Module Specifications
Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the key terms, definitions, and concepts that form the basis of Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services 2. Demonstrate an understanding on how natural capital accounts are generated 3. Demonstrate how the natural capital approach can be used to support environmental and societal resilience through policy and practice 4. Explain the key terms, definitions, and concepts that form the basis of systems thinking 5. Develop an understanding on how change can propagate through systems and how this can affect the human and natural environment 6. Develop accurate systems maps of complex socio-environmental ecosystems 7. Compile and run simple system dynamics models 8. Use your understanding to identify and present more environmentally and socially sustainable options in policy and practice 9. Articulate how individual and societal values, norms and goals can support or hinder transformative sustainability. 10. Analyse systems through the sustainability pillars of society, environment and economy. 11. Use systems thinking when examining issues relating to sustainability, such as climate and social justice. 12. Make innovative recommendations for achieving a more sustainable world now and into the future. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||