121-012 Environmental Change

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Subject Description

This subject is an introduction to the discipline of geography, both physical geography and human geography, as well as the department's major in Environmental Studies. The subject examines global and regional patterns of natural and human-induced changes in the environment, together with their consequences for human societies. Topics covered include global patterns in climate, the evolution of different sorts of landscapes, the nature of ecosystems, and the social bases of and links to environmental change. Principles are applied to highlight problems in environmental management, such as irrigation and salinisation, sustainable harvesting of forests, and urban runoff. Practicals impart skills such as map use and production, interpretation of satellite photographs, the ability to argue and the presentation and interpretation of data. A strong emphasis is an understanding of the complexity of processes that underlie most environmental problems. The subject also emphasizes the critical use of the literature and provides experience in clear and succinct writing.

Assessment

A 2-hour examination, and written work totalling 2000 words, which may include assignments, a field report and continuously assessed practical work.