KE6001 - Cold Landscapes

You will learn through two teaching ‘streams’. Stream 1 is primarily lecture-based (24h, including in-built seminars) and relates directly to assessed component 1. Stream 2 is more practical and comprises a combination of introductory lectures (8h) and IT practicals (16h) – this stream relates directly to assessment component 2.

Beyond timetabled sessions, your independent study will be guided and supported through your engagement with a range of learning resources such as academic journal articles and books. Links to key resources will be provided via module- and topic-specific interactive reading lists, which will be accessed via the module electronic learning portal (Blackboard).

Lectures will be used to introduce key topics and concepts across the full range of topics covered on the module. Lectures will provide the basic overview for each topic, and you will be encouraged to supplement this knowledge through your own reading and critical analysis of literature provided by the module teaching staff (as reading lists), and additional material that you will find and engage with. Independent learning (80 hours) will aid your understanding of module themes and will enhance your broader understanding of the topic, enabling you to produce suitable exam answers.

Support will include feedback from module teaching staff during small-group seminars (within scheduled lectures) and IT workshops. Module staff will respond to questions via the discussion board on the module Blackboard site to ensure that all students will benefit.

Lecture materials will be further supported by on-line resources available via the module Blackboard site. These resources will include an interactive reading list with on-line access to a number of key articles and which will be aligned with your weekly lecture programme.

You will be provided with individual feedback on module assessments in a timely manner. Staff will be available to go through this feedback with you in person if requested.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: You will examine the processes which operate within polar and mountainous environments and understand their roles and interactions.
• MLO2: You will critically assess the impact of human activities on polar and mountain environments and their regional as well as global consequences.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3: You will learn to independently synthesise topic-specific information and critically analyse key arguments and findings.
• MLO4: You will develop your skills in a range of computational tools and models to demonstrate you can quantitatively explore environmental data and critically analyse their results.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: You will develop an increased awareness of the pressures of human activity (e.g. anthropogenic climate change, resource exploitation) on the natural environment.

'Stream 1’ content will be assessed via an oral examination that will allow you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you acquired during the lectures in a dialogue with staff members (MLO 1,2,3,5). Preparing and conducting an oral examination will be valuable for your professional life later on, e.g., job interviews.
‘Stream 2’ content will be assessed via a report that will allow you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that you have acquired while using the two computer models presented in this stream (MLO 1,3,4).

There will be 2 assessments each contributing 50% of the total mark.

For Stream 1, you will have a maximally 20-minute dialogue with teaching staff on the module, in which you will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and personal values you acquired from the lectures and your own reading.
To ensure consistency and parity, this exam will be recorded, at least two staff members will be present and main questions will stem from a common pool with increasing levels of difficulty. Example questions to help you prepare will be discussed in the lectures.

For Stream 2
You will write one report on the use of the computer model that has been presented.
This report will be no more than 1000 words.

Timely feedback will be provided for both modes of assessment in written/electronic form. Module staff will be available to talk through this feedback with you one-on-one during scheduled drop-in sessions. This feedback will serve to reinforce your learning and improve your confidence.

No prerequisites, attendance of KE5002 Cold and Palaeo Environments is useful.

None

The module dives into cold landscapes. It explores the links and feedbacks between physical processes operating in glaciated and formerly glaciated areas, and other ‘cold’ land (and sea-)scapes.

The module is delivered through a combination of lectures and IT practicals. Additional content is provided via topic-specific electronic reading lists.

The module will be assessed by an oral dialogue (50%) and a report (50%) demonstrating what you have learnt from the computer models presented in the practical session.