ESC-20100 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

N/A

Barred Combinations

N/A

Description for 2024/25

This module aims to provide an overview of the role that water plays in different systems on Earth. The module examines the global hydrological cycle, and the basic chemical and physical properties of water. It explores the key characteristics, concepts and processes relating to water, and their variations in space and time, within the context of different Earth systems (e.g., water on land, in the oceans, in the atmosphere, and as ice). Students engage with open-access scientific data from, for example, the global ARGO network and the Environment Agency, to develop skills in presenting, interpreting and analysing quantitative data. Finally, the module explores the need for responsible and sustainable use of our global water resources, and how to manage water in the environment to this effect.

This module aims to provide an overview of the role of water in the Earth system by examining the global hydrological cycle, and the basic chemical and physical properties of water. It explores key characteristics, concepts and processes, and their variations in space and time, within the context of different Earth systems (e.g., water on land, in the oceans, in the atmosphere, and in the cryosphere). It aims to introduce students to the need for responsible and sustainable use of our global water resources, and how to manage water in the environment to this affect.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe the global hydrological cycle, and the basic chemical and physical properties of water: 1,2
describe and explain the temporal and spatial variations in water characteristics and processes in different environmental systems on Earth: 1,2
present, interpret and analyse quantitative data in order to provide an overview of the current characteristics of one area of the Earth's oceans or seas: 1
present, interpret and analyse quantitative data in order to provide an overview of the physical, hydrological and chemical characteristics of a chosen river: 2

Study hours

24 hrs active learning sessions (e.g., flipped classroom approaches, in-class discusions, small group work and activities, coursework workshops).
12 hrs of pre- and post-class guided activities.
114 hrs of coursework preparation and completion, follow up research and reading.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment