2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0206 The Environment

10 Credits Class Size: 45

Module manager: Linda Forbes
Email: l.j.forbes@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisites

LLLC0156 Introduction to Chemistry

Module replaces

LLLC0183 Geochemistry and LLC0191 Geological science

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module requires prior knowledge of science and intends to apply basic principles of properties to the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. During this module you will be expected to apply knowledge gained from lectures, in workshops and in the laboratory to build a reasonable mental model of how the earth is formed and the environment based on direct observation and abstract concepts.

Objectives

To introduce and develop an understanding of basic environmental science concepts. To begin to create a model of the earth, appreciating the theories of chemical structure as it applies to earth systems of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Participate in practical and fieldwork to record and interpret observations

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere.

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the composition of common minerals while using the appropriate scientific terms applied to this topic.

3. Use appropriate language to describe the environment.

4. Relate the interdisciplinary connections between the environment, chemistry, geology and food science.

5. Identify key ethical issues related to the environment.

6. Relate field measurements to scientific theories.

Skills outcomes

Observation and interpretation, critical thinking, problems solving, communication.

Syllabus

The content will be delivered through lectures and seminars and will cover areas such as… 

- Evolution of the biosphere

- Earth materials and minerals

- Soil, earth and water

- The atmosphere

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lectures 10 2 20
seminars 2 2 4
Practicals 2 3 6
Independent online learning hours 10
Private study hours 60
Total Contact hours 30
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be given in seminars, via in-class quizzes, via completion of online quizzes, interaction with online simulations and via submission of independent work

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Problem Sheet Questions that would take a student 2hrs to complete. Mixture of short and medium length answers. Option of one of 3 problem sets to allow students to follow their area of interest. 20
Lab Notebook View bench notes from practical and mineral id session. 20
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 40

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins 60
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 60

Resits for the exam component of the module will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt during the July Resit period, in most cases, or during the next available opportunity.

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 4/29/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team