EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE

Description

This module introduces students to global environmental change from a systems perspective. It brings together physical science and social science perspectives to analyse the dynamic interactions of the Earth’s integrated systems – the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. It introduces students to the concept of a “safe operating space” for humanity. This module is taught on an intensive basis, with classes running over a three / four week period. This intensive teaching format facilitates deep learning by allowing the student to focus on the module content. System dynamics and the non-linear systems The atmospheric system The ocean circulation system and the cryosphere The lithosphere Biogeochemical cycles The biosphere Biodiversity through time Environmental limits and the Anthropocene Climate science and climate change To introduce students to basic earth system science and explore processes of global environmental change To examine human impacts on earth systems To examine the earth system impacts on human societies Attributes Developed 001 Understand how earth systems function and interact CK 002 Understand the dynamic nature of the natural environment KC 003 Understand how humans impact upon earth systems at a planetary scale KC 004 Understand how environmental change impacts on human societies KC 005 Be able to analyse simple human-environment interactions KCPT