Overview

Key module topics will include:

1. Earth systems and earth processes: introduction and key concepts
2. The Geosphere: key geological concepts and processes.
3. Weathering processes
4. The atmosphere: global and regional atmospheric circulation
5. Atmosphere-Ocean interaction: influence on climate, ENSO & NAO cycles & cyclones
6. The hydrosphere: introduction to the hydrological cycle, run-off generation & basic principles of hydrology.
7. Glacial environments: introduction to ice-mass description, ice mass movement and glacial geomorphology.
8. The biosphere: introduction to soils
9. The biosphere: introduction to biogeography
10. Introduction to global biogeochemical cycles: the Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade D- (42%) to D+ (48%): Students Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Earth's systems and their processes based on individual components of the directly taught programme. Some factual inaccuracies evident but overall understanding is demonstrated.

-good -Grade B- (62%) to B+ (68%): Students demonstrate a good understanding of the Earth's systems and processes, including an ability to appreciate simple linkages between the different components included in the module and some evidence of enquiry and extension of a knowledge base beyond the directly taught programme. No major omissions or inaccuracies in factual understanding and demonstrates a good grasp of theoretical and conceptual elements. Evidence of good integration of information from a variety of sources.

-excellent -Grade A- (74%) and above: Students demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Earth's systems and processes, including an ability to appreciate complex linkages between the different components included in the module and evidence of enquiry and a knowledge base that extends well beyond the directly taught programme. Thorough and critical understanding of key underlying concepts is demonstrated. No factual errors are evident.

Grade C- (52%) to C+ (58%): Students Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Earth's systems and their processes based on individual components of the directly taught programme. No major omissions or inaccuracies in factual understanding but lacking critical analysis.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an accurate understanding of endogenic and exogenic earth processes.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of temporal and spatial scales in relation to the study of earth processes and systems.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship of processes occurring within earth systems.

• Demonstrate an understanding of theories, paradigms, concepts and principles of physical processes within the Earth and its atmosphere.