Module manager: Paul Wignall
Email: P.B.Wignall@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Replaces parts of SOEE1640, SOEE1670, and SOEE1052.
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Earth is the only planet we know of that is habitable to life and the presence of a diverse biosphere is a fundamental aspect of its geological character. Over Earth’s history, interactions between the biosphere and other natural systems, such as the climate, have profoundly shaped our planet’s surface environment and the trajectory of life itself. In more recent times, humans have altered the natural world in more varied and complex ways than any other previous species. This module will explore the history of Earth’s life, climate, and habitability, and the role contemporary human society plays in the natural environment. It will explore evidence from the fossil record for the origin, evolution, and extinction of Earth’s biota. It will also introduce the role the biosphere and other natural processes play in the long-term regulation and evolution of Earth’s climate and surface environment. Geoscientists play a key part in mediating human interactions with the natural world, particularly in obtaining the natural resources that underpin modern societies and economies. Accordingly, we also will explore the role of the geoscientist in evaluating these resources and understanding the environmental consequences of their exploitation.
This module aims to give student’s a broad perspective on the relationship between Earth’s biosphere and environment, from the origin and development of life over geological timescales to the modern-day interaction between human societies and the natural environment. It will cover important paleontological evidence for the history of life on Earth, including how to identify and describe key fossils and their context within geological deposits. In addition, students will also be introduced to the long-term evolution of the surface environment and climate and how factors such as the presence of life act to alter and regulate these natural systems. This includes looking at geological evidence for past environmental change and exploring the key factors the control Earth’s climate. Modern day interactions between the Earth and human society will be investigated via group work that examines the role of geoscientists in the exploitation of natural resources, including assessing and mitigating environmental impacts.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SSL01: Identify key groups of fossils from the geological record.
SSL02: Explain Earth’s long-term environmental history and its interaction with the biosphere.
SSL03: Use simple models of the processes that regulate Earth’s climate to understand how it has changed over geological time.
SSL04: Critically evaluate issues concerning the exploration, development, exploitation, sustainability and diversity of views within global society relating to Earth’s resources.
Skills Learning Outcomes
SKLO1: Assess different materials and use supporting evidence to place in geological an evolutionary context (critical thinking, active learning)
SKLO2: The ability to take an effective approach to solving problems relating to Earth’s climate (core literacies, problem solving, systems thinking).
SKLO3: Research a contemporary geoscience problem from a range of perspectives (collaboration, interpersonal skills, cultural and diversity awareness)
SKLO4: Write a report on a natural resource exploration project (effective communication, systems thinking, time management and planning)
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Practical | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 156 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 44 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will be able to get feedback weekly at practical sessions and compare their work against answer sheets posted in Minerva. A mock practical assessment will also be held towards the end of the module.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Group work | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
The resit assignment will assess the same learning outcomes and will be in the same format (a written report that requires the student to consider similar issues) but scaled to be an appropriate amount for work for an individual.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen Practical exam (Semester 2) | 2.0 Hrs 0 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: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team