Palaeoenvironments & Human Impact (F8025)
Palaeoenvironments & Human Impact
Module F8025
Module details for 2010/11.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, a successful student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the mechanisms by which physical and biological systems acting on and within different global environments have operated over the Quaternary.
2. Describe how these environments and systems have changed within the context of global climatic change on a range of timescales.
3. Show an appreciation of the degree to which human impact has modified the landscape.
4. Critically assess different methods employed in palaeoenvironmental research.
Generic Outcomes
1. Articulate key concepts by means of clear, well-illustrated presentation.
2. Orally present a critical review and appraisal of relevant literature.
Module Outline
This course is designed to examine how a variety of physical and biological systems acting on and within different global environments have responded to the extreme climatic variability of the Quaternary (the so-called `Ice Ages') on a range of timescales.
The course critically appraises the range of evidence employed in the reconstruction of past environmental change from the point of view of:
(1) The climatic record, including marine and continental sequences;
(2) The palaeobiogeography, including the character and timing of both faunal and vegetational responses; and
(3) The archaeological record, including a review of historical (human impact) data and an assessment of the modern environmental status of different regions.
Case studies are drawn globally, but particular emphasis is placed on north-western Europe, the Mediterranean and South America.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Bibliography | Autumn Week 8 | 25.00% |
| Presentation | Autumn Week 1 (30 minutes) | 25.00% |
| Essay | Spring Week 1 | 50.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Lecture | 2 hours | 111111111100 |
| Autumn Term | Seminar | 1 hour | 111111111100 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Mick Frogley
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