School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
ESC-20017 Human Impact on the Environment, scientific perspectives  
Co-ordinator: Dr Theresa Mercer     
Teaching Team: Dr Peter  Thomas, Mr David  Emley Dr Nigel  Cassidy Dr Zoe Robinson Dr Katie  Szkornik Mrs Emma  Harvey Dr Sarah  Taylor Dr Alix  Cage Dr Theresa  Mercer Miss Keziah  Stott,  Austin  Haffenden,  Anthony  Gallagher  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this module.
Barred Combinations
Not applicable.
Description

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.
Aims
In this module students learn about human impact on the environment, the implications of this impacts for the ecological functioning and balance of the natural environment including the interactions between natural processes and components.
A major part of the teaching tackles strategies to mitigate or cope with environmental problems caused by human impacts so as dealing with the implications of climate change or options for attenuation of water and air pollution.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course the student should be able to:
  • To demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of human impacts on the environment
  • To identify pressures and threats on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well as the Earths climate that are related to human activity
  • To discuss possible options for alternative solutions to environmental problems, understanding its implications for nature and society
  • Knowledge and critical understanding using well-established principles, of the impact of human activity, particularly resource exploitation, on the Earth's surface and near surface environments
Study hours
22 hours lectures
36 hours practical classes/self learning exercises
92 hours private study/completion of assignments.
Description of Module Assessment
001: Group Presentation weighted 20%
Group presentation
002: Practical Assessment weighted 30%
Practical assessment
003: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 50%
2-hour unseen examination. Three sections (two with shorter answers and one with longer answers)
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.