Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Introduction to Environment and Climate Change
Code ENVS425
Coordinator Professor RC Chiverrell
Geography and Planning
R.C.Chiverrell@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To teach techniques of soil and sediment sampling and field description;
To provide examples in the field of how sedimentary deposits can be used for environmental characterisation and reconstruction;
To provide an introduction to various laboratory techniques for analysing soils and sediments;
To provide an introduction to the regional environmental history;
To use a combination of the above to define and execute small research projects;
To provide an overall introduction to recent and past environmental changes, our understanding behind these changes, forcing and feedback mechanisms as well as an overview of recently developed methodological tools for understanding past climates and environments.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Demonstrate the ability to undertake team work in both field and laboratory settings.

(LO2) Employ a range of instrumental techniques for environmental sampling.

(LO3) Evaluate and apply field and laboratory observation for environmental analsyis and reconstruction.

(LO4) Design and undertake an independent research project.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Numeracy

(S3) Teamwork

(S4) Organisational skills

(S5) Communication skills

(S6) IT skills

Syllabus
 

One week residential field-trip;
Lectures on approaches to reconstructing environmental change and an introduction on the fieldclass.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Introductory lecture and data exercises
Single session introducing the context and a GIS data exercise introducing DIGIMAP, Arcgis and the mapping data for the fieldclass.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Field Work
Description: 5-6 days of local or residential field-days
Comprising ~4 skills and environment focused days developing skills and knowledge of specific environments: lakes, peat-bogs, wetland, salt-marshes, fluvial settings for example.
Followed by 2 days focused on specific group projects, with the field and analytical independent but supported research. These activities feed towards the 1) Group Oral/Poster presentation and 2) an individual research report on the group research.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: May include open water research on boats and rafts, and strenuous activity

Teaching Method 3 - Independent group-work and self-directed learning both on the field-clas s and in the preparation for the Oral/Poster presentation.
Description: Data analysis sessions after the field-class
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 6

       60

 20

 86
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 64
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Oral/Poster presentation on a fieldclass project (group work) There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Sch  15    33       
Individual fieldclass report There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When): First Semester  0    67       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.