SCI2800 Human ecology and biodiversity
Faculty of Science
SCI2800 Human ecology and biodiversity is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Summer A at Malaysia. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Summer A
- Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Overview
The unit aims to introduce you to a range of community based issues and topics under the purview of the sustainable management of natural resources in the Malaysian context. In the process, there will be opportunities to explore the complex relationships between humans, development, and the natural environment, and assess the potential for sustainable, inclusive approaches to conservation and governance that prioritize the needs of local communities and the environment.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Summer semester A | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Pre and post-field trip quizQuiz / Test10%
- Field trip immersionDemonstration50%
- Group field trip reportDemonstration25%
- Individual field trip reflectionWritten15%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Illustrate an understanding of the role and impact of humans and development on the natural environment by exploring traditional livelihoods, the concept of local knowledge, and how local communities work to preserve the environment and local species for their long-term sustainability;
- 2
Evaluate the concepts of political ecology, including power relations, social inequalities, and governance dynamics, and their impacts on both the environment and rural, marginalized communities;
- 3
Explore various solutions, such as the creation and management of a community-conserved area (CCA) as a shared platform for stakeholders to come together, and assess the potential benefits, challenges, and implications of such an approach for biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and inclusive governance, based on existing case studies and best practices;
- 4
Apply key theoretical concepts, such as Arnstein's Ladder of Empowerment, to critically analyse the empowerment and participation of local communities in development processes, and assess the different levels of participation and decision-making power that communities have in shaping their own socioeconomic and environmental future.
Workload and teaching
- Practical activities60 hours
- Workshops20 hours
- Lectures20 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachField trips
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
- Teaching approachOnline learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities (100 hours) and independent study (44 hours). Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
A mixture of learning activities on-site (collecting samples, interactive discussions) and off-site (online learning, group work, consolidating data/information, written reports), will take place from Week 1-3. These various learning activities can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, as well as a deeper appreciation for the complex interactions between human societies and the natural environment.
Weeks 1 and 2 of the unit will feature an immersive field trip to a selected location in Peninsular Malaysia. The trip is designed to enhance knowledge acquisition and application through tailored learning activities and guest lectures by a political ecologist. You will investigate an individual field of 'expertise', working in groups to collect and analyze data and propose solutions to mitigate ecological challenges faced by respective communities. This field trip offers a unique opportunity for you to apply your knowledge, develop new skills and make meaningful connections with professionals in the field.
Case-based teaching in Week 2 and 3 involves providing students with real-life case studies– illustrating the relationship between human societies and the environment. This approach will prompt you to apply your knowledge and analytical skills to complex problems and develop solutions considering various factors. You will acquire a better understanding of the interplay between human societies, the environment, and the economic, social, and political forces that influence this dynamic.
Online learning takes place in the first week where reading materials are provided in preparation for the field trip. You are to equip yourself with the information and perform a pre-field trip quiz, prior to the start of the field trip.
Learning resources
Required resources
Reading materials and additional supporting materials for this unit will be provided by the Unit Coordinator at the start of each semester.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Wan Faridah Jusoh
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Wan Faridah Jusoh
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for SCI2800?
SCI2800 has no prerequisites.
When is SCI2800 offered?
In 2026, SCI2800 runs in Summer A at Malaysia.
How much work is SCI2800?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does SCI2800 have an exam?
No. SCI2800 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.