The University of Sheffield
Geography Undergraduate Student Handbook

GEO164 Understanding and Managing Environmental Issues

Level 1
Credits 10
Availability Approved for BA Geography; BSc Geography; BSc Environmental Science
Not available to other degrees
Semester Spring
Prerequisites None
Description This module will introduce students to a wide range of environmental issues facing the world today. Issues such as climate change, water resources, water quality, large-scale land use change, biodiversity loss and human vulnerability to natural hazards will be considered. The physical processes underlying these issues will be explored and different management responses will be evaluated. In the final part of the module, students will have the opportunity to investigate a specific case study in detail.
Aims
  1. To investigate a range of global environmental issues, with reference to examples
  2. To assess and critically evaluate management responses (policy and practical) to environmental issues
  3. To apply scientific principles to real world situations
  4. To develop skills in group working and presentation
Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate:

  1. An understanding of the causes and consequences of a range of environmental issues
  2. An understanding of management responses to a range of environmental issues
  3. The ability to design and deliver a poster presentation as part of a small group
Outline Contents
  1. Climate change
  2. Water resources and pollution
  3. Land use change
  4. Loss of biodiversity
  5. Natural hazards
  6. Environmental management approaches
  7. Student poster conference on case studies with critical evaluation of management approaches
Delivery Methods Lectures and student-led seminars
Student Contact Hours 20 hours
 

There is no single supporting text for this course
Assessment Methods 1-hour essay-based exam (60%), poster (40%)
Staffing
(convenor underlined)		 Dr Helen Moggridge
 

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