2016/7 - ENV-4001A GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
Autumn Semester, Level 4 module
(Maximum 185 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Annela Anger-Kraavi
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:CJL
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
What are the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today? How do we
understand these problems through cutting-edge environmental science research? What are
the possibilities for building sustainable solutions to address them in policy and society? In
this module you will tackle these questions by taking an interdisciplinary approach to
consider challenges relating to climate change, biodiversity, water resources, natural hazards,
and technological risks. In doing so you will gain an insight into environmental science
research ‘in action’ and develop essential academic study skills needed to explore these
issues. Please note that ENV students, BIO Ecology students, NAT SCI students and SCI
Foundation Year students can request a place on this module, however priority will be given
to ENV students. Please note that non-ENV students wishing to select this module must
obtain a signature from their advisor confirming that he/she will agree to mark the
independent essay component of the module assessment in the spring semester (this must be
done within the first two weeks of the autumn semester by sending an email to the module
organiser (Dr A. Anger-Kraavi) copied to the HUB at: [email protected] ).
2016/7 - ENV-4005A UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMIC PLANET
Autumn Semester, Level 4 module
(Maximum 180 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Richard Herd
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:EE
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
Understanding of natural systems is underpinned by physical laws and processes. This
module explores energy, mechanics, physical properties of Earth materials and their
relevance to environmental science using examples from across the Earth’s differing systems.
The formation, subsequent evolution and current state of our planet are considered through its
structure and behaviour—from the planetary interior to the dynamic surface and into the
atmosphere. Plate Tectonics is studied to explain Earth’s physiographic features—such as
mountain belts and volcanoes—and how the processes of erosion and deposition modify
them. The distribution of land masses is tied to global patterns of rock, ice and soil
distribution and to atmospheric and ocean circulation. We also explore geological time—the
4.6 billion year record of changing conditions on the planet and introduce geological
materials, resources and hazards.
2016/7 - ENV-5001A AQUATIC ECOLOGY
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 60 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Rosalind Boar
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:AGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 2
Exam Period:SPR-02
An analysis of how chemical, physical and biological influences shape the biological
communities of rivers, lakes and estuaries in temperate and tropical regions. There is an
important practical component to this module that includes laboratory work and three field
visits. The first piece of course work involves statistical analysis of class data. The module
can be taken alongside hydrology or geochemical modules, it fits well with other ecology
modules and can fit well with modules in development studies. Pre-requisite requirements
are: An A-level in a biological subject, a biologically biased access course or any 1st year
ecology module in ENV or BIO. Students must have a background in basic statistical analysis
of data. Lectures will show how the chemical and physical features of freshwaters influence
their biological communities. Students may attend video screenings that complement lectures
with examples of aquatic habitats in the tropics. To do well in this module, students need to
show that they can use primary literature to illustrate or contradict ideas introduced in
lectures: There will be one formal session that shows how to do this. Practical work is an
important part of this Module and is an opportunity to develop skills in taxonomy mainly
using microscopes, chemical analysis of freshwaters, field observation, working in small
groups, mini-lecture presentation, writing a research proposal and statistical analysis of
ecological data. If interested in a career in ecology, the usual route is via a higher degree
(Masters or PhD), for which a first or 2:1 is needed. This might lead into research or
management work, either in an academically orientated environment or in industry. An
alternative path is via casual or voluntary work leading ultimately into conservation or
management, but bear in mind that many committed and keen people follow the same route
and competition for permanent and paid jobs can be intense. There are also opportunities to
enter relevant employment directly after graduation. The Environment Agency, which is
responsible for the management, monitoring and legal regulation of many aspects of
freshwater, estuaries and coastal waters, is a potential employer. Consulting engineers and
many multinational companies have environmental departments that tackle aquatic projects.
For this type of work, students might combine ecological modules with management options,
or with more physical sciences such as soils, hydrology, hydrogeology, water resources,
oceanography and environmental chemistry. Careers in international development on the
natural resources side may also benefit from a background in freshwater science.
2016/7 - ENV-5003A CLIMATE CHANGE: SCIENCE AND POLICY
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 80 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Rachel Warren
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:CGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
This module develops skills and understanding in the integrated analysis of global climate
change, using perspectives from both the natural sciences and the social sciences. It offers a
historical perspective on how climate has influenced society, on how global climate change
has developed as a scientific object of enquiry, and on the difficulties and controversies over
policies and politics on this issue, culminating in the December 2015 Paris Agreement. The
course gives grounding in the basics of climate change science, impacts, adaptation,
mitigation and their influence on and by policy decisions. Finally, it considers what will be
required to meet the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2 °C
above pre-industrial levels.
2016/7 - ENV-5006A MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS B
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 100 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Mark Blyth
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination
Timetable Slot:BB
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE ENV-4002Y
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE MTHA5002Y
This module is the third in a series of four mathematical modules for students across the
Faculty of Science. It covers vector calculus (used in the study of vector fields in subjects
such as fluid dynamics and electromagnetism), time series and spectral analysis (a highly
adaptable and useful mathematical technique in many science fields, including data analysis),
and fluid dynamics (which has applications to the circulation of the atmosphere, ocean,
interior of the Earth, chemical engineering, and biology). There is a continuing emphasis on
applied examples.
2016/7 - ENV-5008A METEOROLOGY I
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 80 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor Ian Renfrew
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:DGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 2
Exam Period:SPR-02
This module is designed to give a general introduction to meteorology, concentrating on the
physical processed in the atmosphere and how these influence our weather. The module
contains both descriptive and mathematical treatments of Radiation Balance, Cloud Physics,
Thermodynamics and Dynamics and the assessment is designed to allow those with either
mathematical or descriptive abilities to do well; however a reasonable mathematical
competence is essential. TEACHING AND LEARNING Practical session will provide
opportunities for individual and group-based work in which problem sheets and data analysis
exercises are tackled. Lectures will provide the forum for introduction of theoretical material
and also for following up and summarising the key points emanating from previous practical
sessions. Lecturers will also ensure that attention is drawn, as appropriate, to links between
theory and 'current weather', often in the form of references to online information resources.
The course Blackboard site will provide opportunities for students to assess their own
progress through informal formative assessment material. • The Structure of the Atmosphere
• Short and long wave radiation in the atmosphere • Thermal equilibrium of the Earth
atmosphere system • Laws of thermodynamics applied to the atmosphere • Atmospheric
Stability • Atmospheric Dynamics • Atmospheric momentum balance • Meteorological
surface observations and plotting codes • Cloud physics CAREER PROSPECTS Students
regularly go on to careers in the Met Office, in meteorological consultancy and in a number
of other research organisations in the UK and abroad, either directly or after taking a higher
degree. Meteorology interfaces with many other disciplines n the environmental sciences (eg
oceanography, hydrology, energy and epidemiology) and impacts upon most sectors of the
economy. While graduates regularly move directly into weather forecasting and analysis jobs,
a career in meteorological research would often first require a higher degree. This module is
designed to give a general introduction to meteorology, concentrating on the physical
processes in the atmosphere and how these influence our weather. The module contains both
descriptive and mathematical treatments of Radiation Balance, Cloud Physics,
Thermodynamics and Dynamics and the assessment is designed to allow those with either
mathematical or descriptive abilities to do well; however a reasonable mathematical
competence is essential, including a basic understanding of differentiation and integration.
2016/7 - ENV-5012A SOIL PROCESSES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 40 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Brian Reid
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:DGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 2
Exam Period:SPR-02
This module will combine lectures, practicals, seminars and fieldwork to provide students
with an appreciation of the soil environment and the processes that occurs within it. The
module will progress through: basic soil components/properties; soil identification and
classification; soil as a habitat; soil organisms; soil functions; the agricultural environment;
soil-organism-agrochemical interaction; soil contamination; soil and climate change.
2016/7 - ENV-5014A POPULATION ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 50 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Aldina Franco
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:CGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 2
Exam Period:SPR-02
We live in a human dominated era recently designated “the Anthropocene”. Humans harvest
more than half of the primary productivity of the planet, many resources are over-exploited or
depleted (e.g. fisheries) never before it was so important to correctly manage natural
resources for an exponentially growing human population. It is, thus, fundamental to predict
where other species occur and the sizes of their populations (abundance). Population Ecology
it is an area dedicated to the dynamics of population development. In this module we will
look closely at how populations are regulated, from within through density dependent factors
and, from external density independent factors. We start the module with a global
environmental change perspective to the management of populations and the factors that
affect the population size. We then extend these ideas to help us understand population
properties and processes both intra-specifically and inter-specifically. Finally we examine
several management applications where we show that a good understanding of the population
modelling is essential to correctly manage natural resources on the planet. Practicals will be
based on statistical or modelling projects and will provide a strong training in both subject
specific and transferrable skills.
2016/7 - ENV-5015A ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND GLOBAL CHANGE
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 55 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor Jan Kaiser
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:EE
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
Atmospheric chemistry and global change are in the news: stratospheric ozone depletion, acid
rain, greenhouse gases, and global scale air pollution are among the most significant
environmental problems of our age. Chemical composition and transformations underlie
these issues, and drive many important atmospheric processes. This module covers the
fundamental chemical principles and processes in the atmosphere from the Earth's surface to
the stratosphere, and considers current issues of atmospheric chemical change through a
series of lectures, problem-solving classes, seminars, experimental and computing labs and a
field trip to UEA’s own atmospheric observatory in Weybourne/North Norfolk. A solid
background in chemistry, physics or maths is recommended.
2016/7 - ENV-5016A OCEAN CIRCULATION
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 50 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor Karen Heywood
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:AGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 2
Exam Period:SPR-02
This module gives you an understanding of the physical processes occurring in the basinscale ocean environment. We will introduce and discuss large scale global ocean circulation,
including gyres, boundary currents and the overturning circulation. Major themes include the
interaction between ocean and atmosphere, and the forces which drive ocean circulation. You
should be familiar with partial differentiation, integration, handling equations and using
calculators. ENV-5017B is a natural follow-on module and builds on some of the concepts
introduced here. We strongly recommend that you also gain oceanographic fieldwork
experience by taking the 20-credit biennial Marine Sciences fieldcourse.
2016/7 - ENV-5018A GLOBAL PLATE TECTONICS
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 80 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Jenni Turner
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:CGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
Exam Period:SPR-02
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE ENV-4005A
Processes in the Earth’s interior have exerted a profound influence on all aspects of the
Earth’s system through geological time. This module is designed to explore all aspects of
those processes from the creation and destruction of tectonic plates to the structure of the
Earth’s interior and the distribution and dissipation of energy within it. This will include: the
theory and mechanisms of plate tectonics, , the generation of magma and volcanism; the
mechanisms behind earthquakes. The geological record of this activity, its evolution and
impacts on the Earth will also be discussed. TEACHING AND LEARNING There will be 2
lectures and a 3-hour practical class each week for 11 weeks (there is a Reading Week in
week 6). Lectures will introduce you to the full scale of plate tectonics, from the whole Earth
to regional scale features at Earth surface with an emphasis on understanding the underlying
processes and latest scientific developments in understanding these processes. Theory from
lectures is supported by applied examples in practicals through use of maps, experimental
analogue materials, and paper exercises. There is some maths (re-arranging and solving
simple equations) at a level suitable for all ENV students. COURSE CONTENT Earth
structure and heat budget Models for tectonic plate motion The Wilson cycle Features and
process that characterise continental and oceanic crust, plate boundaries. Faults and
seismicity Making and evolving magma Differentiation, storage, movement and eruption of
magma How this unit fits into your degree: This is an excellent introduction to some of the
principles that underpin many topics in the Earth Sciences in particular. It can be taken as a
general interest module but also works particularly well for those with an interest in natural
hazards and/or geological processes. Topics discussed also involve some of the basic
geological principles behind the deposition and storage of fossil fuels. CAREER
PROSPECTS A knowledge of Earth's structure and geological processes are desirable for
understanding many of Earth's natural systems, to support interpretations of geophysical
surveys, (relevant to sub-surface resources of all kinds) and understanding of geo-hazards.
