Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

A-level Geography or equivalent

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module introduces key concepts in geography, earth science and environmental science. It encourages reflection on the natural and human processes affecting - and affected by - the natural global environment. Strategies for prevention and mitigation of a range of environmental issues will be presented.

Outline Of Syllabus

1.       Environmental issues: overview of environmental science and Earth’s physical system
2.       Human-biosphere interactions
3.       Environmental degradation: global environmental change, pollution, waste
4.       Natural resource security: terrestrial and water resources
5.       Human – environment interactions; the Anthropocene

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module you will be able to:

1.       Describe and evaluate key environmental issues, by drawing on environmental and Earth science principles, assessing competing arguments, and acknowledging the role(s) played by science in monitoring, prevention and mitigation.
2.       Describe and evaluate key inter-relationships between the environment and human activities.
3.       Identify the contributions that geographers can make to environmental study.

This module introduces key concepts in Geography and Earth and Environmental Science. It encourages reflection on the natural and human processes affecting - and affected by - the global natural environment.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1.       Use of Earth science principles and ecosystem concepts to analyze environmental change.
2.       Use of space/time models to understand the nature of environmental problems and solutions.
3.       Ability to evaluate competing arguments and approaches to environmental problems drawing on both natural (Earth science, environmental science) and social (economic, political, ethical) considerations.
4.       Critical analysis of media/web coverage of environmental issues.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching is mainly delivered via comprehensive, well-illustrated and up-to-date lectures, backed by widely available texts, and by use of the media. This delivers a new intellectual milieu, and new ways of thinking (e.g., the ecosystem concept, the Anthropocene), but also new responsibilities to take a critical approach to science/society interaction. Problem-based learning exercises will be used to support the lecture materials, encourage engagement with the scientific literature, and develop teamwork, data presentation and study skills.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The computer assessed exam tests understanding of key concepts used throughout the course. The exam comprise a variety of short-format question types, to test knowledge, understanding and application of the material covered by the module.

General Notes

N/A