Building a Habitable Planet
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS1004 | Biosciences | 1 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- BIOS1004
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The unifying theme of this module is biogeochemical cycling - the production, distribution and cycling of materials on the Earth and their availability to, and use by, biological organisms. The introduction covers the history of the universe, from the big bang to the evolution of the Earth's surface environment, via formation of galaxies, stars, elements and the solar system. Then we describe the major global systems and their circulations as they are today - solids (plate tectonics, formation and erosion of crustal rocks), liquids (oceans, temperature and salinity gradients) and gases (atmosphere, weather and climate). In the final section we examine the major materials - including carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen and metals - and their budgets and cycles; and the interactions between biological and physical/chemical processes on a global scale. The module also teaches mathematical skills relevant to the degree.
Target Students
BSc/MSci Environmental Science, Environmental Biology. BSc International Environmental Science students. BSc/MSci Natural Sciences students on the Environmental Science Pathway.
Assessment
- 70% ExamSys 1 (1-hour): ExamSys invigilated exam
- 30% ExamSys 2 (1-hour)
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To give students a general understanding of the physical, chemical and biological development of the Earth since the start of the Universe, and of the cyclical movement of the major materials such as carbon and nitrogen between biological and non-biological forms. To improve mathematical skills relevant to Environmental Science/Biology.Learning Outcomes
Ability to describe the origin and formation of the chemical elements, solar system, solid Earth, atmosphere and oceans.
An understanding of the structure and circulation of the solid Earth, its oceans and atmosphere.
Understanding of the chemical cycles of key chemical elements.
An understanding of the origin of life and how life survives on Earth.
Mathematical skills relevant to Environmental Science/Biology.
Conveners
- Prof Elizabeth Helen Bailey