Thus is relevant to research and employment in construction industry, geo-consultancy, geohazard assessment and risk mitigation. Typical employers may include the BGS, geophysical
companies (e.g. Gardline, Fugro) and prepare for MSc and PhD that may lead to employment
with companies and consultants engaged in resource exploration (from hydrocarbons to water
to CO2 storage). The transferable employability skills include self-directed report writing,
thinking in 4D (3D spatial + time), team work, also the integration of physical process with
people, resources and the environment.
2016/7 - ENV-5019A MARINE BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 40 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Alex Baker
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:BGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 4
Exam Period:SPR-02
Life on Earth began in the oceans and the oceans continue to have a major influence on
global ecosystems and climate. The chemical composition of seawater is fundamental to the
existence of life in the oceans - it is the life support system on which marine productivity is
based. Investigating the distribution of nutrients in the ocean allows us to understand the
processes that control marine productivity and its impact on global climate, as well as the
effect of anthropogenic over-supply of nutrients (eutrophication) on the natural system.
Phytoplankton growth in the ocean produces gases that can influence atmospheric
composition and climate. Anthropogenic emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere directly affect
the marine carbon cycle and cause Ocean Acidification, which threatens to cause
considerable harm to marine ecosystems. Direct intervention in the chemical composition of
the ocean has been proposed by some as potential geo-engineering solutions to help mitigate
the effects of global climate change. This module explores all of these major issues and
demonstrates the central role that the oceans play in global biogeochemical cycles and the
Earth System.
2016/7 - ENV-5021A HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 50 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Helen He
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination
Timetable Slot:CGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 2
Exam Period:SPR-02
Hydrology and hydrogeology are Earth Science subjects concerned with the assessment of
the natural distribution of water in time and space and the evaluation of human impacts on the
distribution and quality of water. Knowledge of Hydrology and Hydrogeology is fundamental
to the management of freshwater resources for the benefits of drinking water supply, food
production and aquatic habitats. This module provides an introduction to geological controls
on groundwater occurrence, aquifer characteristics (porosity and permeability), basic
principles of groundwater flow, basis hydrochemistry, an introduction to catchment
hydrology, hydrological data collection and analysis, runoff generation processes and the
principles of rainfall-runoff and flood modelling. Practical classes develop analytical skills in
solving hydrogeological and hydrological problems as well as field skills in pumping test
analysis and stream gauging. A field excursion to the River Thurne catchment in Norfolk is
also offered in this module. The module aims to equip students with the basic skills required
to pursue careers in water resources engineering and management.equivalent mathematical
skills. For example, an ability to work with common mathematical operations is essential
such as the simple rearrangement of equations, and the ability to convert between varying
units of length and volume. Basic differential equations will be presented for the description
of groundwater flow.
2016/7 - ENV-5034A GEOMORPHOLOGY
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 45 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Trevor Tolhurst
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:AGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
Geomorphology is the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them. This
module will provide an introduction to understanding a number of earth surface processes
that lead to expression in landforms and soil evolution. The approach will be both descriptive
and quantitative, based on understanding erosional and depositional concepts, weathering and
sediment transport and the evolution of soils in landscape. The emphasis will be on local East
Anglian field sites as case studies illustrating and explaining ecogeomorphology, coastal and
glacial geomorphology, dovetailed with soil evolution. The geomorphological/landscape
expression will be linked to an ‘ecosystem service appreciation’ in each key teaching block.
