The Physical Environment module (EV11001)

This module examines processes operating within the lithosphere and hydrosphere. There will be a particular focus on geology and geomorphology.

The latter part of the module addresses environmental physics and key forms of energy.

You will learn a substantial grounding in the principal areas of environmental science. This will cover:

• environmental comprehension
• interdisciplinary awareness
• analytical techniques

These will prepare you for your future career in a rapidly changing world.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• study the development of the Earth’s physical environment over geological timescales. This will also cover the extent to which it is still changing today
• learn about the concept of energy. You will learn how it is stored and transferred within the physical environment
• learn about the links between different components of the physical environment. You will learn how terrestrial, lithospheric, and hydrological processes interact
• explore how to understand processes in the physical environment. This is needed for the management of resources and mitigation of natural hazards
• gain awareness of the need to understand several scientific disciplines to explain and resolve major environmental issues

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• locate and assemble primary and secondary sources of information to develop learning and support coursework
• develop reasoned argument
• apply appropriate basic analytic techniques to environmental data, interpret results, and draw valid conclusions from them
• write a report on a piece of laboratory analysis and produce a piece of academic writing

Assignments / assessment

• group workshop report on mineral identification (25%)
  • based on two 2-hour workshops
• data analysis of hydrological data (25%)
  • based on two 2-hour workshops
  • answers submitted online via the virtual learning environment (VLE)
• essay 1,000 words (25%)
  • two study skills workshops around essay writing will be provided
• unseen multiple-choice class test (25%)
  • based on mineral identification and hydrological data

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• two 1-hour lectures per week
  • lectures are recorded to support learning but not live-streamed
• one 2-hour practical or study skill workshop per week
  • workshops are generally not recorded to encourage student participation

You will also travel to a local site of known historical volcanic activity to apply practical mineralogy skills in the field.