Nature-based Environmental Management
This course examines the interactions between plants and animals and physical environmental processes; often referred to as biogeomorphology, biohydrology or bioclimatology. The course examines the application of this knowledge in environmental restoration and remediation, and the use of nature-based solutions to enhance environmental resilience and sustainability. Understanding the dynamics of natural systems, abiotic and biotic, provides a basis for sustainable environmental management. Through this course, students will develop an understanding of how feedbacks between biological elements (plants and animals) and physical processes (such as geomorphology, hydrology, and climatology) can be applied to address contemporary environmental issues.
About this paper
| Paper title | Topics in Physical Geography |
|---|---|
| Subject | Geography |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,243.65 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 54 GEOG points
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Eligibility
The content of this paper assumes that students have undertaken at least one introductory paper in Physical Geography, Earth Science or Ecology, or a related discipline.
- Contact
- geography@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Teresa Konlechner
- Teaching Arrangements
Two lectures per week and 3-hour practicals scheduled over the 13 weeks of semester.
- Textbooks
No set textbook is required but readings will be identified for each module.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will have:
- An understanding of how plants and animals influence and interact with physical environmental processes, including soil formation, sediment transport and deposition, water flow, carbon sequestration, and landform and habitat development.
- An understanding of how human activities have modified these processes, and the implications for environmental resilience and change.
- An understanding of remediation and restoration strategies that utilise plants and animals to improve degraded environments and ecosystems.
- An appreciation of different cultural perspectives of resource management and customary nature-based interventions.
- An ability to articulate the costs, benefits and effectiveness of nature-based methods compared with conventional engineering approaches.
- Knowledge and understanding of the application of nature-based solutions, that utilise biogeomorphic processes, to address environmental challenges including hazard management, water quality and quantity, soil degradation, and conservation of biodiversity.
- Assessment details
Assessment is 50% internal (ongoing during the semester) and 50% external (final examination).