Module Descriptors
CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
GEOG50389
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Timothy Harris
Email: T.D.Harris@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 20
Independent Study Hours: 130
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 50%
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module considers the evidence for global climate change and causes of climate change during the Neogene (and late Paleogene). Global environmental change during the Neogene will be discussed with particular emphasis upon the low latitudes. Students will be introduced to debates relating to the evolution of hominids and the influence and interaction of the environment on hominid evolution. The past and modern development of low latitude landforms and environments such as coral reefs, tropical jungles and desert wadi (arroyo systems) will be discussed.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Write an 1250 - 1500 word essay from list of titles. Addresses Outcomes 3 ,4, 5, 6. (50%)
Answer a 2 - hour exam (50/50 short answer and one long answer from a list of questions). Addresses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 4, 6. (50%)
Additional Assessment Details:
The examination will be held on campus in September.
Formative Assessment: Opportunities for ongoing formative feedback will be provided via the use of discussion boards and email interchanges to discuss the DL activities with both tutors and peers. This will allow students to self evaluate their understanding of module materials. Students will also have the opportunity to receive feedback from tutors on their essay plans.
Answer a 2 - hour exam (50/50 short answer and one long answer from a list of questions). Addresses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 4, 6. (50%)
Additional Assessment Details:
The examination will be held on campus in September.
Formative Assessment: Opportunities for ongoing formative feedback will be provided via the use of discussion boards and email interchanges to discuss the DL activities with both tutors and peers. This will allow students to self evaluate their understanding of module materials. Students will also have the opportunity to receive feedback from tutors on their essay plans.
Module Learning Strategies
The module will be delivered through a blended learning. Part of a two week summer school of 20 hours followed by an on-line VLE (Blackboard) support for learning and assessment over the summer 'semester'. Honours Level students will be involved in the delivery of material on this module through the submission of `virtual' presentations via on-line discussion boards.
Formative learning will be delivered in a series of 5 ACTIVITIES over 10 weeks during the summer.
On-line distance learning will be supported by discussion boards and / or e-mail supervisory surgeries that will be incorporated into the activity hours.
Formative learning will be delivered in a series of 5 ACTIVITIES over 10 weeks during the summer.
On-line distance learning will be supported by discussion boards and / or e-mail supervisory surgeries that will be incorporated into the activity hours.
Module Texts
Alley, R. (2000) The Two Mile Time Machine.
Anderson, D. et al. (2007) Global Environments throughout the Quaternary. OUP, London
Mannion, A.M. (1991) Global Environmental Change. Longman
Williams, M. et. al. (1998) (2nd edn.) Quaternary Environments. Arnold, London.
Wilson, R.C.L. et.al. (2000) The Great Ice Ages. Routledge/OU, London
Journal of Quaternary Science
Anderson, D. et al. (2007) Global Environments throughout the Quaternary. OUP, London
Mannion, A.M. (1991) Global Environmental Change. Longman
Williams, M. et. al. (1998) (2nd edn.) Quaternary Environments. Arnold, London.
Wilson, R.C.L. et.al. (2000) The Great Ice Ages. Routledge/OU, London
Journal of Quaternary Science
Module Resources
Access to the library and Sciences Learning Resource Centre and journals such as Journal of Quaternary Science.