2015/16 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG3875 Biogeochemical Cycles: Process to Policy
20 creditsClass Size: 40
Module manager: Dr Clare Woulds
Email: c.woulds@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2015/16
Pre-requisite qualifications
GEOG2085 or GEOG2090Pre-requisites
GEOG2085 | Ecosystems: process, pattern, and change |
GEOG2090 | Climate Systems |
This module is mutually exclusive with
GEOG3876 | Biogeochemical Cycles and Environmental Issues |
SOEE3110 | Earth System Science: BGC Cyc |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Global biogeochemical cycles describe the movement of biologically important elements through the Earth System (the combination of atmosphere, oceans, rocks and biota). The processes which govern such cycles are fundamental to all life, and result in a complex series of interactions and feedbacks. This module takes an Earth System Science approach to the study of the global cycling of biologically important elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur, iron and oxygen. You will learn about the processes governing the movement of these elements, and how to represent them using a simple numerical model. You will then look back in time at how the evolution of life was interwoven with the evolution of our atmosphere and oceans.Objectives
To teach a knowledge of the global cycles of the important bioelements, and how these have changed over time.To foster an understanding of feedbacks within the Earth System, and of how cycles are closely interconnected.
To foster an understanding of human impacts on the Earth System, and their future implications.
To develop the ability to debate and discuss possible future courses of action.
To develop an understanding of numerical modelling of biogeochemical cycles.
To develop critical reading and information synthesis skills.
To develop written and verbal communication and teamwork skills.
Learning outcomes
Students will gain a knowledge and understanding of:
The concepts used to describe global cycles.
The mechanisms and processes involved in the global cycles of a range of important bioelements, including C, N and P.
The ways in which humans have impacted biogeochemical cycles, and the future implications of this.
An understanding of the numerical modelling of biogeochemical cycles, and the ability to construct a simple model.
An understanding of how the different bioelement cycles are linked, and together play a major role in determining Earth evolution, regulation, and climate.
Skills outcomes
This module will develop skills in critical reading, and synthesising information from multiple sources. Group discussions, debates and presentations will develop communication, presentation and teamwork skills, and the ability to construct a persuasive argument. Practical activities will develop numerical modelling, and data handling and interpretation skills.
Syllabus
The module will be taught in two blocks as follows.
Block 1: Global cycles and modelling
Block 2: Co-evolution of the atmosphere, oceans and life
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 16 | 2.00 | 32.00 |
Practical | 6 | 2.00 | 12.00 |
Private study hours | 156.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 44.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
Private study will include reading of set material after each lecture, and in preparation for class discussions. Additional reading and writing will be required for the two report assessments, which will arise out of practical sessions. It will also include reading for and preparation of the group presentation.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Assessments will be spaced out through the year, with half of the credits assessed in each semester. These will provide some scope for progress monitoring and feedback.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 2000 words | 40.00 |
Report | 1500 words | 20.00 |
Oral Presentation | 10 minutes | 10.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 70.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr 30 mins | 30.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 30.00 |
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 websiteLast updated: 15/01/2016
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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