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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2015/2016

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Geography

Undergraduate Course: Frontiers in Physical Geography 2 (GEGR10071)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course examines the role glaciers play in the global climate system, and in the evolution of landscapes. This is done through developing an in-depth knowledge of how glaciers operate as physical entities and how their interaction with other parts of the earth system influences their behaviour through time. The course will develop a theoretical understanding of glacial dynamics and energy, and how it is possible to characterise ice mass balance at the bed, the surface and marine boundaries. It will consider how glacial systems respond to climate, but are also constrained by and subsequently influence topographic settings. The course will draw from a number of current and past examples to demonstrate how glacial systems both influence and respond to other changes in the climate system, and how they themselves act to regulate behaviour over a number of different time scales. A variety of approaches will be considered ranging from present-day monitoring, to modelling studies and those based on interpretation of geomorphic evidence from past glacial activity.
Course description Not entered
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Environmental Sensitivity and Change (GEGR08001) AND Geomorphology (GEGR08002)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
Students will gain a detailed, critical understanding of the role glaciers play in the global climate system and in the evolution of landscapes
Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of how glaciers operate as physical entities as well as a theoretical understanding of glacial dynamics and energy
Students will be able to use and interpret numerical data in order to characterise ice mass balance at the bed, the surface and the marine boundaries
Students will inform their learning with forefront developments and past examples which will also mean that they have an understanding of how the subject has evolved
Students will be expected to critically review and consolidate their knowledge in both the degree essay and degree examination where they will also be expected to offer professional level insights
Students will be taught both the principal and specialised techniques of enquiry employed in this field e.g. present-day monitoring, modelling studies and interpretation of geomorphic evidence from past-glacial activity.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsGEGR10071
Contacts
Course organiserDr Nick Hulton
Tel: (0131 6)50 2531
Email: Nick.Hulton@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Beth Muir
Tel: (0131 6)51 7607
Email: beth.muir@ed.ac.uk
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