The module will initially analyse global environmental change during the Quaternary. The probable cause of environmental change at a number of spatial and temporal scales will be considered, along with an analysis of the data sources that support contemporary scientific into environmental change. Students will be introduced to debates relating to the evolution of hominids and the influence and interaction of the environment on hominid evolution. The importance of random events, and response to them will be shown to be a key to understanding the development of human cultures and civilisations. The contemporary cultural responses to environmental change and the consequences thereof will be explored. In particular the module will go on to discuss the physical characteristics of, social effects of, and management responses to, natural. Concepts covered will include: predisposing factors (thresholds and triggering mechanisms prediction and probability theory of events), hazard characterisation (speed of onset, timing, frequency, duration, magnitude, scale), hazard impacts, vulnerability issues, monitoring, risk assessment of hazards, and the technological, social, economic and cultural responses to hazards. These concepts will be developed and illustrated through a range of case studies taken from different natural hazards.

1. A portfolio consisting of:
A group seminar on a theme of environmental change (25%) delivered in Teaching Block 1 [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8]

A set of assessed workshop assignments from Teaching Block 2 (25%) [Learning outcomes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]

2. A 2 hour exam (50%) consisting of a seen essay section and a short answer section of equal weighting [Learning Outcomes 1- 8] – Final assessment

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:
Opportunities for ongoing formative feedback will be provided during class sessions via strategies such as discussion of key issues in workshop activities and formative feedback on ideas for the group seminars.

The module will be delivered through 22 x 2 hour weekly sessions running across both teaching blocks.

These sessions will consist of a mixture of:
• lectures,
• workshop activities based on a series of case studies, which apply and develop key principles involving the analysis and interpretation of text and audio-visual materials
• student seminars

The remaining 254 hours will be used as follows:
127 hours researching and completing workshop portfolio
127 hours preparation for exam

1. Anderson, D. et al. (2013) (2nd edn) Global Environments throughout the Quaternary. OUP.
2. Williams, M. et. al. (1998) (2nd edn.) Quaternary Environments. Arnold.
3. Castree, et. al. 2009 A Companion to Environmental Geography. Blackwell.
4. Smith, K. a (2013) Environmental Hazards: Assessing Risk and Reducing Disaster 6th Edition. Routledge.

None.

1) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the causes of the major climatic changes of the quaternary, and the consequent impact upon the natural environment on a global scale.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY)

2) Assess the interaction between the environment, early hominids and later humans in determining human and landscape evolution and development
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY)

3) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the contemporary environmental factors affecting the development of a range of environments, landscapes and habitats
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY)

4) Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of natural hazards within their social context and an appreciation of the management responses to natural hazards
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY)

5) Demonstrate an understanding of data collection techniques and approaches for evaluating these environmental and landscape change and natural hazard events.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY, ANALYSIS, COMMUNICATION)

6) Synthesise material from a range of sources to develop and support a coherent written argument
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY, COMMUNICATION, APPLICATION)

7) Independently research, analyse and address questions related to environmental change and natural hazards
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY, COMMUNICATION)

8) Express and communicate knowledge clearly
(COMMUNICATION)