Please note: there may be some adjustments to the teaching arrangements published in the course catalogue for 2020-21. Given current circumstances related to the Covid-19 pandemic it is anticipated that some usual arrangements for teaching on campus will be modified to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff on campus; further adjustments may also be necessary, or beneficial, during the course of the academic year as national requirements relating to management of the pandemic are revised.

Introduction To Global Environmental Issues DUMF1008

  • Academic Session: 2022-23
  • School: School of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

Environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and energy consumption and our responses to them are of global concern. In this level 1 course we will explore the most significant and topical global environmental issues affecting societies, ecosystems and the physical milieu. The course will examine socio-economic and political factors in addition to the science behind many of the issues.

Timetable

One 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour seminar weekly.

Requirements of Entry

None

Assessment

Project work: personal consumption report (60%). Students gather personal water consumption over two-weeks and graphically present their findings in a scientific journal style.

Exam (40%)

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to:
1. examine the history and contemporary nature of environmental concern;
2. introduce and analyse key global environmental issues such as climate change and water consumption;
3. examine the science behind some global environmental issues;
4. outline indirect drivers of global environmental change;
5. examine potential interventions to address global environmental issues;

6. introduce scientific report writing skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course students will be able to:
a) critically assess the development of the environmental concern and idea of sustainable development;
b) provide a detailed objective summary of key global environmental issues;
c) show an understanding of the science behind some global environmental issues;
d) critically analyse the drivers behind a range of global environmental issues;
e) identify and assess potential interventions to address environmental problems;

f) write a report in a scientific format using primary data.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.