Teaching Responsibility
LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:
Biological and Environmental Sciences
Learning Methods
Lecture
Off Site
Practical
Workshop
Module Offerings
6307NATSCI-JAN-CTY
Aims
To examine, interpret and evaluate the evidence for Quaternary environmental change using appropriate proxy techniques and dating methods.
Learning Outcomes
1.
Utilise relevant field and laboratory methods to acquire, interpret and critically evaluate records of environmental change.
2.
Explain and critically discuss the scientific principles and application of a range of dating methods.
3.
Critically evaluate scientific literature to establish the mechanisms driving environmental change during the Quaternary.
Module Content
Outline Syllabus:Temporal framework for environmental change during the Quaternary and glacial/interglacial context. Archives of environmental change in both interglacial and glacial landscapes. Techniques for reconstructing past environmental change including field data collection, biological and non-biological methods. Acquisition and interpretation of palaeoecological data. Dating methods appropriate various Quaternary timescales and different sediment types (organic/non-organic). Consideration of the natural and anthropogenic mechanisms driving environmental change.
Module Overview:
Within this module, you will examine, interpret and evaluate the evidence for Quaternary environmental change using appropriate proxy techniques and dating methods.
Within this module, you will examine, interpret and evaluate the evidence for Quaternary environmental change using appropriate proxy techniques and dating methods.
Additional Information:A module investigating the environment and climate of the recent past (Quaternary), using appropriate proxy methods and dating techniques. The Quaternary is the most recent (from 2.6 million years ago to present) geological period and includes dramatic climate changes (glacial and interglacial cycles). These climate changes have fundamentally affected the global environment, but particularly those areas directly impacted by the presence of former ice sheets, such as the British Isles. Huge migrations of plants and animals occurred in response to the changing temperature, landscape and availability of food resources. The late Quaternary period is particularly important because of the emergence and spread of modern humans throughout the globe. We will explore the evidence for past climate change in a variety of geographical settings. We will also consider the role of humans as drivers of environmental change and the emergence of the 'Anthropocene'. Students will apply field and laboratory practical techniques to establish the pattern of environmental change in contrasting landscapes, and learn how to interpret this information critically. Formative feedback is provided throughout the module, particularly in practical classes as datasets are developed. Students receive formative feedback on draft work as part of a coursework workshop.
Assessments
Report
Report