BS361-6-SP-CO:
Translational Ecology
2026/27
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 18 January 2027
Thursday 25 March 2027
15
11 March 2026
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module uses research-led teaching and real-world case studies to help students link ecological knowledge to decision-making by integrating ecology with the sociological and political contexts underlying today’s complex environmental issues. We discuss how the principles of Translational Ecology (e.g. collaborative stakeholder engagement) can provide a framework for natural resource managers and decision-makers seeking long-term, sustainable solutions.
The course is built on a series of local and international guest speakers—including scientists, artists, practitioners, and decision-makers from government, industry and non-government organisations—who share their case studies, perspectives and experiences trying to tackle difficult marine, terrestrial and freshwater issues. Topics include conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, and the use of storytelling to improve science communication and build consensus among diverse communities, funders and policymakers. Through case study-based learning, students examine how research can inform sustainable solutions and improve future decision-making in environmental management and conservation.
The aim of this module is:
- To link ecological knowledge to decision making by integrating ecological science with the full complement of social dimensions that underlie today’s complex environmental issues.
By the end of this module, studentws will be expected to be able to:
- A systematic understanding of the links between ecological knowledge and decision making in order to better understand and facilitate engagement between partners
- Conceptual understanding of case studies and practitioner/decision maker orientated problems to come up with informed solutions to environmental problems
- Ability to devise and sustain arguments around the ecological, sociological and political contexts and trade-offs that influence natural resource management decisions
- Discuss and comment upon the knowledge-action boundary between science and theory and the importance of boundary spanners for the implementation of adaptive ecosystem management
Students taking this module will learn about the many facets of decision-making, storytelling and conflict resolution, and learn from guest speakers and a series of case studies - ranging from marine spatial planning and conservation to wildfire and river ecology - how science has been applied to solve real-world environmental problems.
This module promotes inclusivity and diversity in its delivery in line with the University’s expectations. Different learning styles are catered for through the approaches to teaching by including hands on practical experiences, the use of visuals and audio input.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Pitch Proposal |
|
30% |
| Coursework |
Funding Proposal |
|
70% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Yes
No
Yes
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 3 hours, 3 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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