Module Identifier RS21720  
Module Title HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Mr David R Powell  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Graham P Harris  
Course delivery Lecture   1 x 1 hour lecture per week  
  Lecture   1 x 2 hour lecture per week  
  Practical   5 x 3 hour practicals per semester  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Assignment Outcomes assessed: 4, and other outcomes as relevant  30%
Semester Exam3 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3  70%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours  100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Discuss the factors influencing population growth and control and the implications for food production, agricultural systems, energy consumption and production
2. Evaluate the global impact of human activity on other species, on ecosystems and on global biodiversity
3. Assess the impact of human activity on major natural systems; on soils, fresh-water and marine systems, atmosphere and climate.
4. Use the internet to gather up to date information on environmental issues and produce a web site through which information on environmental issues can be disseminated in an appropriate manner.

Brief description

This module identifies and examines the major impacts of the human population on the environment. Emphasis will be placed on the impact that population growth has had, and in particular will potentially exert on the biota, water, soils and atmosphere and the interrelationships between these systems. The development of our understanding of the complex nature of environmental systems is examined with appraisal of how our increasing knowledge may influence human attitudes to, and future use of, environmental resources.

Aims

The module aims to provide students with:
a. An understanding of key environmental issues.
b. An appreciation of the relationship between population pressure, level of economic development and human impact on the environment.
c. An opportunity to experience the range of information on environmental issues that is available via the internet.
d. The opportunity to develop the skill of designing a website and publishing information on the world wide web.

Module Skills

Communication Write for different purposes and audiences - production of an essay published on the internet will be assessed as part of the coursework.  
Information Technology Production of website using appropriate software will be assessed as part of the coursework. Information gathering for the module will be based around resources available on the internet.  

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
PARK, C (2001) The Environment: principles and applications 2nd edition. Routledge 0415217717
PICKERING, K T and OWEN, L A (1997) An introduction to global environmental issues 2nd edition. Routledge 0415140994

Web Page/Sites
Extensive resources will be made available for this module via the web

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5