People and the environment
Module Description
The interaction of people with their environment is becoming increasingly complex, in part due to increased demands and availability of resources, but also due to the way in which the environment is managed.
People and the Environment will introduce you to the concepts of sustainability, the environment as a holistic working system and the patterns of human resource use. The module will develop and explore these concepts and provide you with an understanding of the underpinning, scientific fundamentals.
You'll explore sustainability over four key areas:
Introductory concepts: people, environment and sustainable futures.
Soils, agriculture and global food security.
Global water resource management.
The global biosphere and conservation.
Using examples of environmental management and at global and local scales, you’ll be able to critically analyse scientific arguments concerning sustainable use of resources and demonstrate understanding of complex environmental issues.
The UN has defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which set out the world’s roadmap to ending poverty, reducing inequality and protecting the planet by 2030. In this module you will explore case studies that are relevant to delivering SDGs: 2: Zero Hunger, 6: Clean water and Sanitation, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, 13: Climate Action, 14: Life Below Water.
Location/Method of Study
Stirling/On Campus, UK
Stirling
Module Objectives
By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate skills in:• Assessing the merits of contrasting theories and explanations in environmental debate• Using environmental data sets for environmental assessments• Analysis and problem-solving through quantitative and qualitative methods• Critical evaluation, interpreting and combining different types of geographical evidence to develop reasoned and evidence-based arguments• Taking responsibility for learning and reflection upon that learning
Students taking GEOU1PP will acquire knowledge in how humans interact with their environment and challenges facing our sustainable use of resources. You will develop an understanding of global and local environmental issues, and what needs to be done to increase environmental impact at these scales. Skills will be gained in the synthesis, evaluation and presentation of environmental data, essay writing and preparation of scientific reports.
Additional Costs
There are no additional costs associated with this Module.
Core Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
demonstrate an understanding of sustainability and environmental issues relating to human resource use;
analyse scientific arguments concerning the sustainable management of resources;
produce concise and structured reports.
Introductory Reading and Preparatory Work
The recommended course book for this module is listed below. This text will also be of use for Environmental Science and Geography modules in the spring semester.
Wright, R. T. & D. F. Boorse. Environmental Science: Towards a sustainable future. Eleventh Edition. Pearson.
The text gives a good introduction to the material covered in the module but it does not constitute a fully comprehensive source for all of the module content. Students are advised that they shall be required to make use the reading materials listed on Talislist in order to achieve the learning outcomes.
Delivery
Total Study Time 200 hours
Attendance Requirements
Your engagement with learning materials and activities and attendance at scheduled live sessions and other events is extremely important. Full engagement in your studies will enable you to get the most out of the course and help you perform at your best when it comes to assessment.
We expect you to engage with all aspects of this module and with your programme of study. You should:
Engage with all module materials, activities, and online timetabled teaching sessions
Actively participate in discussions and practical activities
Prepare in advance of live sessions by undertaking the required reading and/or other forms of preparation
Submit coursework/assessments by the due time and date
Complete class tests and examinations at the specified time and date
Make your module co-ordinator aware at the earliest opportunity if you experience problems which may impact on your engagement
Inform the University of absence from study (planned or unplanned), e.g. illness, emergency as outlined at http://www.stir.ac.uk/registry/studentinformation/absence
Respond to e-mails from your personal tutor, module co-ordinator or programme director and attend meetings if requested.
Engage with in-sessional English language classes (if applicable)
We will monitor these aspects throughout each semester to check that you are fully participating and that you are coping well with your studies. Some activities may be prescribed, failure to engage with 2/3 of prescribed activities will result in your module grade being capped at the pass mark (40 for Undergraduate modules, 50 for Postgraduate modules).
Assessment
% of final
grade Learning
Outcomes
Report 30 1,2,3
Report 35 1,2,3
Report 35 2,3,1
Coursework: 100%
More information at: https://portal.stir.ac.uk/calendar/calendar.jsp?modCode=GEOU1PP&_gl=1*1ifl7ig*_ga*MTY1OTcwNzEyMS4xNjkyMDM2NjY3*_ga_ENJQ0W7S1M*MTY5MjAzNjY2Ny4xLjEuMTY5MjAzNjkxMi4wLjAuMA..
Presential
TRUE
People and the environment
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The statements made herein do not necessarily have the consent or agreement of the ASTRAIOS Consortium. These represent the opinion and findings of the author(s).
