Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module ENSS3481: SPECIALISED ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 2

Department: GEOGRAPHY (ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES)

ENSS3481: SPECIALISED ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 2

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2005/06 Module Cap 50 (on each specialised aspect) Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To develop an understanding of Specialised Aspects of Environmental Sciences using materials related to two specific branches, either systematic or technical, chosen from a list of topics representing some of the main research thrusts of the staff teaching on Environmental Sciences Specific aims are given for each specialised aspect

Content

  • Choice of two Specialised Aspects topics from the following list that have not previously been chosen for the moduleSpecialised Aspects of Environmental Science 1:
  • Environmental Geology
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Environmental Policy and Politics
  • Managing the River Environmment

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On successful completion of the module students are expected to be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced levels of knowledge and understanding in two specific areas of Environmental Sciences.
  • Show analytical skills in the written, summative examination.
  • Specific objectives are linked to each specialised aspect
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Deploy skills specific to the Specialised Aspects they are studying.
Key Skills:
  • Show analytical skills in the written, summative examination.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The lectures aim to provide students with an outline of key debates in the topic area, to discuss the literature that they should explore, and to give any relevant examples and case studies.
  • The student preparation and reading time is linked to the summative assessment assignments set by staff and partly to the general and specific reading suggested by staff in lectures.
  • The summative assignments are a test of the knowledge, understanding and analytical skills acquired by students.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures* 8-11 weekly 3 24
Seminars Varies Varies Varies 3
Practicals Varies Varies Varies 3
Fieldwork Varies Varies Varies 6
Workshop Varies Varies Varies 3
Student Preparation & Reading Time Varies Varies Varies 161
Total 200
*The activity varies with the specialised aspect, these are 'indicative' numbers

Summative Assessment

Component: Specialised Aspect 1 assignments Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Specialised Aspect 1 assignment 1 1500 words 40% None
Specialised Aspect 1 assignment 2 2000 words 60% None
Component: Specialised Aspect 2 assignments Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Specialised Aspect 2 assignment 1500 words 40% None
Specialised Aspect 2 assignment 2000 words 60% None

Formative Assessment:

Varies, specific information is provided with each specialised aspect outline


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University