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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2011/2012
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Earth Science

Undergraduate Course: Environmental Problems and Issues (EASC10049)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) Credits10
Home subject areaEarth Science Other subject areaNone
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionPART 1: Atmospheric Processes
- Global warming:
- Stratospheric ozone depletion
- Pollution at the Earth's surface

PART 2: Estuarine Processes
Physical and biogeochemical processes occurring in estuaries, and how these interact to control the cycling and fate of natural and contaminant materials.

PART 3: Natural Seismic and Climatic Hazards
The mechanisms and consequences of seismic and climatic hazards

PART 4: Environmental Issues facing Coral Reefs
The science behind: coral bleaching, impacts of changing seawater CO2; eutrophication; pathogens in reef systems; plagues; controls on species diversity; species composition and relative abundance on reefs at different spatial and temporal scales; phase shifts in the reef ecosystem (2 lectures).
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Quaternary Environmental Change (EASC09007) AND Aquatic Systems (EASC09013)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2011/12 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1) WebCT enabled:  Yes Quota:  23
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 09:00 - 12:00
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 14:00 - 17:00
First Class Week 1, Tuesday, 14:00 - 17:00, Zone: King's Buildings. Room 304b Grant Institute
Additional information Times and days may vary.
Weeks 2-9. Seminars scheduled for Weeks 4, 7 & 9

Tuesdays 304b Grant Institute, Wednesday LR40 Joseph Black building
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes
Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May)1:30
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
This course deals with the current state of the Earth and the role of geosciences by developing a detailed understanding of the interactions between Man&©s activities and natural cycles. It has been broken into 4 themes that are intended to complement other EG4 courses as well as to permit students to pursue in-depth, critical studies of processes within the context of specific problems and case studies which give the course a professional context. By examining a range of real-life problems with inherent unpredictability, the student will gain an appreciation of the ways in which processes interact within different settings. The course is particularly concerned with familiarising students with the interface between geosciences and other science disciplines in tackling environmental problems. Student seminars based on topics set from each of the themes, and Group Projects will provide the student with experience in consolidating and critically assessing information and making formal presentations with accompanying discussion, to informed audiences.
Assessment Information
1 hr 30 min exam
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsEPI_Environmental_Problems_Issues
Contacts
Course organiserDr Greg Cowie
Tel: (0131 6)50 8502
Email: Dr.Greg.Cowie@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Emma Latto
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: emma.latto@ed.ac.uk
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© Copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 16 January 2012 5:53 am