UNIVERSITY OF KENT Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she passes the programme. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this specification is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. BSc (Hons) Human Ecology 1. Awarding Institution/Body University of Kent 2. Teaching Institution University of Kent 3. School responsible for management of the programme School of Anthropology and Conservation 4. Teaching Site Canterbury 5. Mode of Delivery Full-time Part-time 6. Programme accredited by n/a 7. Final Award BSc (Hons) Diploma in Human Ecology (for students who exit at Stage 3 but have successfully completed Stage 2) Certificate in Human Ecology (for students who exit at Stage 2 but have successfully completed Stage 1) 8. Programme Human Ecology 9. UCAS Code (or other code) 10. Credits/ECTS Value 360 credits / 180 ECTS credits 11. Study Level Undergraduate 12. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s) Earth sciences, environmental sciences and environmental studies; Geography; Anthropology. 13. Date of creation/revision April 2015 14. Intended Start Date of Delivery of this Programme from September 2015 15. Educational Aims of the Programme The programme aims to: To produce a broad, sophisticated and interdisciplinary approach to the study of humanenvironment relationships as socio-ecological, complex, and dynamic systems To equip students with strong, state-of-the-art technical skills for quantitative, qualitative and spatial data collection and analysis of human-environment interactions To provide students with a sound foundation in the scientific and humanistic approaches to the 1 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT study of human-environment relationships, allowing them to consider the interaction between biophysical, ecological, historical and socio-cultural processes and dynamics To sensitise students to the importance of pattern, process, scale, time and space in the study of complex systems and how these affect our understanding of biological, social and cultural diversity, as well as of human adaptation to the environment and to environmental change To facilitate the educational experience of students through innovative opportunities for learning during fieldwork and hands-on approaches to analytical tools To provide students with the opportunity to gain direct, practical experience relating to research and to the applied dimensions and social impact of their degree, with options for work, study and field trips abroad To ensure that the learning experience provides transferable skills necessary for professional development, analytical problem-based solving, interpersonal development, autonomous practice and team-working, in a manner which is efficient, reliable and enjoyable to students To equip interdisciplinary graduates with the ability to think critically and creatively and with the necessary practical and research skills to prepare them for high-level postgraduate studies or for a competitive job market To prepare graduates for leading employment roles in the interdisciplinary fields of human ecology, nature conservation, environmental protection and sustainable development, in the commercial, private or public sectors 16 Programme Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The programme outcomes have references to the subject benchmarking statement for Earth sciences, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies (ES3), Anthropology (Anthro) and Geography (Geo). A. Knowledge and Understanding of: 1. Fundamental concepts of Human Ecology and how they relate to patterns and processes (ES3-3b/3c) 2. Biological and evolutionary perspectives on human adaptation to the environment (ES3-3c ) 3. Human diversity in conceptions of human-environment interactions (ES3-3b/3c; Anthro-4.6, 5.2; Geo-3.8) 4. Principles of biocultural diversity, its threats and conservation (ES3-3b/3c; Anthro-4.6, 5.2) 5. The cognitive and social aspects of traditional environmental knowledge systems and their potential in tackling social and environmental crises (ES3-3b/3c; Anthro-4.6, 5.2)) 6. Social and cultural adaptation to the environment and to environmental change (ES3-3b/3c; Anthro-4.6, 5.2) 7. Socio-cultural, political and institutional aspects of landscapes and ecosystems, landscape history, social memory, representation and identity (ES3-3b/3c; Anthro-4.6, 5.2; Geo-3.2) 8. The role of social, political, economic and cultural factors in shaping landscapes and ecosystems, both ‘natural’ and anthropogenic (ES3-3b/3c; Geo-3.2, 3.5) 9. Environmental and land-use change processes and patterns and their relation to the coevolution of social and ecological system and complexity (ES3-3b/3c; Geo-3.2) 10. The different concepts and analytical frameworks of space and time (ES3-3b/3c; Geo-3.3, 3.6) 11. Principles of biodiversity conservation and habitat management (ES3-3b/3c; Geo-3.5) 2 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT 12. Valuation, ecosystem services and their relation to governance and political-economy (ES33b/3c) Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Methods and strategies to achieve outcomes involve specific modules that cover areas of knowledge and understanding. Modules use a variety of approaches enabling students to gain theoretical and practical understanding, through formal lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory exercises and fieldwork. Most modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework – including not only essays and written reports but also more practical tasks such as presentations and mini-projects – as well as exams. Some modules are assessed only by coursework. Students undertake independent research projects (or in special circumstances dissertation projects) beginning at the end of the second year, which they finish during their third year. This allows students to understand the processes of conducting independent research, such as: project design, data collection, analysis, and write up. Students are encouraged to select projects that are of special interest to them in order to stimulate motivation. Skills and Other Attributes B. Intellectual Skills: 1. General learning and study skills (ES3-3.5-3.12; Anthro-5.4; Geo-4.4) 2. Critical and analytical skills (ES3.3-7; Anthro-5.4; Geo-4.4) 3. Ability to express ideas in writing and orally (ES3-3.9; Anthro-5.4; Geo-4.4) 4. Design, implementation, analysis and write-up of a research project (ES3-3.8; Geo-4.4) 5. Ability to effectively research, organise and interpret scholarly materials (ES3-3.7; Anthro-5.4; Geo-4.4) 6. Ability to formulate and test theories (ES3-3.7 Geo-4.4) 7. Ability to make a structured and logical argument (ES3-3.8-3.9; Anthro-5.4; Geo-4.4) 8. Ability to use mixed methods for problem solving (ES3-3.8; Anthro-5.4; Geo-4.4) Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Students are encouraged to engage critically during seminars and lectures, and participate in group discussions, hands-on participatory classroom and field activities, simulations, brainstorming sessions, laboratory demonstrations and role playing. Assignments are designed to build and strengthen many of these skills and include presentations, poster production, miniprojects, and other practical tasks. In addition, research projects require considerable organisational, analytical, study and writing skills, and offer an opportunity for students to test concepts and methods they have learnt during individual modules. 3 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT C. Subject-specific Skills: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Field biology skills (surveys, sampling, etc.) (ES3-3.8; Geo-4.5) Research skills in natural/biological scientific research (ES3-3.8, 3.10; Geo-4.5) Research skills in qualitative and quantitative analyses of social and ethnographic data (Anthro-5.2-5.3; Geo-4.5) Mapping and spatial analysis skills (Geographic Information Systems) (ES3-3.10; Geo-4.5) Skills in laboratory work (ecological, biological anthropology) (ES3-3.8; Geo-4.5) Documentation of local knowledge systems (Anthro-5.2) 7. Skills in research design, statistics (ES3-3.8, 3.10; Anthro-5.4 ; Geo-4.5) 8. Skills in interactive media research tools, including online research and visual approaches (Anthro-5.2) 9. Skills for appraising environmental, landscape and land-use changes (ES3-3.8; Geo-4.5) 10. Skills to evaluate sustainability of resource use 11. Skills for advising decision makers on land-use changes and management of socialecological systems Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Students learn specific skills through fieldwork, practical and analytical exercises in seminars, computer practical and tutorials, laboratory demonstrations, role playing, written essays of real or imaginary case studies, analysis of their own and pre-existing datasets, and written reports of human environment interactions, human adaptation to environmental change, landscape management, conservation and planning. In addition, students learn specific skills from research presentations given by visiting speakers and postgraduate students. Assessment of specific skills is done through written essays and reports, posters, oral presentations, written unseen examinations, mini-projects and research projects (or dissertations). D. Transferable Skills: 1. Digital/IT/online skills 2. Presentation skills 3. Report and proposal writing 4. Time management 5. Library skills 6. Independent research skills 7. Group work skills 4 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Students learn transferable skills related to presentation, writing, group work and time management during coursework exercises involving essays, reports, debates, and oral presentations of research results. Independent research skills are developed through conducting, analysing and writing research projects. Basic computing and supplementary library training are available through the university library and the Unit for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching. Students are recommended to make use of these facilities For more information on the skills developed by individual modules and on the specific learning outcomes associated with any Certificate or Diploma awards relating to this programme of study, see the module mapping. 