Humans and the Environment

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Humans and the Environment

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Agriculture, Environmental Science

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Lower

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    5
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4

  • Overview

    Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
    Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
    Level:4
    Terms in which taught: Spring term module
    Pre-requisites:
    Non-modular pre-requisites:
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded:
    Module version for: 2016/7
    Module Convenor: Dr Martin Lukac
    Email: m.lukac@reading.ac.uk
    Summary module description:
    Aims:
    This module aims to provide the student with a basic understanding of each of the three main components of the natural environment: soils; climate and weather and their role as determinants of habitats and ecological niches. The module also aims to develop an understanding of the human influence on these and of major countryside and environmental issues. These issues are explored through individual study aimed at developing research and report writing skills.
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
    - Describe and explain the main components of the natural environment.
    - Discuss the influence of human activity on the natural environment and explain how negative impacts can be reduced.
    - Describe how conditions and resources can influence organisms and their interactions.
    - Explain the importance of ecosystem goods and services, and their valuation.
    - Evaluate techniques for managing a range of wildlife populations in Britain.
    - Identify, obtain and synthesise relevant literature on a major countryside and environmental issue.
    - Explain and report findings on a major countryside and environmental issue.
    Additional outcomes:
    Outline content:
    The module starts with an overview of the natural environment and identifies its main components. Each of these is then studied in turn. The main factors determining weather and climate are studied, including the causes and likely impacts of climate change. The module then focuses on the ecological principles governing the interactions and distribution of species. The study of soils includes their composition and properties with examples of major soil processes and human influences. The final sessions explore the importance of ecosystem services and the monitoring of biodiversity, the management of wildlife populations in Britain, and how humans can mitigate and adapt to environmental change.
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    There will normally be two 50 minute lectures per week. Project work involves researching an environmental issue.
    Contact hours:
    Spring
    Lectures 20
    Guided independent study 80
    Total hours by term 100.00
    Total hours for module 100.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method-Percentage
    Written Exam 70
    Report 30
    Requirements for a pass:
    A mark of 40% overall for undergraduates and 50% overall for postgraduates.

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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