Module Catalogue 2023/24

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

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 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. Ecological principles, conservation management
3. Environmental degradation: global environmental change, pollution, waste
4. Natural resource security: terrestrial and water resources, energy
5. Climate change: Earth's climate system, past present and future climate change
6. Human societies: human population, ancient civilisations, geopolitics

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 analyse 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 both on 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

The 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. Three coursework exercises - 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 assessment will be supported by short, formative assessments (undertaken as guided independent study).

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

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

The practical report introduces students to handling data pertaining to key environmental issues and analysing it for trends.

General Notes

N/A