5 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT 17 Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards This programme is studied over three years full-time or six years part-time. The programme is divided into three stages, each stage comprising modules to a total of 120 credits. Students must successfully complete each module in order to be awarded the specified number of credits for that module. One credit corresponds to approximately ten hours of 'learning time' (including all classes and all private study and research). Thus obtaining 120 credits in an academic year requires 1,200 hours of overall learning time. For further information on modules and credits refer to the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/creditframework/creditinfo.html. Each module is designed to be at a specific level. For the descriptors of each of these levels, refer to Annex 2 of the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/creditframework/creditinfoannex2.html. To be eligible for the award of an honours degree students must obtain 360 credits, at least 210 of which must be Level I or above, and at least 90 of which must be level H or above. Compulsory modules are core to the programme and must be taken by all students studying the programme. Optional modules provide a choice of subject areas, from which students will select a stated number of modules. Where a student fails a module(s) due to illness or other mitigating circumstances, such failure may be condoned, subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the student has achieved the programme learning outcomes. For further information refer to the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfo.html. Where a student fails a module(s), but has marks for such modules within 10 percentage points of the pass mark, the Board of Examiners may nevertheless award the credits for the module(s), subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the student has achieved the programme learning outcomes. For further information refer to the Credit Framework. The programme is intended to give students an interdisciplinary education in Human Ecology. The programme offers considerable choice of modules at all stages, which allows students to maintain a broad perspective or to specialise in particular disciplines or subjects such as anthropology, environmental anthropology, nature conservation or environmental sociology. When choosing modules in Stages 2 and 3, students should take heed of any pre-requisite or corequisite modules Fallback awards: Students successfully completing Stage 1 of the programme and meeting credit framework requirements who do not successfully complete Stage 2 will be eligible for the award of the Certificate in Human Ecology. Students successfully completing Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the programme and meeting Credit Framework requirements who do not successfully complete Stage 3 will be eligible for the award of the Diploma in Human Ecology. Code Title Level Credits Term(s) Stage 1 Compulsory Modules SE308 Skills for Anthropology & Conservation C 15 1 DI305 Biodiversity C 15 1 SE306 Animals, People and Plants C 15 2 DI304 Economic and Environmental Systems C 15 2 Optional Modules Students must select 60 additional credits. Normally, from the following list: 6 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT SA303 Environmental Issues: Social Science Approaches C 30 1/2 SE301 Introduction to Social Anthropology C 30 1/2 SE302 Foundations of Biological Anthropology C 30 1/2 DI310 Skills for Wildlife Conservation and Management C 15 1 SE307 Thinkers and Theories: An Introduction to the History and Development of Anthropology C 15 2 SE309 Violence and conflict in the Contemporary World C 15 1 DI311 The Green Planet C 15 2 DI303 Surveying and Monitoring for Biodiversity C 15 2 Alternatively, up to 30 credits from a range of modules not listed here may be selected with the agreement of the programme convenor. In selecting first year modules students should be aware of any prerequisites stipulated for modules they want to take in Stages 2 and 3. Stage 2 Compulsory Modules SE542 Human Ecology H 15 2 DI508 Skills for Conservation Biologists H 15 2 DI528 Conservation Social Science: Methods and Research Design H 15 1 DI530 Spatial Analysis: Principles and Methods H 15 1 Optional Modules Students must select 60 additional credits, at least 45 of which should be from the following: DI506 Tourism and Conservation H 15 2 DI531 Human Wildlife Conflict and Resource Competition H 15 1 DI532 Creative Conservation H 15 2 DI535 Tropical Ecology and Conservation H 15 1 SE580* Primate Behaviour and Ecology H 15 2 SE593* Evolution of Human Diversity H 15 1 SE585 Anthropology of Eating H 15 1 SE549* Anthropology of Health, Illness and Medicine H 15 2 SE552* Culture and Cognition H 15 1 SE547* Southeast