2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE1015 Introduction to Environmental Sustainability

10 Credits Class Size: 77

Module manager: Yim Ling Siu
Email: Y.L.Siu@Leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan), Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2013/14

Mutually Exclusive

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module runs in Semester 1 and repeats in Semester 2. Therefore, students are able to take this module either in Semester 1 OR Semester 2. In module registration, students must ensure that they have selected CRN 22554 for SOEE1015 Semester 1 module and CRN 22555 for SOEE1015 Semester 2 module. CRN is the unique number provided for each module by the University. This module is a web based interdisciplinary module, specifically designed to provide students with a comprehensive background in environmental science. Students study various aspects of the exploitation, utilisation and management of the environment and its resources, in the context of environmentally sustainable development. The module is taught through a purpose built website with one compulsory introduction session (2 hours) which is scheduled in the first teaching week of the semester and a 2-hour compulsory progress meeting which is scheduled in the 7th week of the semester (see the online module timetable for details – date, time & location). Student attendance of the compulsory introduction session and progress meeting will be monitored. The rest is self-study working through the course materials and completing the online test. This module requires self-discipline and skills in time management. Support is provided through emails and drop in sessions for any problems or inquiries. Just-in-time guidance is also provided to give further support to students (e.g. announcements, deadlines, progression checks, etc.) Students comments have included: - Very interesting information throughout all of the sections that have been gone through - The online enviroweb is very good - I have learnt more from this module than any other during my first year - A great deal of information is packed into the diagrams which provides a good foundation for many other modules - It helps being able to follow the course at your own pace and not being restricted to a timetable - Really interesting subject matter. - The support material was brilliant, really brilliant, I wish all my other modules had information as easy accessible as this.

Objectives

On completion of this web based module, students will have a broad based understanding of the (typically complex) nature of environmental management issues. They will be in a position to recognise threats to environmental sustainability, and contemplate possible alternatives. They will have developed the skills necessary for independent, self-managed learning, and will have developed an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

Skills outcomes

The module places considerable emphasis on:
- developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills)
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work

The module places moderate emphasis on:
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual numerical, verbal, graphical)

The module places some emphasis on:
- using the Internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information

Syllabus

1. Air: an investigation of climate and air quality problems caused by human activity (notably industry and transport) and of possible solutions.
2. Water: an overview of water supply, quality and treatment, and of water resource management issues.
3. Land: sustainable development issues surrounding agricultural and forestry resources.
4. Energy: an investigation of current patterns of energy use, and of sustainable energy options.
5. Industry: an understanding of environmental drivers on industrial development and of environmentally sustainable development options for industry.
6. People and the built environment: the evolution of human-environment relationships, of contemporary pressures and opportunities.

Teaching Methods

Private study

88 hours:
- 3 hours per week engagement with purpose-built website covering each of the units listed in the syllabus
- 3 hours per week related reading and consolidation
- 6 hours MCQ tests
- 16 hours revision.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Self-administered MCQ tests on each of the units, with diagnostic feedback
- There are drop in sessions and just-in-time guidance.

Methods of Assessment

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

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

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/02/2014

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