ENVR06053 2013 The Environment Around Us
Full Title
The Environment Around Us
Transcript Title
EnvAroundUs
Code
ENVR06053
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2013 - Full Academic Year 2013-14
End Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
Author(s)
Steve Tonry, Declan Feeney
Programme Membership
SG_SENER_B07 201300 Bachelor of Science in Energy, Sustainability
Description
This module will introduce students to the topic of Environmental Science and give them a holistic view of the course they are studying at IT Sligo. It will allow students to get to know one another, work together and meet key staff on a one-to-one basis.
This module starts with a programme of field visits and classroom exercises. Students will be brought to places where they can see geological outcrops, landforms, industrial activities, a selection of habitats, archaeological and historical sites setting the context for environmental science and and their role as environmental scientists. This will be followed by a series of workshops looking at the environment through geology, hydrology, topography, land cover and human habitation, each layer building on the previous giving the student a solid basis on the subject and a taste for future modules.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Recognise the inter-relatedness of different sciences that come together under the heading of environmental science.
2.
Interpret the landscape from the perspective of geological, ecological and human influence.
3.
Prepare field notes and records of observations made in the field environment.
4.
Work as a team member to solve problems posed by field observations.
Module Assessment Strategies
Module will be assessed using 100% continuous assessment. The continuous assessment will involve the collection of field and class notes (in a dedicated notebook), the interpretation of maps and the reproduction of a series of maps showing the environmental layers in a specific region (geology, hydrology, land use and human settlement patterns). Students will be expected to work in teams to develop maps and identify salient environmental science features culminating in a presentation to the class and their peers.
Indicative Syllabus
Field trips to a selection of the following; geological outcrops, landforms, industrial activities, a selection of habitats, archaeological and historical sites setting the context for environmental science and their role as environmental scientists.
Introduction to the fundamental topics in environmental science
Cartology, maps and its uses in environmental science
Data collection and environmental science
Introduction to team work, the collection and sharing of information and its presentation to peers
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Continuous Assessment Field & Class Note Book | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 30 % | OnGoing | 2,3 |
| 2 | Group Project Mapping the Environment | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 40 % | Week 6 | 1,2,4 |
| 3 | Presentation Science and the Environment | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 30 % | Week 6 | 2,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site Visit | Not Specified | Field Trips | 8 | Twice Per Semester | 1.07 |
| Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Taster Lectures | 6.5 | Once Per Semester | 0.43 |
| Problem Based Learning | Problem Based Learning Room | Group Mapping Project (3hrs/week for 6 weeks) | 3 | Fortnightly | 1.50 |
| Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | As Directed | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Aalen, F.H.A.; K. Whelan & M. Stout (2011) Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape. 2nd Edition. Cork University Press, Cork.
Fossitt, J.A. (2000) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny.
Mitchell, F. and Ryan, M.(1997) Reading the Irish Landscape. Country House, Dublin.
Holland, C. (2004) The Geology of Ireland. Scot. Acad. Press. Edinburgh.
Other Resources
None
Additional Information
Additional resources will be made available on IT Sligo learn online system (Moodle). Will contain pdfs and links to additional reading material for selected topics