Asian Societies H 15 1 SE579* Anthropology of Amazonia H 15 2 SE592* Ethnography of Central Asian Societies H 15 1 SE601* European Societies H 15 2 LW585 Environmental Law I H 15 1 7 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT Alternatively, up to 30 credits from a range of modules not listed here may be selected with the agreement of the programme convenor. Prerequisites apply to modules marked by asterisk (*) Stage 3 Compulsory Modules SE594* Anthropology of Development H 15 1 DI522 Research project H 30 1/2 Optional Modules Students must select 75 additional credits, at least 45 of which should be from the following: DI501 Climate Change and Conservation H 15 1 DI506 Tourism and Conservation H 15 2 DI510 Global Biodiversity H 15 1 DI518 Contemporary conservation science H 15 1 DI532 Creative Conservation H 15 2 SE580* Primate Behaviour and Ecology H 15 2 SE593* Evolution of Human Diversity H 15 1 SE585 Anthropology of Eating H 15 1 SE549* Anthropology of Health, Illness and Medicine H 15 2 SE552* Culture and Cognition H 15 1 SE554* Visual Anthropology Theory H 15 1 SE547* Southeast Asian Societies H 15 1 SE579* Anthropology of Amazonia H 15 2 SE592* Ethnography of Central Asian Societies H 15 1 SE601* European Societies H 15 2 Alternatively, up to 30 credits from a range of modules not listed here may be selected with the agreement of the programme convenor. Prerequisites apply to modules marked by asterisk (*) Some of these modules only run every other year, so may not be available for students undertaking a placement year - students should ensure they select the module in the year that they can register for it. (There is a separate programme specification entitled “[Standard SAC programme] with a Year in Professional Practice” (see http://www.kent.ac.uk/socsci/studying/pos-specs/20142015/anthropology/index.html), which is applicable to the BA or BSc programmes provided by the School of Anthropology and Conservation; all relevant information about the option of a placement year is provided in the aforementioned programme specification) 18 Work-Based Learning Disability Statement: Where disabled students are due to undertake a work placement as part of this programme of study, a representative of the University will meet with the work placement provider in advance to ensure the provision of anticipatory and reasonable adjustments in line with legal requirements. 8 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT 19 Support for Students and their Learning School and University induction programme Programme/module handbooks Library services, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/library/ Student Support http://www.kent.ac.uk/studentsupport/ Student Wellbeing www.kent.ac.uk/studentwellbeing/ Centre for English and World Languages, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/cewl/index.html Student Learning Advisory Service, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/about/slas.html PASS system, see https://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/quality/code2001/annexg.html Academic Adviser system Kent Union, see www.kentunion.co.uk/ Careers and Employability Services, see www.kent.ac.uk/ces/ Counselling Service www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/ Information Services (computing and library services), see www.kent.ac.uk/is/ Undergraduate student representation at School, Faculty and Institutional levels International Development Office, see www.kent.ac.uk/international/ Medical Centre, see www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/menu/Medical-Centre.html 20 Entry Profile The minimum age to study a degree programme at the university is normally at least 17 years old by 20 September in the year the programme begins. There is no upper age limit. 20.1 Entry Route For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus Specific entry requirements for the programme: A-level ABB, IB Diploma 33 points overall OR 16 points at Higher Required subjects: GCSE English Language and Mathematics grade C A level natural science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science) grade B or above A level social science (e.g., Anthropology, Sociology, Geography) grade B or above In exceptional circumstances, we may consider promising candidates who do not have the formal entrance requirements but who have obtained several years of relevant experience or other qualifications in the subject area. International students can also qualify for entry with school certificates and higher school certificates awarded by a body approved by the University. If English is the student’s second language they must demonstrate proficiency in English. IELTs requirements for international applicants: Average 6.5 in IELTs test, minimum 6.0 in reading and writing. 