ES1S203 - Impacts on the Environment 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | ES1S203 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Impacts on the Environment | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Earth and Environment | ||
| Module Leader: | Anthony Harris | ||
| Module Team: | Angela Morris, Niamh Breslin, James cruwys, Jonathan Duckett, Emma Higgins | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100469 - environmental management | 101072 - pollution control | 101078 - applied environmental sciences |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 20 | 60 | 20 |
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
This module introduces how human activity impacts on natural systems (land, sea, air) and biota in the past, present and future. It also considers different approaches to the causality and dynamics of environmental systems, and how humans are involved and affected by these systems world-wide
The aims of this module are to:
Understand the anthropocentric and ecocentric approaches to ecological systems – the position of humans in nature, and understand the nature of human activity in the environment over time.
Gain an appreciation of some of the pollution issues associated human activity and consider the implications of remediation.
In engaging with the module appropriately, students will fully achieve level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the following USW Graduate Attributes:
Commercial Awareness - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
Communication - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
Leadership - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
Innovation and Enterprise - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
Project Management - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
Digital Literacy - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.
Content Summary
Consideration of various aspects of the impacts of human activity on natural systems (land, sea, air) and biota in the past, present and future. Particular emphasis on terrestrial (land) impacts, including landscape change, resource exploitation, significant pollutants, and human health.
The impacts of human search for materials and the ecological impacts of their extraction and use, including: radionuclides, plastics, concrete and construction materials; hydrocarbon and metal resources and processing.
Introduction to significant widespread pollutants including contaminants and remediation measures.
Water pollutants, including wider contamination of water courses by point and diffuse sources. Control of agricultural pollution. Water sampling and laboratory analysis.
Microplastics in the environment. Sources, measurement and solutions.
Impact of a changing environment and pollutants on human health.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 28 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 20 |
| Independent Study | 112 |
| Groupwork | 40 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Assess the broad range of human impacts on the environment. |
| LO2 | Analyse and explain the source of selected contaminants and consider solutions for remediation. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Poster 1 | Group poster and individual verbal presentation | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Essay 1 | Human impacts on the environment over time | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Poster 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Essay 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |