Environmental Sensitivity and Change (GG0002)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : GEO-2-GG0002

This course in physical geography looks at the interaction between the atmospheric, biogeographical and geomorphological systems at the Earth's surface, their sensitivity and problems of environmental management. Particular emphasis is given to the role of palaeoenvironmental change on time scales of tens to thousands of years.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Prior attendance at Earth Surface Systems is normally required.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Geography, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Other subject areas

Environmental Courses, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
19/09/2007	12:10	13:00	Lecture Theatre 4, Appleton Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	12:10	13:00	Central
Lecture	Wednesday	12:10	13:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : Practicals as required, plus tutorials.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course you should have achieved and demonstrated, or be able to achieve and demonstrate, the ability to:

-understand scientific approaches to the principal issues of environmental sensitivity and change
-understand the strength and limitations of our reconstructions of past environments
-understand the primary causes and consequences of climate change
-assess, analyse and understand the main characteristics of human-environment interactions and the spatial variation of Quaternary environments,
-appreciate environmental change as an interdisciplinary research field

And in the context of environmental change:

-assess the merits and shortcomings of major theories and concepts
-critically evaluate evidence presented in support of specific theories
-abstract and synthesize information
-develop reasoned arguments
-take responsibility for your own learning through reading and the preparation of assignments, and reflect upon your learning experience
-plan and write set assignments to a specified length
-locate, read and summarize relevant literature on a specified topic, both from conventional printed sources and, where appropriate, web-based sources
-select and prepare an oral and extended written presentation on an appropriate topic
-employ appropriate visual aids in written and oral presentations