BI1CP1: Our Changing Planet

Module code: BI1CP1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 4

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Professor Julie Hawkins, email: j.a.hawkins@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Phil Baker, email: p.j.baker@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 11 December 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Our planet is undergoing major changes, brought on mainly by anthopogenic activities. Industrial activity and worldwide development have caused changes in the composition of our atmosphere, soils, rivers and oceans. Changing temperatures threaten the very existence of landmasses, with sea level rises threatening to drown low-lying lands. Pollution from plastics, heavy metals, pesticides, acids and light is widespread, while overexploitation of resources and a rising population of humans create substantial challenges for our planet’s future that must be addressed. With biodiversity under increasing pressure in virtually every ecosystem, this module will introduce you to the threats affecting ecosystems and their associated biodiversity. Understanding the causes of these threats is counter-balanced by an introduction to conservation science, nature-based solutions, technological solutions and sustainability goals.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Understand and discuss the major drivers of environmental change on Earth.   
2. Understand and critically discuss the concept of biodiversity, how it is measured, and the threats affecting it across the globe.
3. Understand and critically review past, present and future strategies aimed at solving conservation and sustainability challenges. 
4. Synthesise and critically evaluate scientific literature to generate testable hypotheses and communicate solutions to address environmental problems.

Module content

The module covers a wide variety of topics including include climate change, spread of diseases, marine heatwaves and ocean circulation, industrial farming both on land and sea, shifts in animal migrations and flowering times of plants (phenology) and the impact of all forms of pollution on ecosystems, animal behaviour and reproduction.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, practical classes, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information, digital resources and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard.

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs