Environment and Sustainability
School of Physical and Geographical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Last Updated 15 October 2012

Principal Course Timetable Blocks 2


Environment and Sustainability Single Honours - Level 1 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ESC-10039 Fundamentals of Physical Geography O M 7.5 15
This module offers a self-contained introduction to physical geography for students from a variety of backgrounds (including students with no previous experience in the subject), and a foundation in the subject for those students who wish to pursue it to a higher level. The main learning outcomes for the successful student will be: knowledge and understanding of core material in Physical Geography; appreciation of the dynamic and research-based nature of the discipline; ability to use geographical evidence to explain features of the physical environment.
ESC-10045 Introductory Geology for the Environmental Sciences C M 7.5 15
Geology forms one of the core underpinning disciplines of Environmental Science, and knowledge of geology is essential to many practising environmental scientists. This module focuses on the basic underlying geological principles and concepts that are relevant to the Environmental Sciences. Specific topics covered include: - the internal structure of the Earth and its development since the formation of the Solar System - the theory of Plate Tectonics, its manifestation on the Earth's current surface, and the consequences of its operation in the geological past; - minerals and the three major subdivisions of rocks, including their identification and how their properties (e.g. porosity and permeability) can relate to a variety of environmental science issues; - how rocks and geological events may be dated, both relatively and in terms of the absolute time scale In addition, practical-based exercises will provide experience of a variety of geoscience data and phenomena, including the identification of minerals and rocks, and interpretation of geological maps.
PIR-10047 The politics of sustainability C M 7.5 15
This module is designed to provide a clear and inspiring introduction to social scientific perspectives on environmental problems and the concept of sustainability. It is useful to both beginning Environment and Sustainability single honours students who require a solid grounding in enviromental social sciences as well as to students with a general interest in this timely and topical global issue. The module looks at the emergence of the 'environment' as an object of study, the historical processes leading to the contemporary discussion of 'sustainability' (and 'unsustainability') and the various ways in which political and social theorists, scientists, artists, fiction writers, and activists have interpreted a range of environmental problems and solutions in different contexts. Students will learn to recognise the political aspects of the environmental crisis and to understand how and why both 'environment' and 'sustainability' are essentially contested concepts. The ten topic-based lectures are complemented by ten weekly meetings of small tutorial groups. The tutorial sessions are organised by pre-assigned problem sheets that enable students to prepare to discuss and debate the academic content, as well as to practise core skills that will be required for successful University-level study -- such as paraphrasing an author's argument, using the Harvard system of referencing, attributing a concept to a specific school of thought, and constructing an effective argument. Tutorial group sessions enable students to develop the important verbal communication skills of effective question-posing and active listening. Feedback is given regularly by the tutor and by peers, in tutorials as well as in lectures. Assessment format: 35% problem sheets, 25% book review, 40% unseen exam.
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ESC-10044 Introduction to Environment and Sustainability C C 7.5 15
This module aims to introduce and foster the development of a range of skills and techniques within the natural and social sciences that are relevant to the interdisciplinary study of Environment and Sustainability. It will allow students to develop an awareness of the nature, causes and scope of environmental problems and controversies and an understanding of the various methods, tools and processes that are applied in the search for solutions. The module will give students hands-on opportunities to develop the key skills that will be needed to successfully complete the Environment and Sustainability single honours programme, including significant exposure to different field methods.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CHE-10044 Introductory Environmental Chemistry O M 7.5 15
This module helps students develop knowledge and understanding of key chemical principles fundamental to the field of environmental chemistry, environmental science and to the practising environmental scientist. In addition to this core knowledge and understanding students gain practical skills of working with samples and analytical techniques in the laboratory and experience in applying this knowledge and these techniques to environmental applications. These core principles are taught around a series of high profile environmental case studies.
ESC-10032 Global Warming or a New Ice Age? O C 7.5 15
This module aims to provide non-specialists with a scientific context for contemporary debates about climate change. There are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding the topic of climate change and this module seeks to provide students with a scientific perspective on some of these issues. The module will provide students with basic information about climate change, global warming, and the impacts of both past and future climate change on sea level, glaciers, the oceans and terrestrial regions of the world. We will also address the ways in which styles of scientific communication, and the reporting of science in popular media, affect public understanding and peoples’ perceptions of climate change.
ESC-10041 People and the Environment C M 7.5 15
This module enables students to develop an understanding and appreciation of a range of environmental issues and different approaches to tackling these issues (from the natural and social science persepctives) , in particular addressing questions of how we use the environment as a resource, the impacts we have on the environment, environmental hazards, and how we can try and manage our impact on the environment.
ESC-10043 Greening Business: Employability and Sustainability C C 7.5 15
The 'Greening Business' module explores the environmental and sustainability responsibilities of businesses and will develop your skills and understanding in driving sustainability improvements in organisations. The module will provide opportunity for you to research and to drive recommendations for improvements in aspects of the University's sustainability performance. This is a module for all students who want to make a difference to the world and their place of work, providing a framework within which to consider employers' environmental responsibilities, and to provide the practical skills and knowledge to direct enhanced environmental performance in the workplace
LSC-10033 Ecology and Environment C M 7.5 15
The module covers key aspects of ecology, environmental issues and conservation. The module will open with an ecology section concentrating on functioning of ecosystems and population dynamics to give students an understanding of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. Environmental issues such as biodiversity, sustainability, and habitat degradation will be discussed to demonstrate human-influenced threats to individual species and whole ecosystems. The role of conservation in protecting natural environments will be introduced with special reference to climate change. Case studies will bring all the threads of the module together. Practicals will include the study of nearby habitats. Indicative content of lectures: What is ecology? Distribution and abundance. Birth and death. Intra-specific competition. Inter-specific competition. How do species co-exist? Vegetation and primary production. Predators, grazing and disease. Decomposition. Communities and succession. Movement and metapopulations. Biodiversity. Sustainability. Habitat degradation. Conservation and climate change. Case study. Indicative content of practicals and tutorials: Formative assessment. Research for case studies. Population dynamics worksheets. Study of habitats on Keele campus. Identification of organisms and use of keys. Learning tutorial.

Environment and Sustainability Single Honours - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ESC-20017 Human Impact on the Environment, scientific perspectives C M 7.5 15
This module provides knowledge and understanding, from a scientific perspective, of the impact of human activities, on the Earth&©s environment particularly with regard to water, the atmosphere, and the biosphere. As human beings we are part of the Earth's natural environment which is affected by our doing in many ways. Within the last century many environmental problems caused by human impacts became emergent, many of them reaching back far into history. These problems involve a drastic change in global climate, landuse changes that cause desertification, erosion and soil degradation. The pollution of water, groundwater and air are in many places a significant threat to the human health but also to the ecological functioning and biodiversity of the natural environment.
ESC-20029 Practical Physical Geography O C 7.5 15
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to a variety of specialist field, laboratory and computer-based techniques of particular relevance to physical geography. It builds upon core concepts and techniques introduced in the level 1 practical programme whilst providing a portfolio of skills applicable to level 3 independent research projects. Training and first-hand experience is provided in practical classes, which are supplemented by a tutorial programme that highlight the real-world applications of the techniques through in-class discussion and directed reading. In both teaching environments, particular effort is made to emphasise the relevance of the techniques covered to appropriate careers pathways.
ESC-20041 Environment & Sustainability - Study Abroad I EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ESC-20042 Environment & Sustainability - Study Abroad II EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ESC-20043 Environment & Sustainability - Study Abroad III EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ESC-20044 Environment & Sustainability - Study Abroad IV EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ESC-20049 Dynamic Geographies (30 Credits) O C 15 30
This module builds upon the core concepts introduced within the first year programme and provides students with a comprehensive introduction to a range of specialist geographical disciplines and issues. Through engagement with specialist literature, students are encouraged to explore the dynamic nature of the subject as expressed through its varied research themes, recent developments and modern-day debates.
ESC-20050 Dynamic Geographies (15 Credits) O C 7.5 15
This module builds upon the core concepts introduced within the first year programme and provides students with a comprehensive introduction to a range of specialist geographical disciplines and issues. Through engagement with specialist literature, students are encouraged to explore the dynamic nature of the subject as expressed through its varied research themes, recent developments and modern-day debates.
PIR-20067 Environmental Politics and Policy O C 7.5 15
This module provides a level two introduction to some of the key historical, theoretical and practical dimensions of environmental politics and policy. In particular it aims to explore: &· The political nature of environmental problems and controversies; &· The diverse historical, political, and cultural roots of contemporary environmental problems and controversies; &· Connections between local and global environmental issues; &· Challenges posed by environmental issues to political institutions; &· Power relationships between developed and developing countries, and between social groups within political communities; and the various strategies and tactics used to bring about environmental change, such as government policy-making and regulation, corporate environmental responsibility,and social movement activism. Emphasis is placed on the complexity of contemporary environmental issues and controversies, and on developing the skills necessary to analyse them critically, and thus respond to them effectively. The module enables students to develop their argumentation and communication skills. Students will be assessed on a portfolio of 5 short pieces of writing designed to develop argumentation skills (50%), a mid-term class test (formative) and a research essay (50%).
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ESC-20033 Research Skills in Environment and Sustainability C C 7.5 15
This module features a ~week-long residential fieldcourse to Northern Scotland to highlight the 'real world' applications of theoretical knowledge and understanding covered during the first 2 years of the Environment and Sustainability course, and to develop skills and techniques in field data collection. Throughout the semster there will be a series of workshops aimed at preparing students for the fieldcourse and providing training in research design in order to support students in the development of their third year independent project work.
ESC-20051 Work Placement Module C C 7.5 15
In a competitive job market, understanding how the professional work place functions, along with well developed employability skills, are key to a graduate securing employment. During this module, students will undertake a work-based learning internship with a company or organisation where they will be supported in developing effective professional practices through training in generic and specific employability skills and through developing independent reflective learning practices to enhance their continuing professional development in the context of their own working environment. Students will also gain a much greater understanding of the environment and sustainability employment sector.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ESC-20002 Reconstructing Past Environments O M 7.5 15
This course demonstrates how the geomorphology of ancient sedimentary environments can be reconstructed from evidence in the rock record and from using equivalent modern environments as a template.
ESC-20030 Regional Landsystems O M 7.5 15
The Earth&©s surface is characterised by a diverse assemblage of contrasting landscapes that reflect complex interactions between various factors including global climate, tectonic processes and variations in earth surface materials. This module explores our planet&©s diverse physical landscape by examining the processes and landforms responsible for the generation of distinctive &«Regional Landsystems&ª, investigating the fundamental controls on their geographical variability and considering their implications for human society. The module includes both lectures that focus upon various global case studies including permafrost, desert, ice-marginal, tropical and coastal environments, and tutorial sessions associated with guided reading that highlights active research in the environments covered.
ESC-20032 Environmental Analytical Methods O C 7.5 15
This module provides students with training in the analytical techniques applicable to the environmental scientist, and the experience to further develop skills in data analysis and interpretation, and research design. These skills are all essential skills sought by employers in environmental industries.
ESC-20037 Geoscience and Society O M 7.5 15
The "Geoscience and Society" module develops an awareness of the essential contributions of geoscience to the economic, environmental and cultural needs of Society. It contains four main sections: "Georesources and Society" investigates the sustainability of energy and mineral resources (oil, gas, coal, geothermal; platinum, copper, gold, etc.) and other associated issues (radioactive waste disposal, CO2 sequestration, 'fracking'). "Geohazards and Society" studies the human impact of geological phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, landslides, and subsidence. "Geoscience and Health" examines topics such as asbestos, heavy metals and radon and diseases related to geology. "Geodiversity and Geoconservation" examines the designation and maintenance of sites important to geoscience (World Heritage, Geoparks, SSSIs, RIGS), together with their place in planning and public understanding of geoscience.
ESC-20045 Environment & Sustainability - Study Abroad V EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ESC-20046 Environment & Sustainability - Study Abroad VI EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ESC-20047 Environment & Sustainability - Study Abroad VII EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ESC-20048 Environment & Sustainability - Study Abroad VIII EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
LSC-20056 Research and Analytical Skills O M 7.5 15
This module looks at the skills and techniques used by scientists to collect, analyse and present scientific information to a specialist and wider audience. It includes specific skills such as writing, experimental design, data analysis and presentation within an ethical framework. In addition these skills will be invaluable for 3rd year projects and dissertations. Indicative content: - Analysis of the structure and content of scientific papers, with particular reference to the design and analysis of scientific experiments within an ethical dimension. - How data is arranged (tables, graphs, figures), presented using Word, Excel and PowerPoint, summarized (summary statistics) and compared. - Searching for scientific information on the internet, electronic databases, libraries and its collation and oral presentation in a seminar. - Statistical analysis of the data is a major component of the module with in-depth study of the most commonly used statistical analyses, including: T-test, ANOVA, regression, correlation, non-parametric tests, categorical data, linearity, cross-reactivity, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and precision.
MAN-20057 Corporate Social Responsibility C M 7.5 15
The aim of the module is to provide critical understanding about the changing relationship between business and society in the context of globalisation. This course provides a broad introduction to and an opportunity to deliberate upon some of the ethical challenges which firms encounter, and to examine the theoretical frameworks available in order to resolve or discuss these challenges.
PIR-20064 International Relations of the Environment O M 7.5 15
As a global society of increasingly interdependent states, the world faces numerous problems stemming from the depletion of natural resources such as fish, forests, hydrocarbons and water and the deterioration of various aspects of the natural environment. Most of these are examples of common problems (we all independently experience them to varying degrees) or also shared problems (what each of us does or doesn't do about them affects how they are experienced by others). This poses many challenges for the development of national and international policies that will effectively address the global environmental agenda. Through a detailed examination of a selection of international environmental issue areas, students are introduced to some of the key analytical themes from the academic literature on the international relations of the environment. This enables students to analyse a number of common or shared conservation and environmental protection challenges that many states and parts of the world face, and to critically evaluate the proposed solutions. The issues and themes covered in the module usually include: how issues get on the international environmental agenda; the environment in international affairs; the contribution of the discipline of IR to understanding international environmental affairs; patterns of sovereignty and jurisdiction affecting transboundary resources and pollutants; actors, factors and effectiveness in international environmental regimes; environment and security; the International Whaling Regime; The African Elephant in international trade; high seas fisheries; tropical rainforests; the ozone layer; climate change; trade and the environment. Other topics which sometimes feature in the module include: Antarctica; the deep seabed; the global trade in hazardous waste; persistent organic pollutants. There are 15 one-hour lectures. Each tutorial group meets fortnightly for a total of 5 one-hour sessions. Students work in teams to coordinate their class contributions as well as working individually on the topics which especially interest them, further developing their ability to conduct research using a variety of sources in order to analyse some of the policy problems encountered in the quest for ecologically sustainable development. In the 2012-13 academic session, the sequence of lecture topics will probably be as follows: The environment in world politics The environment in the discipline of International Relations: prominent approaches The environment and security Global health and security Actors, factors and effectiveness in environmental cooperation Governance and the commons The tragedy of the commons Governing the seas: the sea in international politics and international law Fisheries: the high seas and straddling stocks Sustainable use of wildlife, a tenuous concept? The cases of the Great Whales and African Elephants The politics of risk: biosafety in global politics Biopiracy: biodiversity and equity at the global level The Battle of Seattle: the environment and international trade in the globalising world Saving the ozone layer The mother of all battles: the development of the global climate change regime. The tutorials are usually organised around the analysis of the following areas in the International Relations of the Environment: 1. Introduction to the subject and the format of the module 2. Environment and security 3. New frontiers and the management of new commons: the oceans, the deep seabed and Antarctica 4. Managing the conservation and exploitation of transboundary resources: the case of the Great Whales 5. The atmosphere: international cooperation to save the ozone layer and combat climate change. The final module mark is based upon the following: short oral presentation to the class (10%); 2,000 word essay (40%); 2-hour unseen written examination (50%).
# PTY-20020 Health and the Environment C C 7.5 15
Health and the Environment This module will be delivered within the School of Health and Rehabilitation mostly by health professionals with an interest in how the home, work or immediate environment may affect a person&©s health. Each session will introduce the student to a new topic area but the module will commence by exploring the students understanding and appreciation of the concept of health. Subsequent areas explored will include the respiratory system and the affect of pollution. Mental health will be explored by looking at social and societal environmental stressors that are implicated in the causation of mental health problems. Also included will be the role of physical activity and exercise for health exploring links to obesity, chronic disease and reduced exercise tolerance. Current thinking regarding the affect of temperature (global warming or the ice age) on physical activity will be explored along with the implications for health regarding the spread of disease due to insect vectors. This module aims to give the student a different perspective to their studies and will encourage the student to explore health related topics via key note lectures, practical sessions and small group workshops.

Environment and Sustainability Single Honours - Level 3 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
+ ESC-30006 Glaciers and Glacial Geomorphology O M 7.5 15
This course gives students the opportunity to develop a high level of expertise in a specific field of geography: the study of glaciers and glacial landscapes. The main themes of the course are: the characteristics and behaviour of glaciers; the role of glaciers as part of the global system; and the impact of glaciers on the landscape. In recent Earth history 30 per cent of the Earth's land surface has been covered by glaciers. At present, glaciers cover about 10 per cent of the land. Seventy five per cent of the world's fresh water is contained in glaciers, which provide irrigation water for some of the most densely populated areas of the world. The development potential of large areas of our planet is dependent on our ability to mitigate glacial hazards, to harness glacial resources, and to penetrate the glacial barrier to the immense terrestrial and marine resources of the polar regions. The whole global environmental system is dominated by the planet's glacial character, and an understanding of the Earth's surface is impossible without an understanding of the characteristics of glaciers. This module explores those characteristics.
ESC-30009 Natural Hazards O M 7.5 15
This module examines the causes and characteristics of a broad variety of natural hazards and their destructive impact on human society. These hazards range from small-scale to large-scale events, from relatively minor disturbances to catastrophic disasters, and are associated with both environmental and anthropogenic triggers. Particular attention is paid to the assessment of risk and the steps that can be taken to prevent or mitigate the damage and disruption associated with these processes. This module examines the causes of a variety of natural hazards, to investigate their potential impacts on human society and infrastructure, and to evaluate the measures that can be taken to mitigate their destructive effects. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to: • Describe, illustrate and explain with reference to specific examples the causes and dangers associated with a range of natural hazards. • Assess the level of risk posed by natural hazards in a variety of real and hypothetical situations. • Describe the techniques that can be used to predict and mitigate the impacts of natural hazards, and evaluate which techniques are most appropriate in a variety of circumstances. The principal component of this module is a series of lectures. The coursework component involves two separate assignments: (1) an individual poster presentation (25%), and; (2) a group-led, problem-based exercise, involving the submission of a technical report (25%), with end semester examinations (50%) completing module assessments.
+ ESC-30017 Applied Environmental GIS O M 7.5 15
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are of increasing importance to our understanding and management of environmental problems. This module introduces fundamental GIS concepts and capabilities and examines a variety of environmental applications ranging from natural resources management to the disposal of toxic waste. The applied nature of the course is reinforced by appropriate training in the use of industry-standard GIS software and an opportunity is presented for students to apply their new skills to addressing a specific environmental case study.
