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.

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.

A portfolio containing a 1500 - 1750 word essay from a prescribed list of titles and a one-hour class-test during which one essay has to be written from an unseen list of titles. Addresses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 (70%)

Assessment of a 30 minute equivalent group `virtual' presentation. Addresses learning outcome 4, 5, 6. (30%).

Additional Assessment Details:

The group seminar presentations will be delivered to students studying the Intermediate Level version of this module via on-line discussion boards.

The class-test will be held on campus during the August referral period.

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 and presentation plans.

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

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.