Earth Systems and Resources module (EV21001)

The module focuses on three main themes:

1. geological resources
2. soil science
3. satellite remote sensing

This allows you to examine deep time to modern processes, to understand the Earth as a system, to examine resource use and extraction, and how we monitor Earth systems through traditional and new techniques.

Specifically, you will study:

• the development of Earth’s physical environment over geological timescales, and the extraction and use of geological materials for use in society
• soil formation processes, and their critical importance to life on Earth
• the basic principles of Remote Sensing as a method for extracting information about the Earth’s surface
• interlinkages between a number of scientific disciplines and how this is needed to explain and resolve major environmental issues

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• locate and assemble primary and secondary sources of information to develop learning and support coursework
• develop reasoned arguments
• apply appropriate basic analytic techniques to environmental data

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

• interpret results and draw valid conclusions from them 
• write a comprehensive report 
• work, study, and learn independently for specified goals 
• manage time and set priorities 
• work as part of a team and respect the viewpoints of others 
• communicate ideas and information via written, graphical, and verbal techniques 

EV21001 Earth Systems and Resources is a core module for Environmental Science students but is available as an optional module for a wide range of second-year students within the scope of the MA and BSc module catalogues.

Assignments / assessment

• Assessment 1: Geology report (33.3%)
• Assessment 2: Soil science report (33.3%)
• Assessment 3: Remote sensing report (33.3%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Fieldtrips