+ ESC-30018 Global Environmental Change O M 7.5 15
The Earth’s environment has been constantly changing throughout the history of the planet, and continuing change will have a serious impact on human activity. However, our understanding of how the environment changes is incomplete, and thus our ability to predict and adapt to future change is limited. This module aims to examine the key issues and debates about global environmental change. In particular, it aims to highlight the relationships between global environmental change and the characteristics of the Earth's surface processes and landscapes, and to recognize the contested and limited nature of knowledge in this very dynamic subject.
+ PIR-30094 The Global South O M 7.5 15
Module Aims: a. To investigate The Global South from international relations and political science perspectives; b. To communicate regional understandings of the Indian Ocean and the Asia-Pacific; c. To review and analyse the growing literature on justice, sovereignty, environment and security in the Global South; d. To critically evaluate both theoretical and empirical writings which pertain to concepts of a North-South dichotomy; e. To investigate current literature on the central dimensions of critical geo-politics; f. To cultivate the critical skills needed to analyse the impacts of globalisation on majority worlds; g. To enable students to gain experience of individual research by gathering, organising, and deploying information (from primary and secondary sources), and by identifying, analysing and advocating potential solutions to problems h. To enable students to improve their oral presentation shills and to gain experience of participating in and facilitating group discussion. i. To communicate current debates and areas of new research in relation to major, contemporary issues pertaining to the Global South.
PIR-30097 Environment and Sustainability Case Study C C 7.5 15
This case study module gives final year students the opportunity to participate actively in a piece of group work that requires them to identify and analyse, using multiple methods and disciplinary approaches, the environmental implications of a specific $ùcase&© or 'problem' (historical or current). The aim is that the case study will involve inter- and multi-disciplinary approaches (i.e., drawing on tools and methods from the social and natural sciences) and give students the opportunity to learn how interdisciplinary research teams work in practice. Likely case study topics include natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, tsunamis, epidemics, famines) and infrastructure developments (e.g., airport runways, nuclear power stations). In analysing the case, teams will reflect critically on key themes and tensions in the field of environmental sustainability, such as: inter- and intragenerational justice, the value of biophysical 'services', full cost accounting, and the tensions between economic development and ecosystem conservation. Teams will be expected to make connections between these theoretical and ethical issues and the 'real life' case that they are investigating. In addition to requiring students to put the appropriate intellectual and analytical skills into practice, the module also aims to enable the acquisition and practise of a range of transferable skills, including team leadership and management, working as part of a team, collecting and evaluating evidence, formulating effective arguments/judgements, report writing, basic website design, and communicating ideas to a specialist and lay audiences.
# PSY-30060 Ecopsychology O C 7.5 15
With climate change, concerns about food and farming, species reduction, and the need to have a healthy diet hot topics in the media, it seems important that psychologists should be involved. This level 3 module, offered as an elective to level 3 psychology undergraduate students and Masters students, introduces the relatively new subject area of ecopsychology, which explores our attitudes, knowledge and behaviour to the world around us. We usually visit local farms offering care services or community engagement ("care farms"), and have visiting speakers as well as input from the module tutor; but students t seem gain most from their participation in team action-research mini-projects completed during the module. Something to look back on with satisfaction, as well as to include in the CV!
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
+ # CHE-30024 Clean Technology C C 7.5 15
This module deals with the role of the physical sciences in the development of clean technology. Topics will include: environmental pollutants; stratospheric ozone depletion and global warming; sensors and monitoring; fuel cells; catalysts; alternative, clean energy sources. Clean Technology is an important area of future employability in the environment and sustaianability sectors 2 hours lectures
ESC-30031 Environment and Sustainability Dissertation C C 15 30
Following on from the compulsory level two Research Skills in Environment and Sustainability module, this module aims to enable and support final year students to undertake dissertation research and writing. Through workshops and individual supervision, students receive instruction and support on all aspects of dissertation research and writing. Students carry out the independent research and writing of their dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff with expertise in the topic.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
+ ESC-30020 Water Resources O M 7.5 15
Water is a vital resource to life on Earth. Pressures on water resources in many regions are growing due to increasing population, decreasing quality of water and anticipated climate change. In order to effectively manage water resources it is important to understand hydrological processes and both problems and potential solutions surrounding both water quantity and water quality, and the requirements of the human and ecological water users.
