KE5061 - State of the Planet

You will learn through a combination of lectures, practical classes, and self-directed study. Lectures will cover the theory that you will then apply during the practical sessions. In addition to timetabled sessions, your independent study will be guided and supported through your engagement with a range of interactive learning resources accessible on-line via the module e-learning portal site, including electronic reading lists.

You will be supported by the provision of lectures, practical classes and seminars that will be led by the teaching team. During practical classes, you will interact closely with teaching staff, who will provide formative support and feedback on activities leading up to the assessment. 


You will also be supported by the provision of online resources via the module e-learning portal (Blackboard Ultra). These resources include lectures, practical hand-outs, and an interactive reading list with online access to guided reading. Staff teaching on the module have an ‘open door’ approach during normal working hours and are responsive to communication via e-mail to support your learning.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: Develop knowledge and understanding of the impact of human activity on the planet and the natural operation of the its life-supporting systems.

• MLO 2: Develop an understanding of issues that arise at the interface between physical and human environments.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 3: Manipulate, analyse, present and interpret data to quantitatively address environmental challenges.

• MLO 4: Develop skills in writing and data visualisation to communicate findings effectively.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 5: Awareness of the socioeconomic implications of environmental challenges, and how to relate local scale studies to global scale solutions.

Summative:
This module will be assessed through a summative report (equivalent to 2,000 words) within which you will present your work to address environmental challenges that inform our understanding of the State of the Planet. Addressing these problems will require data analysis and interpretation alongside written text to communicate your findings.


Formative:
On an ongoing basis, your tutors will give formative feedback on your work during the practical classes. This formative feedback throughout the module will help to reinforce your learning in a timely manner to support your assessments.

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The ‘State of the Planet’ module offers an exploration of the contemporary global environmental issues affecting the Earth during what has been described as the ‘Anthropocene’. You will gain an understanding of the current environmental state of the planet, the factors contributing to environmental degradation, and the potential solutions for mitigating these challenges. We will explore critical issues associated with pressing topics in this field, and assess the recent trajectories and likely future evolution of life-sustaining systems on Earth. You will undertake research to gain hands-on experience in using data analysis and visualisation to address environmental challenges. The module will also develop critical thinking skills as we will consider the socioeconomic implications of the issues covered, and consider how local scale studies can inform our understanding of Earth’s future at the global scale.