Earth Surface Systems (U03237)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : GEO-1-ESS

The course will provide a foundation level of knowledge of several key components of the earth system (atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere). The systems concept will underpin this, with an emphasis on interactions between the different subsystems and an introduction to the human impact on these. The significance of spatial and temporal scale will be introduced.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : None.

? Co-requisites : None.

? Prohibited combinations : None.

? Costs : None.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Geosciences, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Other subject areas

Earth Science, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Environmental Courses, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Geography, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
08/01/2008	10:00	10:50	Lecture Theatre, George Square Theatre	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	10:00	10:50	Central
Lecture	Wednesday	09:00	09:50	Central
Lecture	Friday	15:00	15:50	Central

1 of the following 3 classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Laboratory	Mo	13:10	14:50	Other
Laboratory	We	14:00	15:50	Other
Laboratory	Th	14:00	15:50	Other

? Additional Class Information : Tutorials and Practical sessions at times to be arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, you should be equipped to:

* Recognise the scope and relevance of earth surface systems;
* Understand the key processes driving the earth-atmosphere system and the shaping of landscapes;
* Appreciate the significance of changes in these systems, interactions between them and the influence of human activity, especially in relation to global climate change;
* Abstract and synthesis information from a variety of sources, including electronic sources;
* Develop and present reasoned arguments in both oral and written presentations; and
* Demonstrate basic competency in the use of IT for handling data on the physical environment.