Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Course Delivery
Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
---|---|
Seminars / Tutorials | 10 x 2hr seminars |
Assessment
Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
---|---|---|
Semester Assessment | ESSAY One 4000 word essay | 60% |
Semester Assessment | PRESENTATION One 15 minute presentation | 20% |
Semester Assessment | EXERCISE Journal summarizing reading and seminar discussions | 20% |
Supplementary Assessment | RESUBMIT | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Contribute to current debates within Quaternary science.
Recognize the relevance of Quaternary issues to current events and socio-political topics.
Verbally present and discuss these issues demonstrating advanced understanding.
To write well-argued and structured reports and synthesise information effectively.
To undertake independent research on a topic through interrogation of the literature.
Content
Underlying mechanisms and processes of Quaternary environmental change, including:
- Milankovitch, orbital theory
- abrupt climatic events (Heinrich events, Younger Dryas, Goldilocks event, Little Ice Age etc)
- extreme events (tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions)
- human- environment linkages (societal collapse, 4.2ka event)
- biodiversity and evolution in the Quaternary, including human biological and cultural evolution
New technologies and applications in Quaternary research (e.g. radiometric dating; ICP-MS, single-grain luminescence, micro X-ray spectrometry)
Aims
To promote their reading and presentation skills.
Brief description
This module will consist of a seminar series discussing current issues in Quaternary Science. The first two seminars will be on historical development of Quaternary science, and will be led by staff. The remaining eight, on specific current issues, will be student-led following advice from staff on topic choice and content.
Module Skills
Skills Type | Skills details |
---|---|
Application of Number | Encouraged, especially when appropriate to the student¿s existing skills and the issue in question. |
Communication | Written communication by essay/report writing and journal. Verbal communication by seminar presentation |
Improving own Learning and Performance | By verbal and written feedback from peers and staff. |
Information Technology | Use of library and IT resources. |
Personal Development and Career planning | Relationship of essay and seminar topics to thesis development and career planning. |
Problem solving | Analysis and explanation of current research articles. |
Research skills | Use of library and IT resources. |
Subject Specific Skills | Awareness of current debates in Quaternary research. |
Team work | Through contributions to seminar discussion. |
Reading List
Recommended TextMacKay, A. et al. (2003) Global Change in the Holocene pp528 Arnold Primo search Ruddiman, W.F. (2001) Earth's climate: past and future W.H.Freeman, New York Primo search (2001-2005) Developments in Palaeoenvironmental Research Series Volumes 1-8 Kluwer Academic Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7