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2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG1210 Environmental Systems and Processes

20 creditsClass Size: 250

Module manager: Dr Frances Drake
Email: f.drake@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This course provides an introduction to environmental systems and processes. It focuses upon some of the most important systems by considering atmospheric, hydrological and ecological processes. The quaternary lectures provide an introduction to handling environmental records and early human influences on the environment. The lectures also reflect current concerns by introducing the concept of global warming and exploring other human impacts on both river and biosphere systems. Progress is monitored through self-assessment using online MCQs at the end of each course section. The end of semester exams are also MCQs.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should have acquired:
1) a working knowledge of environmental systems and processes at an introductory level with particular emphasis on the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the biosphere;
2) an appreciation of environmental system dynamics and interactions - including the human impact - at a range of spatial and temporal scales;
3) an understanding of energy and material fluxes within and between the environmental systems listed above and the processes involved;
4) an understanding of long-term environmental change and landform evolution and some of the approaches used in the reconstruction of past environments;
5) an appreciation of current issues in these areas and the opportunity to explore key concepts through dedicated online workshop sessions.

Skills outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding
A1 The dynamic nature of geographical thought and practice and the inter-relationships between the discipline and the physical and natural sciences, the social sciences and humanities
A2 The diversity of global environments and the operation of, and inter-relationships between physical and biological systems over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales
A3 Patterns and processes of environmental change and their inter-relationships with human activities
B Cognitive skills
B1 Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
B2 Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
B3 Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
B5 Solving problems and making reasoned decisions
C Practical/professional skills
C4 Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative geographical data
D Key skills
D1 Learn in familiar and unfamiliar situations
D3 Apply numerical and computational skills to geographical information
D4 Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
D5 Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange geographical information using a wide range of sources
D7 Manage time and organise work effectively


Syllabus

Semester 1:
1. Introduction to Environmental Systems and Process
Introduction to Quaternary environmental change
2. Deep-sea sediment records
Quaternary climate cycles
3. Landforms and sediments
Quaternary change in the biosphere
4. Time and its measurement
Humans through the Quaternary
5. Human impact on ancient environments
Workshop - Quaternary science (online MCQs)
6. Introduction to the Earth's Biosphere
Ecosystem processes I: Energy flows and nutrient cycles
7. Reading week - no lectures
8. Ecosystem processes II: Interactions, the niche, and succession
Ecosystem Video
9. Evolution: genetic change through time
Spatial processes and patterns in the Earth's biota
10. Our changing World: Human impacts on the Biosphere
Biosphere workshop
11. Biosphere revision
Environmental Systems and Processes - Scales

Semester 2:
14. Introduction to River Systems
Geomorphology
15. Hydrology
Physical and Chemical Variables
16. River Ecology
River Systems Video
17. Human Impacts on River Systems
River Systems Workshop
18. River Systems Revision
Atmospheric composition and structure
19. The energy balance
The hydrological cycle I: Evaporation, transpiration and
Condensation
20. Reading week - no lectures
21. The hydrological cycle II: Cloud formation and precipitation
Weather Video
22. The general circulation of the atmosphere
Mid-latitude weather
23. Workshop - Atmosphere (Online MCQs)
Revision Atmospheric Processes
24. Environmental Systems and Processes - Relationships
Environmental Systems and Processes - Oscillations

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Class tests, exams and assessment41.004.00
Lecture401.0040.00
Private study hours156.00
Total Contact hours44.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

3 hours reading per lecture - 114 hours
4 x 6 hours Preparation for each online workshop - 24 hours
18 hours Exam revision

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Via four online exercises - 2 in Semester 1 and 2 in Semester 2. Immediate feedback

Methods of assessment


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 30 mins50.00
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 30 mins50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 31/03/2008

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