GG3281 Quaternary Environmental Change

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Maximum 30 students. Limited by lab size and equipment available.

Planned timetable

Tues 10am-1pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr K H Roucoux

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Katherine Roucoux

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Spanning the last 2.6 million years, the Quaternary period was a time of dramatic climatic and environmental change. From times when ice sheets covered northern Europe and North America, to times when conditions were much like today (but with lions and hippos in Trafalgar Square). The Quaternary has much to teach us about how the current climate and ecosystems function and how they are responding to human activity. Study of the Quaternary requires the long-term perspective of centuries to millions of years; exactly the time scales we need to consider to fully understand the implications of human activity for the Earth system. This module presents the opportunity to develop an advanced understanding of the theory, and practice of Quaternary science as carried out at research level and to learn about the practical value and applications of Quaternary science research in addressing current environmental challenges.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS GG2011 AND PASS GG2012 ) OR ( PASS GG2013 AND PASS GG2014 AND PASS SD2100 )

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU PASS GG3241 OR TAKE GG3241

Assessment pattern

100% coursework

Re-assessment

100% coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 hour lecture (x 10 weeks) 2 hour seminar or lab class (x 10 weeks) 6 hour Field class (x 2 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • By the end of the module, students will be able to explain and critically assess the theory, practice and applications of Quaternary science.
  • Interpret and understand patterns and processes of past environmental and climatic change.
  • Implement the principles and practice of a key palaeoecological technique and understand how Quaternary science is done at a professional level.
  • Use examples to explain the practical value and applications of Quaternary science to current environmental challenges.
  • Critically assess research outputs and practical applications of Quaternary science in the literature.