Urban Ecology

Module description

The module will be structured in two sections, with the first section focussing on urbanisation, urban forms and structure, urban biodiversity and conservation, and the second section focussing on urban hydrology, urban rivers, nature and society interactions and both terrestrial and aquatic pollution. 

Lectures are arranged as follows:

• What is urban, urbanisation and urban ecology?
• Urban form and structure. Urban landscape ecology
• Urban biodiversity
• Urban conservation
• Urban hydrology and urban rivers
• Terrestrial and aquatic pollution
• Nature and society interactions
• Case studies and coursework discussion
• Local green space site visit (Highgate Wood)

Assessment details

2500 word essay (100%)

Educational aims & objectives

The aim of the module is to provide key knowledge and understanding of urban ecology and urban ecosystems to support the development of sustainable environmental management strategies for cities.  Specifically the module will:

1. Identify the major aquatic and terrestrial issues that are likely to compromise the environment and sustainability of cities
2. Critically assess patterns of urbanisation and the environmental impacts urbanisation may have at different spatial scales
3. Critically examine ecological patterns and processes found in urban areas
4. Critically examine current knowledge concerning ecological engineering strategies as a basis for understanding and managing the environmental outcomes of urbanisation

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the module students should:

1. Have a conceptual and critical understanding of urban aquatic and terrestrial systems, the main processes that link the components of these systems and the environmental issues that confront cities
2. Have the critical ability to assess methods for the measurement and evaluation of aquatic terrestrial processes within cities
3. Have the skills to undertake critical reflection and construct reasoned suggestions and judgements concerning the causes and possible solutions to environmental management problems in cities related to urban aquatic and terrestrial issues
4. Have the ability to make judgements about the nature, relative limitations, merits and appropriate contexts for application of particular aquatic and terrestrial environment management approaches in cities
5. Be able to offer critical insights into the potential consequences of the application of ecological engineering techniques in an urban context

Teaching pattern

18 hrs lectures; 2 hrs field work

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.