2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5656M Past Global Environmental Systems

15 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Robert Newton
Email: r.j.newton@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of level 2 or equivalent study (e.g. SOEE2145)

Pre-requisites

SOEE2145

Palaeoeco, Palaeobio & Evo

This module is mutually exclusive with

SOEE3480

Past Global Environmental Syst

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

Earth’s surface environments have changed drastically with time and have both directly influenced, and been influenced by, biological evolution. This module will explore a range of approaches to generate information about past environments, before examining a series of case studies across the broad span of Earth history. This will enable you to understand the interacting factors that have controlled the Earth's climate and other environmental variables, both at times of crisis and during background states that were fundamentally different to today. The course will also include some direct experience of running an Earth system model and interpreting the results in the light of other evidence.

Objectives

To understand the interacting factors that controlled the Earth's climate and other environmental variables through time. To integrate multidisciplinary data sources (geochemical, geological, palaeontological) with the results from models (e.g. palaeoclimate) to evaluate the causes of environmental phenomena such as glaciation, mass extinction and intense greenhouse climates. To use an Earth system model to address a palaeo-environmental question.

Learning outcomes
An understanding of the range of approaches and proxies used to evaluate the palaeo-environmental conditions at the Earth’s surface. The ability to critically evaluate data from these approaches to derive an understanding of Earth’s past environments. Specific knowledge of the evolution of Earth surface environments at a number of key points in Earth’s history. Experience of applying an Earth system model to a case study and interpreting the resulting data in the light of geological evidence..

Syllabus

An example syllabus is shown below. The structure and topics may change from year to year, but will cover a similar range of time periods and techniques.
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

These lectures will be partnered with computer practicals to learn setting up and running an Earth system model.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Practical	1	1.00	1.00
Practical	2	2.00	4.00
Private study hours			125.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

30 hours reading (3 per lecture)
35 hours revision
25 hours computer model development
35 hours writing report on computer modelling

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Interaction in modelling class
Help Sessions

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Project Report	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

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) (S2)	2 hr 15 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Resits will be in the form of an exam.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/04/2024 14:08:13

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