| CODE | MSS2005 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Introduction to Earth Systems | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Mathematics and Science Education | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The material in this study-unit presents an integrated perspective of the Earth as a single functioning system that is made up of several interacting subsystems. The knowledge accumulated will allow students to appreciate the interaction of systems with each other in order to appraise the interaction between the geophysical processes (lithosphere, atmosphere hydrosphere) with the anthroposphere to understand the dynamic nature of the interacting phenomena. This unit is particularly suited to science communicators as it encourages the application and integration of theoretical knowledge accumulated throughout their studies. Study-unit Aims: The study-unit will enable students to: - Develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles relating to various Earth Systems; - Explain the processes occurring at different scales and in different geophysical contexts and relate the concepts and principles to everyday experiences; - Discuss the impact of changes in the Earth's climate; - Understand the relationship between Earth Systems and other areas of scientific knowledge including the social dimension; - Carry out practical work and investigations. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Appraise that the Earth system is composed of a number of interacting subsystems and that no subsystem operates in isolation; - Describe and appreciate the internal structure of the Earth and relate this to the mode of formation of the Earth and resulting landforms; - Describe the probable mechanisms responsible for the dynamics of the crust as well as the features and processes that are a consequence of plate motions; - Describe and appreciate the the global atmospheric circulation and its influence on climatic conditions in different locations; - Account for atmospheric processes and their impacts on the livelihoods of different communities; - Describe the broad structure of the hydrosphere of the Earth; - Explain how waterflows and water bodies contribute to the formation of geomorphological features including the karst landscapes and coastal features; - Integrate the processes in various subsystems in order to explain biogeochemical cycles; - Appraise the impacts on different processes and at different scales of ‘environmental issues'. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Critically appraise various points of view when explaining the same phenomenon; - Explain complex processes by starting from the basic principles of science; - Explain the interrelationships of different geophysical processes and their impact on the social sphere; - Explain how economic and social demands are effecting the balance between different factors that make up complex bio-geophysical processes. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Kump, L.R., Kasting, J.F., Crane, R.G. (2009). The Earth System. Third Edition; Prentice-Hall. - Hughes-Clarke, M., Pedley, M., Galea, P. (2002). Limestone Isles in a Crystal Sea: the geology of the Maltese Islands. Publishers Enterprises Group, Malta. Other texts and readings will be indicated throughout the duration of the study-unit. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Fieldwork and Independent Study | ||||||||||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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