2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG1055 Environmental Change: Past and Future

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Ian Lawson
Email: i.t.lawson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2013/14

Pre-requisite qualifications

none

Module replaces

existing level 1 content

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

Living with environmental change is one of the key challenges for humanity in the 21st century. This module puts the subject into context. It begins by explaining how the climate system has changed in the past and what the consequences have been for plants, animals - and for our own species.Our focus is on the Ice Ages, when colossal ice sheets waxed and waned; at some times mammoths roamed the tundra of Yorkshire, while at others hippos bathed in the water of the Thames.The module then goes on to unpick the workings of the modern climate system, and to explain how it is changing and might continue to change in the future.Throughout, the module uses a mixture of lectures, fieldwork, labwork, group projects and case studies to bring this fascinating subject to life.

Objectives

- To introduce students to the history of environmental change and to the mechanisms underpinning current changes to the climate system
- To allow students to develop skills in fieldwork, labwork, data analysis, report writing, and giving presentations.

Learning outcomes
- A wide understanding of Quaternary environmental change
- Detailed knowledge of the history of change in particular regions
- Experience of key field techniques such as sediment coring and description
- Experience of analysing Quaternary deposits in the laboratory, using a range of techniques
- An understanding of how such data can be analysed
- Experience of using basic meterological equipment in the field, and analysing the data produced
- An understanding of the principles governing the behaviour of the climate system
- An understanding of the modes of climatic change that are presently affecting the Earth.

Skills outcomes
- Fieldwork skills: coring, sediment description, use of meteorological equipment; interpretation of geomorphological (palaeoglaciological) history (in part through virtual field trip).

- Lab skills: microscope work/testate amoeba analysis, AAS, humification, sediment description.

- Data analysis: statistics, including transfer functions in environmental reconstruction.

Syllabus

Module content may include:
- Climate during the Ice Ages
- Landforms of the Ice Ages
- The changing biosphere
- Human evolution
- Human impacts on past environments
- The Quaternary history of Britain
- Present and future climate
- ENSO
- Monsoons and NAO
- The future climate of Britain.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Computer Class	3	2.00	6.00
Fieldwork	1	8.00	8.00
Group learning	1	4.00	4.00
Lecture	28	1.00	28.00
Practical	4	2.00	8.00
Seminar	1	2.00	2.00
Independent online learning hours			4.00
Private study hours			140.00
Total Contact hours			56.00
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

- Coursework will provide formal opportunities for feedback between staff and students - although this is all group work.
- We will also use the VLE to provide individual feedback, with online (non-assessed) MCQ tests twice per semester, and similar tests used to provide feedback on lab and computer practicals.
- This will allow students to get individual feedback and also allow us to monitor the engagement of individual students with the module.
- Students will also work together to give (peer-assessed) group presentations about the history of environmental change.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Individual practical report - 1,600 words	40.00
Oral Presentation	Group presentation - 10 minutes	10.00
Group Project	Urban heat island project - 2000 words	20.00
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

MCQs

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/01/2014

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