ENVR06053 2019 The Environment Around Us
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 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 their role as 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;
Recognise the inter-relatedness of different sciences that come together under the heading of environmental science.
Interpret the landscape from the perspective of geological, ecological and human influence.
Prepare field notes and records of observations made in the field environment.
Work as a team member to solve problems posed by field observations.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered fulltime. This will include lectures, workshop practicals, site visits, guest speakers augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals).
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.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment
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 use 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 Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Continuous Assessment Field & Class Note Book | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 30 % | OnGoing | 2,3 |
2 | Group Project Mapping the Environment | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 40 % | Week 6 | 1,2,4 |
3 | Presentation Science and the Environment | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 30 % | Week 6 | 2,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Off-Site Activity | 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 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2011 Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape
ISBN 1859184596 ISBN-13 9781859184592
The second edition of Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscapeis a magnificently illustrated, beautifully written, and thoroughly updated introduction to the hidden riches of the Irish landscape. Topics include archaeology, field and settlement patterns, houses, demesnes, villages and small towns, monuments, woodland, bogs, roads, canals, and a host of other features. The Atlas combines superbly chosen illustrations and cartography with a text amenable to a general reader. Hundreds of maps, diagrams, photographs, and paintings present accessible information suitable for any school, college, or home. New content in the contemporary section takes into account the Celtic Tiger and explores six fresh case studies - Tory Island (Donegal), the Wicklow Uplands, Inistiogue (County Kilkenny), Aughris (County Sligo), Clonfert (County Galway), and Point Lance in Newfoundland. This second edition of the award-winning Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape continues to increase the visibility of the landscape within national heritage while establishing a proper basis for conservation and planning.
2011 The Making of Ireland's Landscape Since the Ice Age
ISBN 1848891156 ISBN-13 9781848891159
A survey of the last 11,000 years of Irish geological history, with authoritative text and photographs.
2013 Geology of Ireland
ISBN 1848891660 ISBN-13 9781848891661
A beautifully illustrated field guide to Ireland's geology, which is both varied and spectacular.
A Guide to Habitats in Ireland The Heritage Council, Kilkenny.
Module Resources
Other resources may be recommended at the discretion of the lecturer.
Other resources may be recommended at the discretion of the lecturer.
Other resources may be recommended at the discretion of the lecturer.
Other resources may be recommended at the discretion of the lecturer.
Additional resources will be made available on IT Sligo learn online system (Moodle). This may contain documents and links to additional reading material for selected topics.