What will I learn on this module?
On this module you will learn about Our Living Planet and how it has been influenced by humans. You will be introduced to a global overview of the complexity of life on Earth and how this has changed through time. The wide-ranging and theoretical subject matter is grounded in real-life examples, including local environmental issues. You will build on this through a series of lectures and seminars that allow you to explore and debate the complexities of the relationship between people and the environment. You will also gain practical experience in taxonomy, field techniques and standard methodologies required for environmental science. You will learn about key historical and contemporary debates relating to the environment and, where relevant, how these have informed policy and practice. You will develop a much clearer sense of your own personal environmental values and your own perspectives in these broader debates. You will learn about the contested nature of the environment and economic and social aspects of the natural environment.
Some of the themes that will be covered include:
(as examples, staff dependent)
- Patterns of life on earth in space and time
- Ecosystems and ecological concepts: Arrangement of life on earth
- Biodiversity: Role and current crisis
- Ecosystem services and environmental change
- The impacts of climate change
- Human impacts on the environment
- Carbon management
- Poaching and wildlife crime
- Plant and animal identification
- Basic habitat surveys
These themes will provide you with a solid foundation to your degree and a broad background of knowledge that may be relevant to a range of environment-related jobs.
How will I learn on this module?
You will begin by learning theory taught through lectures where a broad overview will be given of the complexity of life on Earth and the patterns of life in space and time.
In the second part of the module you will be introduced to topics through lectures which will provide the background to the debate. Then, in the accompanying interactive seminars you will discuss the issues introduced in detail, encouraging critical thinking and your ability to contribute to debate. Students will shape the debate by contributing oral presentations, which will be used to spark further discussion, with guided reading linked to the lecture also given to facilitate independent learning.
You will also learn practical skills necessary to observe, identify and assess the environment.
Important skills developed in this module that are relevant to employment include: knowledge of the environment and how it is shaped by humans, practical skills in species identification, environmental fieldwork skills, the ability to discuss and debate, the ability to critique theory, and give oral presentations conveying an argument/ considered position.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Learning materials (for the lectures and practical sessions) will be made available through the eLP. All reading material is made available electronically through reading lists, with the essential reading for the seminars highlighted. Lecturing and support staff will support students to learn safe working practices in the field and laboratory. Teaching staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students meaning you can approach them anytime during normal office hours, or via email, to answer questions, receive feedback and support your learning on the module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: Review and discuss key environmental debates at a global and local level from an informed perspective
• MLO 2: Describe different environmental positions and stakeholder perspectives and interests in environmental debates
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 3: Develop an ability to identify common UK species using standard taxonomic keys.
• MLO 4: Effectively communicate in written and oral form results, analysis and discussion of environmental data and issues.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 5: Contribute to debate and effectively articulate personal environmental values and appreciate different ethical positions with respect to the environment.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment 1 (60%): A seven minute presentation per person (80%) and individual engagement with group discussions on the seminar topics (20%). This will encourage students to develop their confidence in delivering presentations (MLO4) and in discussing complex environmental issues (MLO1, MLO2, MLO5). Individual engagement will be assessed through the students’ attendance and contribution to the discussion.
Presentation feedback will be emailed to students following their presentations.
Assessment 2 (40%): Practical work will be assessed through a practical report (40%). This will be in the form of a portfolio which will include the student’s work from the practical sessions.(MLO1, MLO3, MLO4)
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module introduces you to your home planet, the other residents and how we are interacting. You will learn about the fundamental controls on life and learn how to identify species. This module also provides a foundation to key thinking in modern environmentalism and environmental science. It will develop your awareness of some of the major concepts and paradigms in environmental analysis, evaluation and decision-making and to place environmental science within historical, philosophical, social, technological and ecological contexts. More practically the module aims to foster critical thinking and confidence in debating and presentation skills, taxonomic skills in identifying species and fieldwork observation skills. The module will be delivered via lectures, seminars, practical sessions and fieldwork that will immerse you in learning and engagement. The module will be assessed via a practical assessment and an oral presentation with a debate.
Course info
UCAS Code F751
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Geography and Environmental Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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