Module: Natural Capital and Environmental Systems

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Natural Capital and Environmental Systems
Module Code	GEO1034
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	History & Geography
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

Natural capital describes the world’s stocks of natural assets which include geology, soil, air, water and all living things. Natural capital provides humans with a wide range of services, often called ecosystem services, which make human life possible. It also provides an increasingly important framework from which we can properly value nature. The natural and human environments are complex and connected, with numerous links and feedbacks. These connections are critical for healthy, resilient ecosystems and a functioning society. Yet poor systems understanding has led to the significant negative impacts, including climate change, biodiversity loss and societal injustice. This module will explore how we can use natural capital frameworks and systems thinking to develop more impactful and realistic approaches to environmental and societal resilience and sustainability.

Learning Outcomes

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Scheduled lectures, seminars including guest speakers, practical sessions, workshops
Independent Study	101	Independent reading, expansion on in-class material, completion of practical exercises, exam study
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	12109	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jimmy O'Keeffe	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Coursework assignments as specified in module handbook.	60%	n/a
Formal Examination	n/a	40%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None