Module manager: Dr Cat Scott
Email: C.E.Scott@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
None
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In this module you will explore the complex interactions between the terrestrial biosphere and the wider Earth system. As society searches for strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, this module will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the role of the terrestrial biosphere and the importance of changes to it. By the end of this module, you will understand the important physical, biological and chemical processes through which terrestrial ecosystems affect and are affected by climate. This learning will include knowledge of biosphere-atmosphere couplings of carbon, water and energy and the interactions between ecosystems and climate.
Objectives of the module are to:
• Facilitate understanding of the physical, chemical and biological interactions between the terrestrial biosphere and atmosphere (achieved through lectures, seminars, workshops, and fieldtrip)
• Support students to plan the collection and analysis of environmental data (achieved through seminars, workshops and field trip)
• Facilitate understanding of the drivers and impacts of land-use change (achieved through lectures, seminars and workshops)
On successful completion of the module students will demonstrate the following subject specific learning outcomes:
SSLO1: Describe interactions between the terrestrial biosphere and wider Earth system by analysing environmental data and reporting quantitative findings
SSLO2: Explain the role of the terrestrial biosphere in climate change mitigation and adaptation by critically evaluating own findings in the context of wider scientific literature
SSLO3: Compare and contrast the impacts of land-use change by evaluating environmental data
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will demonstrate the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Critical thinking – ability to place own findings in the context of wider scientific literature [Academic and Work Ready Skills]
SKLO2: Information Technology (IT) skills – familiarity with Python programming language [Digital Skills]
SKLO3: Research skills – ability to collect and analyse quantitative environmental data [Academic and Work Ready Skills]
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Lecture | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Practical | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Seminar | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Private study hours | 69 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 31 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
To include independent reading around lecture materials to support learning, continuation of analysis from computer workshops and writing up pieces of coursework
Fortnightly quizzes will be provided via Minerva with feedback provided immediately; quizzes can be retaken allowing students to learn from feedback and refine answers.
Students will have the opportunity to consult with staff and postgraduate demonstrators during all workshops to receive feedback on their work.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 30 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
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: 08/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team