Module Information

This module introduces students to the primary geographical and environmental challenges facing humanity and the ways in which they are addressed and managed through a combination of lectures, small-group and individual personal tutorials and local fieldwork in mid Wales. the scientific processes involved in these contemporary environmental problems are explored and then discussed within social, economic and political contexts. Case studies, ranging from local and global scales will be explored during the fieldtrips and lectures. These case studies will be explored further during small-group tutorials during which a range of study skills will be developed. The module will highlight how scientific, social, economic and political understandings of change can be integrated to address major envirionmental concerns effectively.

The module includes an assessed tutorial component with personal academic tutors in small groups of about five students. In this conponent of the module study and personal skills are developed, career ambitions explored and academic discussion takes place in both small-group and personal tutorials. Academic coursework examines key debates and themes in Geography and Environmental Science and through such enquiry develops a range of academic study skills. These include:

· The planning of work routines and the setting of academic and personal targets;

· Library use and how to build and effective reading programme; styles of note making/annotation and bibliographic referencing;

· Data analysis and interpretation;

· Essay writing and examination technique (students are introduced to good writing skills and the qualities used to assess written work;

· The value of, and how to respond to, feedback.

The module offers students the opportunity to engage directly in their learning, to contribute to discussion and give presentations on their work in a small-group setting. Alongside this academic role, discussion can take place of employability and careers opportunities.

The module is assessed through three summative assignments and supported by one formative assignment. The first assignment (1,500 words; 40%) consists of an essay. The second assignment consists of a 10 minute presentation (20%), while the final assignment consists of an essay (1,500 words; 40%).

The lectures will focus on the following themes from physical and human perspectives: the Anthropocene, provision of resources (e.g. water, energy and mineral), land use conflicts, pollution and modification of natural systems, envirionmental risks and management (e.g. sea level change and coastal erosion). A case study approach will be used to explore common themes such as local, regional and global pollution, positive and negative feedbacks, resourse distribution and availability and historical legacies.

Through small-group tutorials which explore the lecture themes in more detail, this module also combines pastoral and personal development responsibilities of the personal tutor with the development of core study skills that are central to success in Higher Education. The eight tutorial sessions (which inculde personal tutor meetings) will develop the following skills:

· Evaluating and reviewing library and learning resources;

· Writing for academic audiences;

· Revision techniques;

· Oral presentation skills.

Other issues relating to pastoral development - such as signposting university and local services, the expectations and challenges of university life, time and resource management, reviewing academic performance, and employability and career aspirations - can be discussed in designated personal tutor slots.