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Semester 1

Earth Sciences for Society (EASC08029)

Subject

Earth Science

College

SCE

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

1

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

The Geoscience for Society course consists of 10 weeks of lectures outlining the central role of Geosciences in our daily lives, and how the broad range of topics covered within Geosciences is essential to address current and future challenges that face the Earth as a result of human activities. This is particularly important in light of the School of Geosciences contribution to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will be reflected in the course. The course is organised around five central themes (Energy, Hydrosphere, Minerals, Climate and Hazards) and explores the importance of crucial areas of geoscientific research for society within these domains. This course is designed to make students appreciate the importance and breadth of the discipline, and provide an overview of the diverse range of careers available, which they may wish to pursue with a degree in Earth Science. The course is open to all students. It is being offered as a first year UG course, where it is easy for students to switch degrees.

Course Description

Our planet is rapidly approaching a critical state, of which the current climate emergency is just one example. The UNs sustainable development goals outline crucial areas in our efforts to transition to a sustainable society. Geosciences are at the core of these efforts by, for example, being instrumental in mitigating climate change by paving the way for increased use of renewable energy sources. Also, smarter use of water, sourcing of critical minerals on land and in the ocean, as well as mitigating the effects of natural hazards that often threaten vulnerable communities, are directly linked to Geosciences. The Geoscience for Society course will map how geosciences are central in our daily lives through exploring five crucial themes: Energy, Hydrosphere, Minerals, Climate and Hazards. The Geoscience for Society course analyses the dependencies/relationships of the sustainability of human life, and life more generally within this broad interdisciplinary range of geosciences topics. It provides a comprehensive introduction to topics at the forefront of research, through compelling examples highlighting the positive impact of geoscientists for society and the environment. It will highlight the interdisciplinary nature of Geosciences that is necessary to understand the complex relationships within the system Earth. The course is open to all students and will form a valuable addition to studies in a wide variety of natural and social sciences. A series of exciting lectures, stimulating tutorials and debates form the backbone of the course. We will utilise a variety of teaching and learning methods allowing students to acquire knowledge through various media, collaborate with peers to explore topics, discuss and challenge ideas, and independently investigate topics from the course. Students will engage in a stimulating, combined independent and group study task, aimed at deepening their understanding of a theme of their choice. Pathways towards future careers will be highlighted within each of the topics taught. Lecture outlines: Weeks 1-2 Climate: Natural climate variability over decadal-to-millennial timescales, anthropogenic climate change and the climate emergency. Weeks 3-4 Hydrosphere: general ocean circulation, circulation in the atmosphere, global water cycle, global energy budget, element cycling Weeks 5-6 Energy: Past (coal, industrial revolution), present (hydrocarbons, nuclear), future (wind, geothermal, energy and waste storage) Weeks 7-8: Minerals: Minerals in our daily lives, changing mineral demands (past, present and future), environmental and societal impacts of the extraction industry (e.g. uranium, gold), The future of mining (responsible production and processing, circular economy, seafloor resources). Weeks 9-10 Hazards: Volcanoes, earthquakes, climate-change-induced hazards, sea level rise, risk mitigation.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 40%, Coursework 60%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Assessment Information

Coursework 60%«br /»Exam 40%

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