquatic habitats are hugely valuable as sources of carbon storage and biodiversity and various case studies as to how they can be effectively managed will be critiqued. This will include an analysis of the well-regarded work on peatland restoration, particularly within Scotland.

Probably the most useful set of strategies to address biodiversity loss and the need to capture carbon within terrestrial ecosystems, are those that protect and restore the different types of woodlands, so these approaches will be explored.

Project feasibility studies and analysis of carbon fluxes and the volume of carbon that might be sequestered, are central to the evaluation and assessment of the effectiveness of these projects. Careful consideration of these concepts will underpin the work covered.

The course will conclude with a discussion of the attempts to monetise carbon offsetting and to create investment opportunities via carbon credit schemes such as the IUCN’s Woodland and Peatland Codes.

How will I learn?

The course will be delivered online via our virtual learning environment, Moodle. It will involve problem-based learning and case-study analysis activities that are of contemporary relevance, providing you with an opportunity to apply your learning to your own and other real-world contexts.

A series of pre-recorded short videos will direct your thinking and you will be supported to develop your analytical and creative skills, exploring viable, inclusive and equitable solutions to current global issues. Your communication and interactivity skills will also be developed through cooperative peer-learning activities.

How will I be assessed?

There are two assessments and a requirement to contribute to online discussions to complete this course:

1. A poster or infographic, with accompanying text, that investigates and evaluates the relationship between primary productivity, carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
   
   
2. Compose a vision for an ecosystem restoration project and develop an action plan that integrates and combines a range of strategies for enhancing biodiversity and carbon sequestration to increase climate resilience.

By the end of the course what will I be able to do?

• determine the factors that underpin the “Climate Resilience” of ecosystems;
  
  
• evaluate the factors that control the primary productivity and biodiversity of ecosystems; and
  
  
• devise integrated approaches to ecosystem management, combining a range of strategies for enhancing biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

How long does the course last for and how much time will I need to spend on it each week?

Course duration:

• The course is self-paced, allowing you to progress at your own speed. 
• You have 52 weeks from the time of enrolment to complete the course. 

Typical completion time: The course is generally designed to be completed in 12 weeks. 

Weekly time commitment: To complete a course in 12 weeks, expect to spend 2-3 hours per week on directed online learning activities and at least one day per week dedicated to independent learning and assessment work. 

Why is SRUC a good place to study this micro-credential?

• Expertise: Our staff have real world experience of working in ecological restoration and wildlife conservation.
  
  
• Theory and Application: All our courses blend theory with practice to ensure you are learning skills you can put to use in your work.
  
  
• Student satisfaction: Our wildlife and conservation courses received 100% satisfaction in 2023 from our learners.

Who will be teaching me?

James Banks

James has been involved in many forms of practical ecological restoration work for over 30 years and directs the world-leading Peatland Assessment and Restoration Course in association with NatureScot. The opportunities offered by this Micro-credential course are really exciting and James is committed to supporting learners in their journeys as they develop authentic skills and knowledge.

James has been a lecturer at SRUC since 2021 following work as an Ecologist, Biodiversity Consultant and Wilderness Guide. He is a member of the Society for Ecological Restoration and the International Peatland Society. James has worked as an Engagement Ranger in Glencoe for the National Trust for Scotland and as a Senior Tutor for the Field Studies Council. An enthusiastic educator, he has an extensive Environmental Science teaching and examining background and loves learning from his students.