The module examines the challenges of resource use and management within the context of an urbanising world, exploring how new concepts within the smart and sustainable city agenda may contribute to addressing these challenges. The module begins by considering contemporary patterns of resource use created by cities in the contemporary world at a variety of scales from the local to the global. New approaches in the form of ecosystem services and urban metabolism in relation to natural resource management are examined in terms of their contribution to developing a smart and sustainable city agenda. The module continues by exploring a selection of key natural resources challenges (e.g. water, waste, energy, air quality and climate) and the development of new management approaches and strategies in these areas. The module concludes by examining the development of integrated environmental systems and governance structures within which these new approaches can be implemented with reference to a series of case studies.

A portfolio of weekly tasks which builds towards production of the report assignment (1500 word equivalent) 40% (Learning Outcomes 1 - 3)

A 2500 word report critically reviewing how natural resources management and smart and sustainable strategies can be used to address the challenge of a natural resource issue in a city the student is familiar with (60% (Learning Outcomes 1-5)

The module will run over 12 weeks. This will normally include 4 weeks for you to complete the assessments to be graded. Over this period you will work through weekly self-instructional material (a mixture of text and video based materials and web resources) provided via the VLE. These materials will provide a structured programme of specific activities and tasks that you will be asked to complete. This will involve reading and critically engaging with key texts, papers and other information sources. This work will mainly be undertaken on an individual basis, but at regular points throughout the module you will be expected to interact and share material, ideas and thoughts with the tutors and other students. It is expected that students allocate a minimum of 15 hours to engage and interact with their tutors and peers on the module.

Coyle, Stephen J. (2011) Sustainable and Resilient Communities: A Comprehensive Action Plan for Towns, Cities, and Regions. Wiley. (ebook in ebrary)

Ferrão, P. and Fernández (2013) Sustainable Urban Metabolism. MIT Press (ebook edition)

Hoornweg, Daniel; Freire, Mila. (2013) Building Sustainability in an Urbanizing World: a partnership report. (2 vols.) Urban Development Series: Knowledge Papers no. 17. World Bank. (ebook edition)

van Bueren,E. et al. (2011) Sustainable Urban Environments: An Ecosystem Approach. Springer. (ebook edition)

Suzuki, H. et al., (2012) Eco2 Cities. Ecological Cities as Economic Cities. World Bank. (ebook edition)

Newman, P. and Jennings, I. (2008) Cities as Sustainable Ecosystems: Principles and Practices. Island Press. (ebook edition)

Access to the VLE used for delivering the module, access to e-library resources provided by Staffordshire University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.