GV1B1NU-Introduction to Environmental Science

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Semesters in which taught: Semester 1 module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Hazel McGoff
Email: h.j.mcgoff@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides the students with an understanding of ecological and physical processes, of the impact of human activity on these processes and with an appreciation of the key concepts of environmental sustainability.

Aims:

This module will provide a broad knowledge of basic environmental science. The focus of this scientific foundation will be on the environmental problems that society faces today, and considers possible solutions.  The module aims to inspire the students to make a difference in how we treat our planet.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Explain ecological principles including energy flow, biogeochemical cycling, and population dynamics


• Outline the Earth's history


• Discuss factors influencing human population size, economies and livelihoods


• Recognize the impact of human activity on the natural environment


• Recognize the significance of sustainability.

Additional outcomes:

It is expected that the students will improve their study and learning skills, as well as their critical thinking skills and ability to develop a balanced scientific argument from reading across different sources of scientific literature. Students will have the opportunity to practice and enhance their library, IT, language and communication skills.

Outline content:

In general, the content addresses: ecology and biodiversity; humans and sustainability; sustaining resources, environmental quality and human societies. In detail:

• Overview of Environmental Science


• Science, Matter, Energy, and Systems


• Ecosystems: What Are They and How Do They Work?


• Biodiversity and Evolution


• Species Interactions, Ecological Succession, and Population Control


• The Human Population and Urbanization


• Climate and Biodiversity


• Sustaining Biodiversity: Saving Species and Ecosystem Services


• Sustaining Biodiversity: Saving Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services


• Food Production and the Environment


• Water Resources and Water Pollution


• Geology and Non-renewable Mineral Resources


• Energy Resources


• Environmental Hazards and Human Health


• Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Ozone Depletion


• Solid and Hazardous Waste

Global context:

This module is concerned with sustainability as a major component of the Earth system. As such, pertinent examples are drawn from the global scale. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

In general, the content addresses: ecology and biodiversity; humans and sustainability; sustaining resources, environmental quality and human societies. In detail:

• Overview of Environmental Science


• Science, Matter, Energy, and Systems


• Ecosystems: What Are They and How Do They Work?


• Biodiversity and Evolution


• Species Interactions, Ecological Succession, and Population Control


• The Hu man Population and Urbanization


• Climate and Biodiversity


• Sustaining Biodiversity: Saving Species and Ecosystem Services


• Sustaining Biodiversity: Saving Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services


• Food Production and the Environment


• Water Resources and Water Pollution


• Geology and Non-renewable Mineral Resources


• Energy Resources


• Environmental Hazards and Human Health

Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Ozone Depletion

• Solid and Hazardous Waste

Contact hours:

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Lectures	38
Seminars	4
Project Supervision	6
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 presentations	5
Preparation for seminars	5
Reflection	12
Total hours by term	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	25
Oral assessment and presentation	15
Class test administered by School	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written assignment (1500 words), one oral presentation, one in-class test (1 hour). 

Formative assessment methods:

Students also have the opportunity to anonymously peer-review draft coursework in order to improve their scientific writing skills.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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: 22 September 2022