Module FOUD0477: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0477: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Engineering in the environment.

Aims

• To develop confidence in an environmental science subject.
• To develop awareness and knowledge of key environmental issues and the science behind them.
• To constructively apply knowledge gained in other subject areas.
• To develop library and research skills.

Content

• ATMOSPHERE • Natural temperature variations (spatial, diurnal, seasonal) • Human effects on the atmosphere Greenhouse effect/climate change (in more detail than ES1) Ozone layer pollution.
• LITHOSPHERE • Energy resources and use Non-renewable Renewable (Environmental impact of exploitation, reduction of impacts, future of supplies ) • Land use (different uses of land, waste management, pollution).
• HYDROSPHERE Water Cycle Pollution (organic, eutrophication, inorganic, sewage treatment) Resources and use (groundwater abstraction, water treatment, CC and future demand).
• BIOSPHERE • Ecosystems & Community Ecology (categories of organisms, feeding relationships, abiotic/biotic factors, diversity and ecological stability,conservation) • Biomes • Human impact.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module the student will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
• describe the basic concepts involved in environmental issues associated with the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere as detailed in the content list.

• By the end of this module the student will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• interpret and critically evaluate information on environmental science issues

• By the end of the module students will
• be able to communicate effectively in writing.
• be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data.
• be able to demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Portfolio Exercises will assess: SK1, SS1, KS1, KS2, KS3
• Research Exercise will assess:, SS1, KS1, KS2, KS3
• Exam will assess, SK1, SS1, KS1, KS2 KS3

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures and demonstrations.
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured activities during tutorials and students' own time.
• Research and library skills will be developed through structured and non-structured research activities.
• Knowledge, understanding and ability to interpret information will be assessed by a portfolio of tasks and exercises designed to extend the material covered in class, and an end of module examination.
• Research and library skills will be assessed by a set research exercise.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be given self testing units on a weekly basis. Students will be given some formative research exercises relating to current environmental issues.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University