+ ESC-30027 Coastal Environments O M 7.5 15
The coastal zone is a highly dynamic and diverse environment. It contains a wide variety of geomorphic landforms and is influenced by numerous processes which operate over a range of temporal and spatial scales. This module explores the processes that drive coastal morphological changes, such as sea-level change, tides and ocean waves, discusses the nature of a range of coastal landforms and examines the links between form and process at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. The final part of this module, addressed predominately through the major coursework assignment, deals with the issue of coastal zone management. The module includes both lectures, which incorporate examples of active research in the areas covered, and practical activities, which seek to reinforce the material covered in lectures and through the guided reading.
GEG-30016 Economic Development and Environmental Transformation O M 7.5 15
Are economic development and environmental concerns always opposed? Why doesn't environmental conservation seem to work? And what areas should be conservation priorities to sustain global ecosystems? What does international development assistance do for the people who depend most directly on their local environments for their livelihoods? This module helps students find their own answers to some of these pressing questions by introducing them to development geography. Students explore key ideas from this subdiscipline including political ecology - the study of environments as products of social action - and performative economy - the idea of 'economy' as an abstract realm we bring into being by describing it. Their own examinations of in-depth case studies of economy and ecology enable students to come to original conclusions about the probity and feasibility of different pathways towards - and definitions of - 'development.'
+ # LSC-30006 Applied Fish Biology O M 7.5 15
Over the past four decades the aquaculture and fisheries industries have increased at an incredible rate and in doing so they have provided numerous challenges for biologists. The decrease in global fish stocks has put increasing pressure on global aquaculture to develop a range of mono- and polyculture systems. The biological limitations to increasing fish production will be discussed. In addition, the contribution which advances immunology, disease biology and control, stress, reproduction and nutrition have made in meeting the demands of an increasing global human population will be evaluated.
+ LSC-30017 Trees in their Environment O M 7.5 15
Trees are the world&©s biggest and longest-lived organisms, weighing up to several thousand tonnes and, in some cases, living for at least 5,000 years. Using what is known about the ecology of trees this module investigates how trees function and survive in often harsh environments. Subjects include the environmental problems of supplying up to half a million leaves with water, how environmental and mechanical factors dictate the shape of trees, and how they cope with wind and other extreme events for millennia. This is used as a base to explore how groups of trees interact with their environment, including the role that forests play in climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation, and to look at the environmental issues associated with the exploitation of forests in forestry. The module is assessed by an individual essay (25%) based on a group project looking at a current problem faced by trees such as sudden oak death or squirrel damage, and an exam (75%). The module includes lectures and a mix of indoor tutorials used for the group projects and outdoor tutorials where we use the campus trees and woodland to demonstrate some of the issues discussed in the lectures.
