KE5061 - State of the Planet

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will explore a range of topics, such as:

the current environmental state of the planet, the factors contributing to environmental degradation, and the potential solutions for mitigating these challenges;

use of environmental data to address ‘real life’ problems;

the socioeconomic implications of environmental issues and the challenge of achieving global political action to address them.

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 (Blackboard Ultra). These resources include lectures, practical hand-outs, and an interactive reading list with online access to guided reading. 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 the impact of human activity on the planet and the natural operation of the its life-supporting systems.

• MLO 2: Develop an understanding of issues that arise at the interface between physical and human environments.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 3: Manipulate, analyse, present and interpret data to quantitatively address environmental challenges.

• MLO 4: Develop skills in writing and data visualisation to communicate findings effectively.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 5: Awareness of the socioeconomic implications of environmental challenges, and how to relate local scale studies to global scale solutions.

How will I be assessed?

Summative:
This module will be assessed through a summative report (equivalent to 2,000 words) within which you will present your work to address environmental challenges that inform our understanding of the State of the Planet. Addressing these problems will require data analysis and interpretation alongside written text to communicate your findings.


Formative:
On an ongoing basis, your tutors will give formative feedback on your work during the practical classes. This formative feedback throughout the module will help to reinforce your learning in a timely manner to support your assessments.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The ‘State of the Planet’ module offers an exploration of the contemporary global environmental issues affecting the Earth during what has been described as the ‘Anthropocene’. You will gain an understanding of the current environmental state of the planet, the factors contributing to environmental degradation, and the potential solutions for mitigating these challenges. We will explore critical issues associated with pressing topics in this field, and assess the recent trajectories and likely future evolution of life-sustaining systems on Earth. You will undertake research to gain hands-on experience in using data analysis and visualisation to address environmental challenges. The module will also develop critical thinking skills as we will consider the socioeconomic implications of the issues covered, and consider how local scale studies can inform our understanding of Earth’s future at the global scale.

Course info

UCAS Code Z090

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Geography and Environmental Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

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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