Module details for 2022/23.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 6

Module Outline

This module examines the ways in which the Earth's environmental and climatic processes have
changed during the recent Ice Ages (approximately the last 2.6 million years). You will explore the
physical, biological and chemical evidence for these past changes derived from a range of different
records (including ocean sediments, ice cores, stable isotopes and fossil plants and insects), and
couple this with an assessment of natural forcing mechanisms, geological dating techniques and earth-
surface processes. You’ll also try your hand at palaeoenvironmental reconstruction using both field and
laboratory techniques. This broad, interdisciplinary approach provides a valuable 'palaeo' perspective
from which to evaluate the evidence for 21st century global warming and associated environmental
change.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the rates, causes and
consequences of Quaternary environmental change

Critically evaluate the arguments, assumptions, evidence and uncertainty
that underpins our understanding of Quaternary environmental change

Critically assess the application of different geochronological techniques
to primary multi-proxy datasets

Acquire, integrate and critically interpret different types of
palaeoenvironmental data using field, laboratory and statistical methods in
order to reconstruct past climatic and environmental change

Assess the relative merits of a range of different palaeoenvironmental
analytical techniques

Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Mick Frogley

Convenor
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