University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 7

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: Lectures: 11.00 am Tue, Wed, and Thu

As the global population grows past 8 billion, mounting evidence of resource depletion, climate change, global economic inequality and social injustice suggests that the current trajectory of human development is unsustainable. Many argue that we are now living in the 'Anthropocene', the 'age of people': an era in which human activity has, for the first time, become the dominant driver of environmental processes, and is causing unprecedented global change. How can we understand the challenges we face and find meaningful, lasting solutions? This module shows how Geography, a discipline that draws on the social and natural sciences and the humanities, is uniquely placed to understand our changing world. Its combination of lectures, tutorials, hands-on learning, and transferable skills training is core to Geography programmes, but designed to be relevant and accessible to students from all areas of the University.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3x 1-hour lectures (x 10 weeks) + 4x 1-hour tutorials + 4x 2-hour practical class and 1x half day optional field trip conditions permitting

Scheduled learning hours: 46

Guided independent study hours: 154

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 100% continual assessment


Re-assessment: 100% continual assessment

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr I T Lawson
Module teaching staff: Team taught
Module coordinator email itl2@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Demonstrate comprehension of the concept of the Anthropocene and its connections with a range of environmental and social issues
• Demonstrate clear appreciation of the principles of geography and their relevance to understanding the world
• Understand basic laboratory techniques in physical geography, and apply these to problems in geography
• Convey written information clearly and in a style appropriate to the audience
• Discuss and debate key issues in geography in a small group context