Module Descriptors
CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
GEOG50405
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 Special Admissions Requirements
None
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 Learning Strategies
Formal staff-led lectures during the early part of the module and video workshops (10 hours) will be accompanied by specifically designed web pages that will deliver a range of support material. In addition a workbook covering the key ideas introduced at the beginning of the course will have to completed and submitted for formative assessment. The latter section of the course will be delivered as a series of seminars researched and delivered by students on the Honours Level (Level 3) version of this module to Intermediate Level (Level 2) students (10 hours).
Module Additional Assessment Details
Write a 1250 - 1500 word essay from a list of titles. Addresses Outcomes 3,4, 5, 6. (50%)
A 2 hour examination (consisting of a short answer section and an essay section - one from a list of titles). Addresses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 4, 6. (50%)
Additional Assessment Details:
Formative Assessment: Students are required to complete and submit a workbook on research within Quaternary environments. Feedback from this will be used to inform their essay. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their essay plans.
A 2 hour examination (consisting of a short answer section and an essay section - one from a list of titles). Addresses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 4, 6. (50%)
Additional Assessment Details:
Formative Assessment: Students are required to complete and submit a workbook on research within Quaternary environments. Feedback from this will be used to inform their essay. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their essay plans.
Module Resources
Access to a good lecture theatre, fully equipped with multimedia hardware. Students will also need to access the Sciences IT suite and audio/visual systems. Access to the library and Sciences Learning Resource Centre and journals such as Journal of Quaternary Science.
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
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