Earth, Atmosphere and Oceans

Code

BIOS1072

School

Biosciences

Level

1

Credits

30

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

Explore the fundamental processes that drive Earth’s system, on land, in the ocean and in the atmosphere. You will study geology, geography, oceanography, and meteorology, developing a range of practical and transferable skills. By the end of this module, you will have an understanding of:

The rocks beneath our feet, how they are formed, and the different ways in which we study and interpret them.

Geologic time scale and common geological hazards.

Weather formation, atmospheric and ocean chemistry, large scale ocean circulation patterns, and Earth’s resulting climatic zones.

Target Students

Year 1 BSc/MSci Environmental Science and Natural Sciences students.

Assessment

• 60% Coursework: Portfolio of skills-based written work equivalent to 2000 words.
• 40% Exam (2-hour): In-person Exam-Sys

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices underpinning environmental science. Basic geological knowledge, including the ability to identify common rocks and minerals, and familiarity with geological maps.

• An understanding of the chemistry of the atmosphere and oceans, and an understanding of how atmospheric chemistry and biological processes in the ocean impact on ocean chemistry.

• An appreciation of the processes governing the functioning of the atmosphere.

• The skills to measure and model aspects of atmospheric motion and energy flow.

• Knowledge of globally important weather patterns and their impacts on ocean circulation and climate.

• Intellectual skills including: understanding of complex ideas and the ability to relate them to specific problems or questions; acquisition of substantial quantities of information, processing it effectively, and drawing appropriate conclusions.

Conveners

• Professor Barry Lomax
• Dr Susannah Lydon