Module manager: Roel Brienen
Email: r.brienen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will provide students with a firm understanding of the processes that shape the biosphere is key for managing environmental change. This module explores the relationships between soils, plants, animals and their physical environment, and how humans are modifying these interactions. The module uses a variety of approaches to explore pattern and process in plant-soil systems.
To provide students with an introduction to the major processes that determine current patterns in the terrestrial biosphere, and how these processes underpin decisions about how to manage ecosystems
1) Explain the processes that determine the fluxes of energy and materials within and between the different components of the Earth system
2) Discuss how the key physical and chemical properties of soil are influenced by management
3) Describe and discuss the processes that determine current patterns in the structure, composition and diversity of the biosphere and how these are being modified by humans
Critical thinking skills
Numerical skills
Team working skills
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Lecture | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Practical | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 165 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 35 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
-Oral feedback will be given during sessions.
- Feedback on the coursework will be provided via documents posted on Minerva
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 25 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 25 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1.0 Hrs 30 Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 01/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team