GEOG10080 Dynamic Earth

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module introduces students to the Earth, to its environmental systems and to the ways in which these systems operate and change both spatially and temporally, producing distinctive physical geographies. Topics that are introduced include: the history of physical geography; the Theory of Plate Tectonics and the Rock Cycle; the Atmosphere, the Hydrological Cycle, Glacial, Fluvial and Coastal systems. An important theme of the course is the impact of the physical environment on humans and vice versa. The scale and intensity of human activities are now large enough to affect the Earth’s planetary systems — e.g. global warming. This theme will be explored through an introduction to the Risk Management of Natural Hazards.

The module is delivered via lectures and three tutorials during the trimester that cover a lecture topic in detail.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: 1) understand that the Earth's physical geographies arise from the interaction of environmental processes operating amongst the Geosphere-Atmosphere-Hydrosphere-Biosphere systems of the planet; 2) understand the exchanges of energy and mass taking place across the environmental systems of the planet; 3) describe and explain the major physical features of the Earth arising from the interaction of its environmental systems; 4) understand the primary processes responsible for producing the Earth's distinctive physical geographies; 5) understand how the physical environment impacts on humans and vice versa

Indicative Module Content:

Topics that will be covered in the module include: History of Physical Geog. & Earth Systems; Theory of Plate tectonics; The Rock Cycle; The Atmosphere: weather and climate: The Hydrological Cycle; Glacial, Fluvial, Coastal and Aeolian Systems; Human-Environment Interactions and Risk Management.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20

Tutorial

3

Autonomous Student Learning

77

Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key teaching and learning approaches used in this module are: lectures, tutorials, critical reading and writing, in-class discussion/debates, MCQ-based tests 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Tutorial preparation and participation Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

15

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQs delivered during the trimester to cover breadth of module material Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40

Assignment: 800-word essay related to first tutorial topic Week 6 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

Assignment: 1500 word essay to cover module topic in depth Week 8 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

35


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on written assignments, post assessment