PIR-30112 The Northern Dimension: Resources, Environment and Security in the Arctic O C 7.5 15
Bringing the Arctic to Keele. Taking Keele to the Arctic! Drowning polar bears, crumbling shores on melting seas, resource races towards the North Pole and sovereignty disputes in the high Arctic - this is the stuff of current media content concerning the circumpolar North, the Arctic once sublime! The Arctic certainly is changing. Its resources, environment and security are gaining a much higher policy profile in North America, the EU and Asia as well as in global scientific, environmental and economic forums, not least in the context of rising awareness of the pace and consequences of global climate change. The indigenous (native) peoples of the Arctic itself would all agree that their homelands are becoming a "sacrifice zone" for climate change as they serve as human "canaries in the mine" for its consequences and for the effects of the long-range pollutants originating in the more temperate and tropical parts of the world. But is the Arctic region also set to become a cauldron of conflict, or will it remain a zone of low international tension, characterised by practical, cooperative endeavour? The Northern Dimension module allows students to investigate aspects of the politics and international relations of the Arctic. Students identify their own topic for investigation, exploring a research question using paper-based and web-based resources. They may also engage in email communication with any one of almost twenty experts in Arctic matters - academic professors, campaigning activists, technical experts etc - who together make up the module's "Experts' Gallery" and form the cutting edge of the Northern Dimension learning community established to support this module. Students deliver the developing fruits of their individual research project in a succession of ways - as an oral presentation to the seminar group; as a 2,500-word essay/article; and, finally, as a website of their own making, employing easily available website-editing software that is relatively simple to master and can be downloaded for free onto their computers/laptops. A range of generic employability skills are firmed up in this module - oral presentation, team-working, independent working etc, while some less familiar ones such as communicating effectively through websites, are developed. Students do not need to have had any prior experience in building webpages or websites - all you need is your own computer with internet access and a willingness to "get your feet wet!" Gaining a basic awareness of some very straightforward principles of good website design and utilising some of the simple functions in very user-friendly website editing software are experiences that virtually all past students in the module have found great fun. You will realise this as early as the very the first meeting of the class, when the Tutor directs you to the special archive in Blackboard containing all 166 past student websites for you to look at, learn from and be motivated by. Many of these even give you lots of tips on how to get the most out of the module in terms of creative satisfaction as well as intellectual stimulation! The assessment format is: 10% individual oral presentation; 40% 2,500 word essay/article; 50% individual website.
PIR-30129 Environmental Politics in the USA O M 7.5 15
The United States has a complex record of addressing environmental problems. Between 1965 and 1980 the country experienced a "golden age" of environmental policymaking when numerous laws were enacted to tackle problems such as air pollution, water pollution, and waste. Few new laws have been enacted in recent decades, however, leading some commentators to talk about "environmental gridlock" and describing the United States as a climate change "laggard". This module will examine the factors that drive environmental policymaking. Attention will be given to the nature of environmental problems, the role of interest groups and public opinion, and the way that political institutions and systems effect policymaking. Students will be required to write a position paper and a short research paper as part of their assessment, and will also be required to sit a two-hour examination.
PIR-30139 Sustainability and Social Justice O M 7.5 15
How is poverty related to population growth? Why have indigenous peoples been disproportionately affected by the nuclear industry? Why are women more likely than men to die in natural disasters? Is it true that rich white men are more sceptical of the existence of climate change than any other social group? Such questions highlight what scholars of environmental justice have known for decades: that all humans are not in the same boat when confronting the most pressing environmental problems of our time. This module provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the complex inter-connections between social injustice/ inequality and environmental problems and, conversely, between the goals of sustainability and social justice. It examines a range of social scientific approaches to understanding these connections and draws in particular on 'environmental justice' literature written from feminist, post-colonial, political economy and 'green' perspectives. Social categories of class, race and gender, and unequal/unjust power relations between people, are placed at the centre of debate and provide a framework for critically analysing a range of environmental problems found in the UK and in a range of different parts of the world. In all cases, the root causes of the problem and potential policy/political solutions for bringing about more just and sustainabile outcomes are considered. The module consists of 11 2-hour seminars in which key readings and themes are discussed and debated, with active student participation and leadership. Assessments are: weekly written commentaries, a poster presentation, and a seen exam. There is a public poster session to showcase student research at the end of the semester.
C Compulsory Core Module
O Optional Core Module
EP Programme Elective Module
EA Approved Elective Module
EF Free-Standing Elective Module
M Mixed Assessment e.g. a mixture of essay(s) and examination, with the latter's weighting below 90%.
E Examination, providing 90% or more of the mark.
C Continuous Assessment e.g. essay(s) or practical work (as appropriate).
+ Available to qualified non-principal, Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students but there may be a restriction on the number of places available
~ Specific pre-requisite(s) needed by non-principal, Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students wishing to take these modules
# Not normally available to Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students (except by prior negotiation with Departmental Tutor)
Note: Modules not marked with a # are available to suitably qualified Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students.