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.

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 be completed and submitted for formative assessment. The latter section of the course will be delivered as a series of seminars researched and delivered by Honours Level (Level 3) students to students taking the Intermediate Level (2) version of this module.

None

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.

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

A portfolio containing a 1500 - 1750 word essay from a prescribed list of titles and a 1 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%)

A 30 minute group seminar presentation. Addresses learning outcome 4, 5, 6. (30%).


Additional Assessment Details:

The group seminar presentations will be delivered to students studying the Intermediate Level (Level 2) version of this module by Honours Level (Level 3) students.


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 and group seminar plans.