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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE1014 Introduction to Environmental Science

10 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Yim Ling Siu
Email: Y.L.Siu@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is mutually exclusive with

SOEE1024	Introduction to Environmental Science (Semester 2)
SOEE1460	Env Science for Env Mgmt

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module runs in Semester 1. It is a web based interdisciplinary module, specifically designed to provide students with a comprehensive background in Environmental Science. It is tailored to meet the need of the students who have either no prior knowledge of or very limited experience on Environmental Science in their previous studies. The aims is to provide the students with the fundamental concepts, theories and knowledge to aid better understanding of the environment and the Earth we all live in. In this module, students study the different physical and biological processes which generate the Earth's environment and which support life as we know it. The module is taught through a purpose built website with one compulsory introduction session which is scheduled in the first teaching week of the semester and a compulsory progress meeting which is scheduled in the 7th week of the semester (see the online module timetable for details – date, time & location). Student attendance of this compulsory introduction session will be monitored. The rest is self-study working through the course materials and completing the online test. This module requires self-discipline and skills in time management. Support is provided through emails or arranged meetings for any problems or inquiries. Just-in-time guidance is also provided to give further support to students (e.g. announcements, deadlines, progression checks, etc.) Student's comments have included: - It was a fantastic module, not too difficult but not easy either, it helped to reinforce the information I was learning in my other modules and taught me new things that helped expand and understand better my knowledge of what our planet is and how everything in it fits together. The learning resources were brilliant, enviroweb is a fantastic way to learn, it's easily accessible, it can be scheduled into your timetable in your own way and it was a joy to use - I have learnt more from this module than any other during my first year - A great deal of information is packed into the diagrams which provides a good foundation for many other modules - It helps being able to follow the course at your own pace and not being restricted to a timetable - Really interesting subject matter.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will have a broad-based understanding of the (typically complex) nature of environmental science issues. They will be in a position to recognise threats to environmental sustainability.

They will have developed the skills necessary for independent, self-managed learning, and will have developed an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

Skills outcomes
The module places considerable emphasis on:
- developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills);
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

The module places moderate emphasis on:
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual numerical, verbal, graphical)

The module places some emphasis on:
- using the Internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information.

Syllabus

1. Our Environment: An exploration of the evolution of the Earth's environment and of the progressive exploitation of environmental resources by humankind
2. Atmosphere: An introduction to its structure, composition, energy and circulation
3. Hydrosphere: An appreciation of the world's water environment
4. Earth: An understanding of the world's geological structure and composition
5. Biosphere: An introduction to the rich diversity of life on Earth: its composition, evolution and interrelationships.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Computer Class	6	1.00	6.00
Induction Session	1	2.00	2.00
Meetings	1	2.00	2.00
Private study hours			90.00
Total Contact hours			10.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

90 hours:
- 5 hours per week engagement with purpose-built website covering each of the units listed in the syllabus
- 2 hours per week related reading and consolidation
- 5 hours MCQ tests
- 18 hours revision.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Self-administered MCQ tests on each of the units, with diagnostic feedback
- There is just-in-time guidance

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course Assessment	5x Computer-based MCQ tests	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		0.00

Coursework is for formative purposes only.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr	100.00
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: 30/04/2019

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