2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG1045 Living Planet
20 creditsClass Size: 120
Module manager: Dr Sheila Palmer
Email: s.m.palmer@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Pre-requisite qualifications
Note that assignments for this module require the application of basic statistical tests which are not taught as part of the module.Module replaces
GEOG1230 & GEOG1210This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
A firm understanding of the processes that shape the biosphere is key for managing environmental change. This module explores the relationships between soils, plants, animals and their physical environment - and how humans are modifying these interactions. The module uses a variety of approaches to explore pattern and process in plant-soil systems, including lectures, computer practicals, and laboratory classes. The computer and laboratory practicals and related assesments are designed to develop scientific understanding of the environment and introduce writing and data analysis skills, including the application of simple statistics (taught elsewhere in the programme).Objectives
To provide students with an introduction to the major processes that determine current patterns in the terrestrial biosphere, and the knowledge to engage effectively with current environmental debates.Learning outcomes
1) a knowledge of the processes that determine current patterns in the structure, composition and diversity of the biosphere
2) an appreciation of environmental system dynamics and interactions - including human impacts - at a range of spatial and temporal scales;
3) an understanding of energy and material fluxes within and between the different components of the earth's ecosystem and the processes involved;
4) Knowledge and understanding of
(i) the factors that control soil formation and
(ii) the key physical and chemical properties of soil and why they are important.
5) Skills in fieldwork, laboratory work, data analysis, report writing, and giving presentations.
Skills outcomes
This module requires that you attend laboratory classes where soil physical and chemical test are conducted. The Report Assignment requires the student to apply statistics to a data set (not taught as part of the module).
Syllabus
The teaching on this module will be organised into blocks.
Apart from Block 1, which will always be the first component of the module, the blocks may be taught at different times in different years depending on staffing and the timetabling of components on other modules (like fieldtrips). Some blocks may run concurrently.
Each block will be taught using a combination of approaches.
Block 1. Nutrient cycles and human impacts
1. Energy capture and flow - Carbon
2. Water cycle
3. The cycles of life - Nitrogen
4. Nutrient cycles - Phosphorus and others
5. Workshop
Block 2: The basis of terrestrial life: soils
6. Soils: functions and formation
5. Soil physical properties
7. Soil organic matter
8. Soil chemical properties
9. The soil-plant system
10. Lab class 1. Soil preparation, physical properties
11. Lab class 2. Soil chemical properties
12. Lab class 3. Living soil -- respiration
13 Workshop: human impacts
Block 3: Evolution and ecology
13. The evolution of evolution
14. The development of diversity (1): speciation & extinction
15. Biomes of the world (1) Origins
16. Biomes of the world (2) Maintenance
17. Organising the world: ecosystems, communities and species
18. A world in balance, or why are flamingos pink? Niches and adaptation
19. Ecological networks
20. The changing world (1): succession
21. Computer workshop: analysis of ecological field data
22. The changing world (2): disturbance
23. Workshop: ecological crisis.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Computer Class | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 7.00 | 7.00 |
| Lecture | 28 | 1.00 | 28.00 |
| Practical | 4 | 2.00 | 8.00 |
| Seminar | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 2.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 150.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 48.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
- Lectures and practicals will be accompanied by reading lists (textbooks and journal articles), with an expectation of around two hours reading in support of each lecture.- Further private study time will be spent in preparing coursework and revising for the exam, and in preparing group presentations.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Student progress will be monitored via the workshops (one in each block- see above) and also via performance on two pieces of coursework (a soils report and a data-analysis report).- Feedback on the coursework will be provided via a document posted on the VLE and via short-paragraph report sheets on each student's performance (also on the VLE).
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Report | Soils report (1200 words) | 30.00 |
| Oral Presentation | Groups | 10.00 |
| Practical | Data analysis (1,200 words). | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 70.00 | |
Essay on soil topic (1200 words); essay on ecology topic (1200 words)
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: 01/04/2014
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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