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 Dr RC Chiverrell
Geography and Planning
R.C.Chiverrell@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2013-14 M Level 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 palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
  • To provide an introduction to various laboratory techniques for analysing soils and sediments
  • To provide an introduction to the environmental history of North West England or Wales
  • To use a combination of the above to define and execute a small research project
  • 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 reconstructing past climates and environments.


Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to undertake team work in both field and laboratory settings;
  • Employ a range of instrumental techniques for environmental sampling;
  • Evaluate and apply field and laboratory observation for palaeo reconstruction;
  • Design and undertake an independent research project.

Syllabus
Overview 
  • One week residential field-trip
  • Lectures on approaches to reconstructing environmentalchange and international organisation of environmental change research


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Practical instruction in the field; group discussions, seminars, group dynamic.


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

       48

 3

 57
Timetable (if known)   introduction to environmental changes
  		    1 week residential field-trip
  		   
Private Study 93
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
group oral presentation  First Semester  One  33  Yes  Standard university penalty applies (section 6 of the Code of Practice on Assessment)   
group report (2500 words max)  First semester  One  67  yes  Standard university penalty applies (section 6 of the Code of Practice on Assessment)   

Recommended Texts

Bell, M. and M.J.C., 1997. Walker. Late Quaternary Environmental Change. Longman

Bradley, R.S., 1999. Paleoclimatology: Reconstructing Climates of the Quaternary Harcourt/Academic Press.

Lowe, J.J. and M.J.C. Walker, 1996. Reconstructing Quaternary Environments (2nd Edition). Longman

McKay, A. Battarbee, R., Birks, J. and Oldfield, F., 2003 Global Change in the Holocene. Arnold.

Oldfield, F., 2005 Environmental Change. Cambridge University Press

Roberts, N., 1998. The Holocene (2nd Edition). Blackwells.

Williams, M.A.J., D.L. Dunkerley, P De Decker, A.P. Kershaw, 1998. Quaternary Environments (2nd Edition). Edward Arnold.