Students will also be introduced to the methods and different types of evidence used by
physical geographers and earth scientists (e.g., maps, imagery and field observations). This
module is assessed by an essay/data analysis exercise and students will also be set formative
assessments. This module provides a knowledge base of particular relevance to the semester
2 module ENV-5035B SEDIMENTOLOGY.
2016/7 - ENV-6004A MODELLING ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 60 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor Ian Renfrew
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework and Project
Timetable Slot:EE
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE ENV-5006A AND TAKE ENV5007B
The aim of the module is to show how environmental problems may be solved from the
initial problem, to mathematical formulation and numerical solution. Problems will be
described conceptually, then defined mathematically, then solved numerically via computer
programming. The module consists of lectures on numerical methods and computing
practicals (using Matlab); the practicals being designed to illustrate the solution of problems
using the methods covered in lectures. The module will guide students through the solution of
a model of an environmental process of their own choosing. The problem will be discussed
and placed into context through a project proposal, instead of an essay, and then solved and
written up in a project report. The skills developed in this module are highly valued by
prospective employers of students wishing to carry on into further studies or in professional
employment. TEACHING AND LEARNING The aim of this course is to show how
environmental problems may be solved from the initial problem, to mathematical formulation
and numerical solution. There is a focus on examples within meteorology, oceanography and
also the solid earth. The course consists of lectures on numerical methods, taught computing
practicals and an independent project. The taught practicals illustrate the solution of a broad
range of environmental problems using the methods covered in lectures. The module will
guide students through an individual project which will develop a simple numerical model of
an environmental process of their own choosing. The problem will be discussed and placed
into context through a proposal, and then solved and written up in a project report. The first 8
weeks of the module are taught lectures & practicals, while the last 4 weeks is devoted to
completing the independent project. The computing practicals are run in Matlab and a brief
review of programming in Matlab is included in the module. Previous programming
experience in any language will be extremely useful. The skills developed in this unit are
highly valued by prospective employers of students wishing to carry on into further studies or
in professional employment. COURSE CONTENT: Lectures, computing practicals and an
independent project CAREER PROSPECTS: Numerical modelling and computer
programming are commonly requested skills for science graduates, especially those looking
towards further study or to stay in science.
2016/7 - ENV-6005A BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE ECOLOGY
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 28 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Carol Robinson
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:BGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
This module examines the microbial processes that underpin our dependence on the marine
environment for ‘services’ such as climate modulation and nutrient regeneration. The module
will cover the evolution, biodiversity and molecular ecology of bacteria, diatoms,
coccolithophores and nitrogen fixers, and the physiology and distribution of zooplankton.
Example ecosystems such as the Antarctic, mid ocean gyres and Eastern Boundary
Upwelling Systems will be studied in detail and predictions of the impact of environmental
change (increasing temperature, decreasing pH, decreasing oxygen, and changes in nutrient
supply) on marine ecosystem dynamics will be examined. Biological oceanographic methods
will be critically evaluated. The module will include a reading week in week 7 and
employability visits to the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
(CEFAS) and British Antarctic Survey (BAS).
2016/7 - ENV-6006A BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND HUMAN SOCIETY
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 80 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Paul Dolman
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Project
Timetable Slot:DD
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
The global biodiversity crisis threatens mass species loss. What are the implications for
society? How can communities solve this problem in a world that is facing other challenges
of climate change, food security and justice? This inter-disciplinary module focused on the
interactions between biodiversity and human societies is designed for students of Geography,
Environmental Science, Ecology and International Development who have an interest in
biodiversity. The module adopts a rigorous evidence-based approach. Classes first critically
examine the human drivers of biodiversity loss and the importance of biodiversity to human
society, to understand how underlying perspectives and motivations influence approaches to
conservation. We then examine conflicts between human society and conservation and how
these potentially can be resolved, reviewing institutions and potential instruments for
biodiversity conservation in both Europe and developing countries. Although particularly
relevant to Ecology students with an interest in biodiversity conservation, the module is also
suitable for Environmental Science or Geography students who have not taken ecological
modules; where a simple understanding of ecological principles is important to understanding
material, these will be reviewed in class. There are no formal pre-requisites. The module is
particularly relevant for students who have previously taken one or other of: ENV-5014A
Population Ecology and Management; ENV-5002B Environmental Politics and Policy
Making; BIO- 5014B Community, Ecosystem and Macro-Ecology; or DEV-5013Y Natural
Resources and Development. At Level 6 it is complementary to: ENV-6012B Natural
Resources and Environmental Economics; ENV-6024B Science, Society and Sustainability;
or DEV-6005B Contemporary Issues in Resource Development and Conservation.
