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What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will explore a range of topics, such as:
How the earth’s environments have changed in the past and the drivers of this change
What methods can be used to reconstruct past environmental change and a critical understanding of the limitations and strengths of different methods
How knowledge of historical environments provides context for understanding the modern environmental processes
How we can apply understanding of how environments have changed in the past to address current societal challenges
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a combination of lectures, practical classes, and self-directed study. Lectures will cover the theory that you will then apply during the practical sessions. In addition to timetabled sessions, your independent study will be guided and supported through your engagement with a range of interactive learning resources accessible on-line via the module e-learning portal site, including electronic reading lists.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by the provision of lectures, practical classes and seminars that will be led by the teaching team. During practical classes, you will interact closely with teaching staff, who will provide formative support and feedback on activities leading up to the assessment.
You will also be supported by the provision of online resources via the module e-learning portal and an electronic reading list. These resources include guidelines to the assessment, lecture notes and recordings (where appropriate), practical hand-outs and access to relevant datasets. Staff teaching on the module have an ‘open door’ approach during normal working hours and are responsive to communication via e-mail to support your learning.
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. 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)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: Develop knowledge and understanding of how and why environments change
• MLO 2: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the perspective gained from past environmental change and how it addresses societal challenges
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 3: Develop laboratory and data analysis skills to create new knowledge in the discipline of past environmental change
• MLO 4: Develop communication skills to present findings and demonstrate written and data visualisation skills
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 5: Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of societal challenges in managing environmental change.
How will I be assessed?
Summative:
This module will be assessed through two structured reports which are based on practical learning in two blocks that focus each on a different societal challenge that benefits from the perspective gained through investigation of past environments.
The second assessed report will require a statement of how the feedback from the first report has been incorporated into its improvement.
MLOs 1-4 will be addressed in the summative assessments.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module allows you to learn about the history of environmental change on earth. Knowledge of the earth’s history is needed to contextualise the speed and magnitude of current environmental change and to understand what is ‘normal’ for a range of environments and processes. In this module, you will learn the framework for environmental change beginning deep in the earth’s past, through the ice ages, and into beginnings of significant human impact across the globe. You will then apply understanding gained from the theoretical material to create new knowledge, through generation of new results and analysis of secondary data, to address pressing societal challenges in modern environmental concerns. Employability skills are developed through the practical and seminar components which centre around research-rich learning with taught laboratory and data skills. For your assessment, you will create reports to translate knowledge from environmental history to address real world examples in both local and global contexts.
Course info
UCAS Code F755
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 2026
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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