GEO1021 : Environmental Issues (Semester 1 for Exchange Students)
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Dr Seb Pitman
- Lecturer: Dr Louise Callard, Dr Nick Cutler
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
|
Semester 1 Credit Value:
|
10
|
|
ECTS Credits:
|
5.0
|
|
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 global natural 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. Climate Change: earth’s climate system, past, present, and future climate change
3. Environmental degradation: global environmental change, pollution, waste
4. Natural resource security: terrestrial and water resources
5. Human societies: human population, ancient civilisations, geopolitics
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category |
Activity |
Number |
Length |
Student Hours |
Comment |
|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Present in person. Can be delivered in pre-recorded format if required |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Pre-recorded lectures in Canvas |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Formative exercises to scaffold coursework Assessments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Coursework surgery. Can be delivered virtually if required. |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | For Ass. 2; includes pre-meeting prep and student group meeting(s). Can conduct remotely if required |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 79:00 | 79:00 | N/A |
| Total | | | | 100:00 | |
Jointly Taught With
| Code |
Title |
|---|
| GEO1005 | 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 media sources. 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. Two coursework assessments – in the form of problem-based learning exercises - will be used to reinforce the lecture content, encourage engagement with the scientific literature, and develop study and team-working skills. The coursework assessments will be supported by short, formative assessments (undertaken as guided independent study).
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description |
Length |
Semester |
When Set |
Percentage |
Comment |
|---|
| PC Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 50 | Canvas quiz |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Comment |
|---|
| GEO1005 | Environmental Issues | 1 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description |
Semester |
When Set |
Percentage |
Comment |
|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 40 | Individual report 800 words |
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 10 | Group work 300 words |
Formative Assessments
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The computer assessed exam tests understanding of key concepts used throughout the course. The exam comprises a variety of short-format question types, to test knowledge, understanding and application of the material covered by the module.
The problem-based learning and practical lab reports are based on group and individual work and will be assessed with two short reports (300 words for the group work, 800 words for the individual report) in response to the environmental problem set out for the students.
The formative exercises support the coursework components and allow students to a) consolidate their learning with real-life examples; b) gain awareness of the broader implications of the course; c) develop independent research skills.
Reading Lists
Timetable
