Aims of the module
This module is intended to provide the student with an understanding of the major environmental issues, their causes and potential effects, through a comprehensive programme of lectures, practicals seminars and a visit.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:

i) demonstrate an understanding of the factors influencing population growth and control and the implications for food production, agricultural systems, energy consumption and production

ii) evaluate the global impact of human activity on other species, on ecosystems and on global diversity

iii) appreciate the impact of human activity on major natural systems; on soils, fresh-water and marine systems, atmosphere and climate.

Syllabus / Curriculum design
Concepts and attitudes, religion, systems, gaia hypothesis; Population growth, control, projections; Energy patterns of consumption, fossil fuel consumption and environmental implications, availability and practicality of alternatives; Food, consumption, production, resources and implications for the future; Human impact on other organisms, on ecosystems and biodiversity, the implications of biotechnology; Soils, their importance, the effects of human activity on soil systems, sustainable soil management; Human impact on wetlands, drainage, reclamation, exploitation, diversion of water, pollution; Freshwater systems, irrigation, consumption, supply and demand, water quality; Marine systems, pollution, exploitation of marine resources; Human influence on geomorphological processes and landforms; Atmosphere and climate, local air pollution, photochemical smogs, PM10s, low-level ozone, acid rain, causes and potential effects of climate change, high level ozone depletion.

Extensive resources to support this module are provided on the Internet
(http://www.wirs.aber.ac.uk/dip/modules/impact/admin/info.htm). The assignment will involve use of this material.