2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG3034 Tropical Forests: past, present and future
10 creditsClass Size: 5
Module manager: Dr Tim Baker
Email: t.r.baker@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
This module is mutually exclusive with
| GEOG3341 | Environment and Development in South-East Asia |
| GEOG3690 | Tropical forests and sustainable development |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Tropical forests are one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, containing approximately half of global biodiversity, 40% of terrestrial carbon stocks and providing resources that directly and indirectly support millions of people. This module explores the geological history of tropical forests and the role these ecosystems currently play in the earth system. It will draw on examples and case studies from all the major tropical forest regions of the world to examine their role in regulating atmospheric carbon and to assess their future fate in the face of development pressures.Objectives
The objective of the module is to give students a detailed understanding of the role that tropical forests play in the earth system.Learning outcomes
1. Understanding of the role that processes occurring on geological timescales play in determining current patterns in the biosphere
2. Understanding of how climate change and human activity is perturbing tropical forest environments
Syllabus
1. The geological history of tropical forests: how resilient are tropical forests to environmental change?
2. Tropical forests and the earth system: diversity, carbon and climate
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Workshop | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Seminars | 4 | 2.00 | 8.00 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Group learning | 7 | 1.00 | 7.00 |
| Lecture | 8 | 1.00 | 8.00 |
| Private study hours | 73.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 27.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
Private study will consist of reading key references associated with course and preparing for and undertaking assessments. Group learning will consist of preparation for seminars – one hour per seminar: students will be allocated to groups and each group will be involved in leading a seminar.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Presentations on papers from course will provide early feedback to students on their progress.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1750 words | 80.00 |
| Oral Presentation | 10 minutes | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 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 websiteLast updated: 28/04/2023 14:56:06
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