GG4245 Biogeography and the Earth System
Academic year
2023 to 2024 Semester 2
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
30
SCQF level
SCQF level 10
Availability restrictions
Numbers will be restricted using a ballot to limit the class size to 25.
Planned timetable
Mon 10am-1pm
Module coordinator
Dr I T Lawson
Module Staff
Dr Ian Lawson and Mr William Hiles
Module description
Planet Earth appears to be unique as the home of life. Biological processes are deeply woven into the fabric of the physical world and human societies. The resulting interactions, at every scale from microscopic to global, are fundamental to the geography of our planet. This module explores the discipline of biogeography, which aims to describe and explain the distribution of different life forms (species, communities) across the Earth. In lectures, seminars, and in the field, we will first investigate the fundamental controls on the distribution of life and engage with ongoing debates. The module then considers the role of biology in the Earth system as a whole, focusing on the cycling of key elements including carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus – the behaviour of which has huge ramifications for society today. Finally, using examples from around the globe, we will look at biogeographical changes in the Anthropocene, and consider the challenges for conservation and development.
Relationship to other modules
Pre-requisites
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS GG2011 AND PASS GG2012 OR PASS SD2001 AND PASS SD2002 OR PASS GG2013 AND PASS GG2014 AND PASS SD2100 OR PASS SD2005 AND PASS SD2006 AND PASS SD2100
Anti-requisites
YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU PASS GG3272 OR TAKE GG3272
Assessment pattern
100% coursework
Re-assessment
100% coursework
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
1 hour lecture and 2 hour seminar/practical class (X9 weeks), 5 hour field class (X1 week)
Scheduled learning hours
32
Guided independent study hours
270
Intended learning outcomes
- Read primary biogeographical literature and place it into a theoretical framework
- Describe and explain global and regional patterns of terrestrial biogeography
- Understand how human activities influence biogeographical patterns and processes
- Appreciate a range of views about how biogeographical knowledge could and/or should be used, for example in conservation and environmental management
- Understand how biogeographical knowledge and understanding are produced, in part through hands-on experience in the lab and field
Awards
Golden Dandelion Award for excellence in Education for Sustainable Development <br> <br> This module exhibits an excellent method to embed sustainability within other learning: by focussing a project around reporting on St Andrews’ sustainability effort, it both meets the module goals of teaching communication and listening in academic contexts, and exposes students to real-world issues in sustainability. This module has been awarded the <b>Golden Dandelion Award in 2023</b>. <br> <br>You can find out about all <a href="https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/education/staff/teaching/curriculum/golden-dandelion-award/">Golden Dandelion modules</a>