2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG1045 Living Planet
20 creditsClass Size: 120
Module manager: Julie Peacock
Email: j.peacock@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
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.This 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, and report writing.
Skills outcomes
This module requires that you attend laboratory classes where soil physical and chemical tests are conducted. The Soil Report and Ecology Data Analysis Assignments require the student to apply statistics (not taught as part of the module) to a data set.
Syllabus
The teaching on this module will be organised into blocks.
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: Stakeholder perspectives on nutrient excesses
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. Introduction to soil classification
10. Lab classes 1-4. Soil preparation, physical properties, chemical properties
11 Human impacts
12. Workshop: Soil sustainability
Block 3: Evolution and ecology
13. Introduction to Ecology
14. Introduction to Evolution
15. Speciation and Extinction
16. Island Biogeography Theory
17. Population Dynamics
18. Photosynthesis
19. Labclass 5. Leaf structure. Computer class. Ecological analysis.
20. Energy flows and ecological networks
21. Succession and Disturbance
22. Urban Ecology
23. Climate change and the biosphere
24. Workshop: ecological debates.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Computer Class | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 7.00 | 7.00 |
| Lecture | 25 | 1.00 | 25.00 |
| Practical | 5 | 2.00 | 10.00 |
| Seminar | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 3.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 150.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 47.00 | ||
| 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.
- Students will also be required to listen and engage with three e-lectures in their own time.
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) | 33.00 |
| Practical | Data analysis (1,200 words). | 33.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 66.00 | |
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 | 34.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 34.00 | |
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: 26/11/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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