Geography BSc (Hons)

Climate change is viewed by many as the most pressing issue facing the world today. In this module you will learn about the science and impacts of climate change, as well as strategies to mitigate or adapt to the problem, thus enabling you to develop your own critical opinion of the subject. We will explore the structure of the atmosphere in terms of natural and enhanced greenhouse states and discuss natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change. You will discover the effects that a changing climate has on global societies and on earth systems, such as the biosphere. We will also discuss what can be done about the problem by reviewing mitigation and adaptation strategies and examining the effectiveness of national and international climate change policies.

Compulsory

Most datasets have a spatial component, and these datasets are routinely used to analyse and support everyday decision making in natural, built and human environments. In this module, you will gain experience with geo-referenced datasets of various types, their integration, analysis and presentation. You will develop your understanding of the principles of geo-referenced data: the theory, acquisition, processing methods and presentation for a variety of real-world applications related to staff research interests that can help solve a multitude of real-world problems.

Compulsory

This module will provide you with an understanding of the processes operating in both fluvial and coastal environments, their impact on society and the natural environment, and their management. The module examines the components of the hydrological cycle as well as a study of contemporary fluvial and catchment? management issues. The nature of coastal processes under different climates, and over different space and time scales, is also investigated. These processes are evaluated in context of past, present and future sea level change. You will also examine the different approaches to managing coastal environments in response the impacts of coastal development, climate change, sea level rise and an increase in storm magnitude and frequency.

Compulsory

This module will introduce you to the discipline of Biogeography, the study of factors governing the spatial distribution, both current and historical, of species, and of the ecosystems in which they occur. It will also introduce the underpinning principles of species description and identification. Factors controlling species distribution include geographical gradients such as elevation, latitude and habitat patch size, and biogeography combines observations from evolutionary biology, geology, palaeontology and climatology to examine distribution patterns of organisms at local, regional and global scales. The study of current ecological relationships (the interaction of species with their biotic and abiotic environments) is a central theme within biogeography and also informs our understanding of past environmental change. The module will also introduce you to past climate and environmental change and of human impact on the environment and consider how this is used to predict potential ecosystem response to future changes.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to further develop your research methods and skills for geography, energy and disaster management students, specifically focussing on the skills and understanding necessary to undertake a final year research project. The module is designed to challenge you to think critically, independently and work as part of a team. You will develop key research and practical fieldwork skills necessary for collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data. We will explain the components of a good project and provide opportunities to practise the required skills. In addition, the residential field trip 2 will provide further opportunities to gain experience of research and fieldwork methods and techniques. The module will support you in making an informed decision about the proposed topic of their final year project.

Compulsory

In this module, you will undertake a critical analysis of a specified location and an associated project that has been influenced by the United Nation's (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Your analysis of the project will explore the impact, success or failure alongside possible solutions that will be fundamental to the positive future development of the location.

You will research, appraise, critique, develop and then communicate to a wider audience the impact and implementation of the identified SDGs for the location/ project. The focus of the review will be linked to your academic discipline within the Built and Natural Environment and draw upon prior learning from your previous cognate knowledge.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module ² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module is concerned with understanding how knowledge of physical geography is used to manage near-surface and surface geomorphological processes in urban and agrarian environments. It thus provides practical support for environmental and engineering decision-making, from project planning at site investigation and design stages. The module explores various spatiotemporal settings to better help develop models by exploring the distribution and characteristics of certain geomorphological phenomena in predefined climatic settings, for example arid-subtropics and periglacial/glacial environments. The module explores key concepts that underpin our efforts to clarify the causes, mechanisms and consequences of landform change with a major focus on mapping techniques employed by geomorphologists in the field or remotely. This module has relevance to many SDGs as climate in designated regions directly impacts poverty, hunger, water resources, health, especially in non-OECD counties. The module also considers the need for regionally specific climate action.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem of relevance to their discipline. You should use different methods and research skills, gained over previous years of study, to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the academic and non-academic communities. It will contribute to the research training aim appropriate to your level of study and requires you to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of research and to show an appropriate level of competence in the design, execution, and reporting of a research project. It will enable you to understand the importance of correct and critical analysis of all the factors involved in a problem and develop your initiative as you pursue and execute the investigation, demonstrating originality and creativity.

Compulsory

This module aims to introduce you to critical thought and methods as applied in an overseas field location². The module will extend your fieldwork skills and your grasp of contemporary methodologies and techniques. Emphasis in the classroom, and the field, is placed on experiential learning whilst also ensuring the continuation of transferable field and academic skills development. Experiences and skills that will be developed include undertaking research in the field; making observations, collecting and collating data; critically debating previous research, taking responsibility for one’s own learning though individual- and teamwork and formulating hazard and risk assessments for fieldwork.

Compulsory

Geoinfomatics – 20 credits

Geoinformation is an all-encompassing term for data that can be visualised and analysed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. All manner of data can be utilised with GIS and Remote Sensing, employing techniques able to simply visualise the Earth’s surface to more advanced methods capable of mapping, modelling, and analysing an extensive range of spatial data sources. In this module, you will develop a sophisticated understanding of the principles and applications of advanced GIS, computational modelling and Remote Sensing specific to your degree focus, and to use the knowledge and skills you acquire in a variety of real-world applications related to staff research interests.

Pressures on our Planet – 20 credits

The aim of this module is to explore the role of Earth Science in its relationship with contemporary environmental change. Specifically, the module will lead you to better understand how environmental processes, products and hazards interact with the human environment to produce new and ever-evolving challenges for society. Our response to such challenges will be examined, as will the identification of opportunities to mitigate these impacts and adjustments to how we interact with the natural environment. Throughout the module, emphasis will be placed on how the learnings will inform meeting the SDG targets of Good Health and Well-being for all (SDG 3), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Quaternary Environments - 20 credits

You will develop a critical awareness of current predictions of future global climate change, and how potential responses of people and earth/environmental systems to predicted change are informed by an understanding of the past. You will explore the various forms of evidence that can be used to establish the timing and scale of environmental change and anthropogenic interactions with the environment during the Quaternary, both remotely and in the field. Climate models are the primary tool used to simulate the Earth's climate and the forces that affect it. You will learn to appraise the evidence used to develop and test these predictive models of climate and environmental change.

This is a research informed module that encourages a global awareness and fosters collaborative communication. The overarching aim is to develop the learner’s skills in professional influencing with respect to SDG 13, Climate Action and SDG 15, Life on Land.

Optional

Nature Based Climate Solutions – 20 credits

This module will give you the opportunity to evaluate the approaches of conservation, restoration and improved management of ecosystems across a catchment scale that can alleviate the impact of contemporary challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, urbanisation and sustainable development. We evaluate a range of nature-based solutions, evaluating their benefits, costs, and mitigation potential. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a residential field trip2 to explore nature-based solutions in action and also to design your own nature-based solution. Your learning will be informed by module staff’s research experience (REL).

Biodiversity and Conservation - 20 credits

The conservation of biological diversity (biodiversity) is concerned with the maintenance in perpetuity of genes, species and ecosystems and the sustainable management of biotic communities on a local, regional and global scale.
This module aims to introduce you to the key elements of conservation theory, highlighting some of the factors resulting in habitat and species loss and outlining different conservation approaches which are effective at these levels. It will discuss the emerging global threats associated with biodiversity, conservation & development (e.g. transmission of zoonotic diseases, sustainable resource use).

This is complemented by case study material, which provides you with an insight into the practical application of conservation theory by drawing on examples of conservation programmes and projects from both the UK and overseas.

Optional