MSc Human Ecology

Overview

Drawing on anthropology, sociology and ecology the transdisciplinary field of Human Ecology is concerned with the ways in which humans adapt biologically and culturally to their environment. This course takes as its point of departure the ecological and evolutionary significance of long term processes of social development. Core modules focus on the ecological consequences of language and the relationship between the social stocks of knowledge, cognitive mapping of natural processes and the propensity to induce environmental change. In particular students will consider the extent to which humanity is a naturally earth-changing or 'terraforming' species.

Indicative Modules

• History of ecological thought
• Principles of ecology
• Ethnobotany
• Ecological anthropology
• Environmental sociology
• Environmental change in the Holocene
• Energy regimes and human development
• Long term social development, dietary change and health