Module Descriptors
GREENING THE GREY: BIODIVERSITY, BUILDINGS AND SEALED SURFACES
BIOL70400
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: John Dover
Email: J.W.Dover@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- LITERATURE REVIEW weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Resources
Laptop and data projector
Library
Library
Module Texts
Benedict, M.A. & McMahon, E.T. (2006) Green Infrastructure: Linking Landscapes and Communities. Island Press, Washington DC
Dunnett, N. & Kingsbury, N. (2008) Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls. Timber Press, Oregon
McDonnell, M.J.; Hahs, A.K. & Breuste, J.H. (2009) Ecology of Cities and Towns: A Comparative Approach. CUP, Cambridge.
Muller,N.; Werner, P. Kelcey, J.G. (2010) Urban Biodiversity and Design, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford ISBN: 9781444332667
Sandstrom, U.G. (2008) Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure in Urban Landscapes: The Importance of Urban Green Spaces. VDM Verlag Dr Mueller e.K.
Dunnett, N. & Kingsbury, N. (2008) Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls. Timber Press, Oregon
McDonnell, M.J.; Hahs, A.K. & Breuste, J.H. (2009) Ecology of Cities and Towns: A Comparative Approach. CUP, Cambridge.
Muller,N.; Werner, P. Kelcey, J.G. (2010) Urban Biodiversity and Design, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford ISBN: 9781444332667
Sandstrom, U.G. (2008) Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure in Urban Landscapes: The Importance of Urban Green Spaces. VDM Verlag Dr Mueller e.K.
Module Learning Strategies
Contact time 24h lectures
126h of independent study researching material and preparing the assignment
126h of independent study researching material and preparing the assignment
Module Additional Assessment Details
100% 3500-word critical literature review of the approaches to modifying the biodiversity value of buildings and sealed surfaces in urban areas, including an analysis of the wider environmental value of biodiversity and its importance in tackling issues such as air pollution, climate change, and human health. Assesses both learning outcomes.
Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment):
Students may submit a draft copy of the assessment for formative feedback
Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment):
Students may submit a draft copy of the assessment for formative feedback
Module Indicative Content
This module is concerned with creating wildlife habitats in and on the built environment using such approaches as sustainable urban drainage, green roofs, green walls, doorstop spaces, courtyards, window boxes, permeable driveways, plantings to regulate road speed and driver behaviour, greening plazas, etc. Other features that can be incorporated in buildings to create habitats such as bat bricks, bird boxes and invertebrate roosts will also be explored. This module also includes an appraisal of the potential for improving the biodiversity value of cemeteries and allotments, and the establishment of community orchards. The wider environmental value of biodiversity in built-up areas is explored including an appraisal of how it can be used to address current environmental issues. The module also explores the strategy and policy environment to identify constraints and encouragement to `green the grey'.