2016/7 - ENV-6008A THE CARBON CYCLE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 46 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Andrew Manning
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:DGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 2
What do you know about the drivers of climate change? Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the
greenhouse gas that has, by far, the greatest impact on climate change, but how carbon cycles
through the Earth is complex and not fully understood. Predicting future climate or defining
‘dangerous’ climate change is challenging, in large part because of this complexity. In this
module you will learn about the atmosphere, ocean and land components of the carbon cycle.
We cover urgent global issues such as ocean acidification and how to get off our fossil fuel
‘addiction’. The complexity of the carbon cycle leads to a truly inter-disciplinary module,
incorporating elements of chemistry, ecology, physics, mathematics and geography. We also
consider several human dimensions such as: how to ‘decarbonise’ the UK; geoengineering
the climate; how to deal with climate denialists; how to verify greenhouse gas emissions; and
the policy relevance of the carbon cycle. The understanding of the carbon cycle gained from
this module is an important foundation for all climate change studies. Emphasis is given to
the most recent, cutting-edge research in the field.
2016/7 - ENV-6009A FOSSIL FUELS
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 60 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Nikolai Pedentchouk
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination
Timetable Slot:AGJ
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
Geological, economic and political aspects of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal) are
introduced. These are used to discuss environmental concerns arising from the use of fossil
fuels, and the potentially profound implications of future fuel scarcity. This module is
suitable for students taking degrees in the School of Environmental Sciences. Some
knowledge of Earth science will be expected. Therefore before taking this module you must
take or be taking at least 20 credits of Earth Science or Geophysics modules at honours level.
This module replaces ENV-3A35.
2016/7 - ENV-6021A INDEPENDENT PROJECT
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 120 Students)
UCU: 40
Organiser: Dr Alex Baker
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework and Project
Timetable Slot:U
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
The project is an independent piece of research. With guidance from a supervisor, each
student chooses a topic, designs the research and collects, analyses and interprets data. The
student is expected to report on progress at various stages: in the selection of a topic, the
detailed plan, an interim report and an oral presentation. A final report in the form of a
dissertation not exceeding 10,000 words is required, together with a research poster which
summarises the main aspects of the work. This module is compulsory for several degree
courses in the School of Environmental Sciences but is also available to Science with
Foundation Year students.
2016/7 - ENV-6029K GEOSCIENCES FIELD COURSE TO SPAIN
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 30 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Jenni Turner
NAM- MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:U
Exam Paper(hrs): 0
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE ENV-5004B OR TAKE ENV5005K OR TAKE ENV-5018A OR TAKE ENV-5035B OR TAKE ENV-5029B OR TAKE
ENV-5030B
This module is designed to promote a deeper understanding and integration of geoscience
subjects through the development of field observation, recording and interpretation skills in
areas of classic field geology. The focus of this field course is folded and metamorphic solid
geology which form alpine belts which bound sedimentary fill of a basin. The sedimentary
fill provides a World class example of basin analysis - sediments represent different stages of
basin evolution and different depositional environments under varied climatic conditions,
post-depositional uplift, and incision in a now-arid region. The regional setting is an active
strike-slip fault system, with associated sub-marine Miocene volcanism.