Module Information

Module Identifier
GG12710
Module Title
Global Environmental Issues
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Dr Sinead O'Connor
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 11 x 2 Hour Lectures
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Computer based multiple choice  100%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Computer based multiple choice  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

* Describe and exemplify the ways in which human activities impact on the natural environment

* Assess the consequences of anthropogenic disturbance of the natural environment

* Relate forms of change to economic, social and political practices associated with globalization

  • Describe and evaluate the processes which are shaping contemporary environmental politics at
    • different scales

Brief description

This module focuses on a range of key environmental issues affecting the world today. The scientific processes involved in these contemporary environmental problems are explored and then discussed within the context of colonization, economic development and globalization. We will examine a range of case studies from local to global scale, highlighting how an understanding of change from both a scientific perspective along with the associated social, economic and political factors are crucial in order to tackle major environmental concerns effectively.

Content

The module will be delivered through a series of paired lectures on key themes, the first session will introduce the scientific concepts and processes which provide the physical context, the second focusing on the social, economic and cultural dimensions. A case study approach will be used to explore topics such as: local, regional and global pollution, positive and negative feedbacks, resource distribution and availability, historical legacies, the role of states, corporations and communities, international co-operation and legislation. The first and last lectures will be delivered jointly by the module presenters.

1: Welcome to the Anthropocene: an introduction to physical and social dimensions of environmental issues (jointly delivered)

2 and 3: Air (ozone depletion, urban air pollution, industrial pollution incidents)

4 and 5: Water (water resources, management and conservation of aquatic systems)

6 and 7: Land (biodiversity, desertification)

8 and 9: Resources (energy and mineral resources)

10: Linking science and policy, synthesis and conclusions (jointly delivered)

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication An interactive approach will be adopted which will encourage small group discussions within individual lecture sessions
Improving own Learning and Performance Study papers are set each week and discussed in the following lecture in order to help students develop their skills in synthesizing information from journal articles
Information Technology Students are encouraged to make use of the wide range of online material relating to environmental issues
Research skills Independent reading and research, synthesis of literature which spans social science and science, critical evaluation of different theories.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4