AESC30110
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=AESC30110&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=ESS1&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Diversity in the Rural Landscape (AESC30110)
Subject: : Agricultural&Environmental Sci
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Assoc Professor Helen Sheridan
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
In this module the student is introduced to the range of components of natural heritage which occur within the landscape. Some attention is also devoted to components of cultural heritage. Concepts and methods for the evaluation of natural / semi-natural heritage, together with an overview of important concepts in Landscape Ecology are provided. The major habitats of significance in the Irish rural landscape are reviewed and management options for their ongoing conservation discussed. Students are introduced to the process of habitat classification and mapping. This module will be delivered through a series of lectures and campus field trips.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to:\ 1) Identify the main components of natural / semi-natural heritage present in the rural landscape.\ 2) Evaluate management options for a range of habitats within the landscape.\ 3) Be familiar with the standardised guide to habitat classification in Ireland and understand the processes involved in undertaking a habitat survey and presenting the results of such a survey.\ 4) Demonstrate a basic level of skill in terms of plant identification.
Indicative Module Content:
Key topics that will be covered within this module:\ Formation, conservation status and management of a range of habitat types in the farmed landscape\ Plant growth strategies\ Biogeography \ Basic plant identification skills
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 30 |
| Practical | 6 |
| Specified Learning Activities | 30 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 40 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 106 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through a series lectures and outdoor on-campus practical classes.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Not applicable to this module.
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module. \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (In-person): End of trimester (RDS scheduled) examination | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Graded | No | 60 | No |
| Individual Project: Plant herbarium. | Week 10 | Graded | No | 40 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Spring | No |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Self-assessment activities\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Not yet recorded.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Virginia Morera-Pujol | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Assoc Professor Helen Sheridan | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Tues 12:00 - 13:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Wed 10:00 - 10:50 |