2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE3480 Past Global Environmental Systems
10 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Dr Ruza Ivanovic
Email: R.Ivanovic@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
Pre-requisites
| SOEE2145 | Palaeoeco, Palaeobio & Evo |
Module replaces
EARS3410This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
In this module you will understand and interpret the interacting factors that have controlled the Earth's climate and global environments through geological time at times of both crisis and during background states that were fundamentally different to today. You will be able to integrate multidisciplinary data sources (geochemical, geological, palaeontological, modelling) and use them to evaluate the causes of phenomena such as glaciation, mass extinction and intense greenhouse climates. This module is taught in semester 2 through lectures and paper practicals and is assessed by an examination.Objectives
On completion of this module, you should be able to understand and interpret the interacting factors that have controlled the Earth's climate and global environments through geological time at times of both crisis and during background states that were fundamentally different to today.You will be able to integrate multidisciplinary data sources (geochemical, geological, palaeontological) with the results from palaeoclimate models and use them to evaluate the causes of phenomena such as glaciation, mass extinction and intense greenhouse climates.
Learning outcomes
An understanding of the range of approaches and proxies used to evaluate the palaeo-environmental conditions at the Earth’s surface
Specific knowledge of a range of case studies which highlight different controls on the evolution of Earth surface environments at a number of key points in Earth’s history.
Syllabus
1. The climate system
2. Proxies for palaeoenvironment
3. Modelling approaches to palaeoenvironments
4. The Precambrian oxidation of Earth’s surface environments and Snowball Earth
5. The end-Permian mass extinction
6. The early Triassic recovery
7. CO2 control of climate in the Cenozoic
8. Gateway control of climate in the Cenozoic
9. Orbital control on climate
10. Rapid climate change in the Quaternary and course wrap-up
Note that the module description is flexible enough that the exact mix of case studies can change easily to allow for contributions by other staff in future years.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Group Project | 1 | 20.00 | 0.00 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.50 | 15.00 |
| Private study hours | 85.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 15.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
20 hours group poster preparation3 hours preparatory reading per lecture
35 hours revision
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Written exam practice exercise - 1,200 words.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Poster Presentation | In Groups | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20.00 | |
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 | 80.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80.00 | |
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: 04/10/2019
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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