GV1DENU-Our Dynamic Earth

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Steve Robinson
Email: j.s.robinson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module focusses on basic microbiology and associated biogeochemical cycles. Relevance to contemporary environmental and waste management issues will be addressed; e.g. climate change and landfill practices.

Aims:

This module provides an overview of key concepts in basic microbiology and biogeochemical cycles in the environment, and applies the theories to real-world issues in waste management and global climate change.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, the students will be able to:

• Define and explain commonly used terminology in pure and applied microbiology


• Discuss major microbiological processes that occur in the environment


• Describe the processes involved in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen


• Describe how concepts and applications in microbiology are important in the environmentally sustainable design and management o f land fill sites


• Explain the role of microbiological and other processes in our understanding of climate change

Additional outcomes:

The students will develop key skills in the critical appraisal of scientific information, written communication, time management and the use of technical vocabulary.

Outline content:

• The history of microbiology and basic terminologies


• Microbiology and biogeochemical cycles: the C and N cycles.


• Landfill design and management: regulations and restrictions


• Applied microbiology in environmentally sound landfill management


• Applied microbiology and related processes in drinking water security and climate change.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A combination of lectures and tutorials

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	38
Tutorials	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	5
Wider reading (directed)	10
Exam revision/preparation	5
Peer assisted learning	5
Advance preparation for classes	5
Preparation for tutorials	5
Preparation for presentations	5
Reflection	12
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	40
Written assignment including essay	30
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written assignment (1500 words), one oral presentation.

Formative assessment methods:

Advice on course work is provided through tutorials; quizzes provide the opportunity for feedback and feed-forward.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in February

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 2 December 2021