This unit is a core unit for further studies in geosciences, climate and atmospheric science, and environmental earth science. The Earth is a constantly changing complex system involving many physical, chemical, and biological processes both at the surface and below our feet. In this unit, you will be introduced to the science used to understand the Earth system, how it changes over time, and how the Earth system may evolve into the future. We look at the formation and structure of the Earth and its changing environment. We will learn about how fieldwork, practical exercises, simple models, and spatial data help us understand our planet's history and predict its future. We will also study the processes that drive change within our planet and its environmental systems: from the formation of the Earth's core to its crust; to the systems driving and sustaining the planet's living surface; to the forces and processes involved in the formation of mountains and oceans; and our changing atmosphere and climate. At the completion of this unit, you will have a clear understanding of the structure and nature of the Earth, the interaction between the different spheres of the Earth and how the Earth has changed over time
Total 144 hours over 12 weeks, which includes: • Three hours of own time material including videos and activities; • Two hours of practical sessions; • One hour of workshops and • Five hours of self-directed learning per week. Plus • One full day field trip (8 hours) and asynchronous assessment (4 hours)
Define the structure and materials of the whole Earth, including the core, mantle, lithosphere, land surface, oceans and atmosphere and describe how our understanding of these has changed over time.
Synthesise and explain the physical, chemical, and biological processes that have shaped and continue to change the solid Earth, land surface, oceans, and atmosphere.
Summarise how the energy, water, biogeochemical, rock, and plate tectonic cycles work, and explain how they act to change the Earth system over time.
Demonstrate how scientists collect, record, visualise, map, and analyse data in space and time to observe, model and predict deep Earth, climate, and surface processes.
During your one-day field trip, you will collect data that will need to be analysed. This assignment provides an opportunity to presentation the analysis you have undertaken.
This unit is a core unit for further studies in geosciences, climate and atmospheric science, and environmental earth science.
This unit will develop your skills to present data to others. This assignment will provide an opportunity to showcase these skills.