20.2 What does this programme have to offer? An interdisciplinary approach that integrates natural and social sciences for the study of human-environment relationships, understood as socio-ecological, complex, and dynamic 9 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT systems A broad range of state-of-the-art technical skills for quantitative, qualitative and spatial analysis of human-environment interactions that are valuable in a wide variety of careers related to human ecology, nature conservation, environmental protection, sustainable development and environmental resource management. Research-led teaching by staff who are internationally recognised hands-on learning, including the opportunity to conduct research in a variety of areas, including the tropics. 20.3 Personal Profile This programme is especially suitable for both school leavers and mature students with: An interest in the study of human-environment interactions A willingness to engage in informed debate about current and often controversial issues relating to socio-ecological, complex and dynamic systems A commitment to develop the critical thinking and analytical skills required to address real-life problems 21 Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and Learning 21.1 Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards Student module evaluations External Examiners system, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexk.html Annual programme and module monitoring reports, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexe.html Periodic programme review, http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexf.html Annual staff appraisal Peer observation Quality Assurance Framework, http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/index.html QAA Higher Education Review, see http://www.qaa.ac.uk/InstitutionReports/types-ofreview/higher-education-review/Pages/default.aspx 21.2 Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards Staff-Student Liaison Committee School Learning and Teaching Committee Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee Faculty Board Learning and Teaching Board Board of Examiners 21.3 Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience Student module evaluations Staff-Student Liaison Committee Student rep system (School, Faculty and Institutional level) Annual NSS 10 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT 21.4 Staff Development priorities include: PGCHE requirements HEA (associate) fellowship membership Annual appraisals Institutional Level Staff Development Programme Academic Practice Provision (PGCHE, ATAP and other development opportunities) Professional body membership and requirements Programme team meetings Research seminars Conferences Study leave 22 Indicators of Quality and Standards Results of periodic programme review (2013) QAA Higher Education Review (2015) Annual External Examiner reports Annual programme and module monitoring reports 22.1 The following reference points were used in creating these specifications: QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education QAA Benchmarking statement/s for ES3, Geography, Anthropology School and Faculty plan University Plan/Learning and Teaching Strategy Staff research activities 11 Human Ecology UNIVERSITY OF KENT Programme Title: Stage 1 DI522 DI530 DI528 DI508 SE594 SE542 DI303 Compulsory modules SE309 DI311 SE307 DI310 SE302 SE301 DI304 SA303 Optional modules SE306 DI305 SE308 Compulsory modules Stage 2 & 3 Programme Learning outcomes Knowledge and Understanding: A1 X X A2 X A3 X A4 X X X X A5 X A6 X A7 X A8 X A9 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X A12 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X A10 A11 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Intellectual Skills: B1 X X X X X X X X X X X B2 X X X X X X X X X X B3 X X X X X X X X X X B4 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 12 Human Ecology X UNIVERSITY OF KENT B5 X B6 X B7 X B8 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Subject-specific Skills: C1 X X X C2 X X X C3 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X C4 X X C5 X X C6 X X X X C7 X X X C8 X X C9 X C10 C11 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Transferable Skills: D1 X X D2 X X D3 X D4 X X X D5 X X X D6 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 13 Human Ecology X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X UNIVERSITY OF KENT Stage 2 & 3 LW585 SE601 SE592 SE579 SE547 SE554 SE552 SE549 SE585 SE580 SE593 DI531 DI535 DI532 DI518 DI510 DI506 DI501 Optional modules Programme Learning outcomes Knowledge and Understanding: A1 A2 X X X X A3 X A4 X X X A7 X A8 X A9 X X X X X A5 A6 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X A10 A11 X X X X A12 X X X X X Intellectual Skills: B1 X X X X B2 X X X X B3 X X X X B4 B5 X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Human Ecology X X UNIVERSITY OF KENT B6 B7 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X B8 X X X X X Subject-specific Skills: C1 X C2 X X X C3 X X C4 X X X X X X C8 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X C10 C11 X X X C6 C9 X X C5 C7 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Transferable Skills: D1 X X D2 X D3 X D4 X X D5 X X D6 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 15 Human Ecology X