The Biosphere

Cod y Modiwl
BR13210
Teitl y Modiwl
The Biosphere
Blwyddyn Academaidd
2026/2027
Semester
Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl
Dr Arwyn Edwards
Rhestr Ddarllen
Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu
Dr Scott Tompsett
Dr Ruth Wonfor
Dr Joe Ironside
Dr Graham Brand
Dr Helen Marshall
Dr Ifat Shah
Dr Arwyn Edwards

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Assesiad

Manylion Assesiad

Hyd Assesiad

Cyfran
Arholiad Semester MCQ 1 Awr 50%
Asesiad Ailsefyll MCQ Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. 1 Awr 50%
Asesiad Ailsefyll Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. 50%
Asesiad Semester Essay (1,000 words) 50%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

  1. Have an appreciation of the major environmental processes on earth that have influenced past and present biota.
  2. Have knowledge of the evolution of multicellular life.
  3. Evaluate the importance of the cryosphere for organisms past and present, and the implications of future climate change.

Disgrifiad cryno

The module begins by examining the conditions on earth prior to the existence of life, and the role of the sun, atmosphere and oceans in generating the necessary conditions for the evolution of both unicellular and multicellular organisms. The evolution of the main invertebrate and vertebrate phyla will be considered including significant mass extinction events. The cryosphere will be discussed in detail firstly through introducing its significance to the formation of current habitats and secondly to its role in global biogeochemical cycles. The lectures will then provide detail of previous glaciation events and their impact on evolutionary and ecological processes, together with future implications of global climate change.

Nod

The aim of this module is, through a series of integrated lectures, to introduce biology students to the biotic and abiotic interactions that have occurred on earth over temporal and spatial timescales, and the consequences of these dynamic interactions on the present day flora and fauna.

Cynnwys

The module begins by examining the conditions on earth prior to the existence of life, and the role of the sun, atmosphere and oceans in generating the necessary conditions for the evolution of both unicellular and multicellular organisms. The evolution of the main invertebrate and vertebrate phyla will be considered including significant mass extinction events. The cryosphere will be discussed in detail firstly through introducing its significance to the formation of current habitats and secondly to its role in global biogeochemical cycles. The lectures will then provide detail of previous glaciation events and their impact on evolutionary and ecological processes, together with future implications of global climate change.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau

Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu Listening and oral skills during the lectures and subsequent discussions will be encouraged. The students will be expected to produce coherent written documentation for their examinations and coursework.
Datrys Problemau Students will be encouraged to critically analyse information provided during the lectures and orally identify appropriate solutions where problems arise. Feedback will be given where appropriate.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun Outside the formal contact hours, students will be expected to research materials, manage time and meet deadlines. The coursework will provide an opportunity for students to explore their own learning styles and preferences, and identify their needs and barriers to learning. Students will be able to review and monitor their progress and plan for improvement of personal performance through self-awareness and reflection.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol Subject specific concepts/techniques relating to the module will be developed
Sgiliau ymchwil Students will research topics beyond the depth and scope of the lecture material during their independent study using a variety of literature sources. They will be expected to produce academically appropriate reports, and where necessary comment, evaluate and scrutinize the information obtained/experiment conducted.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth The students will be required to access online databases such as ISI Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar to find primary literature. They will also be expected to be competent in the use of word processing programs and spreadsheets for delivery of assessed work.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 4