| CODE | EMP1003 | ||||||
| TITLE | Essential Concepts for Earth Systems Science | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Environmental Management and Planning | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This unit outlines fundamental scientific concepts relevant to the study of Earth Systems. Students are first introduced to notions of scientific measurement, including the use of different measurement scales, observation and prediction, and units of measurement. The unit will also explain issues of measurement error and uncertainty. Basic concepts of chemistry are then outlined, including (i) the structure and properties of atoms, (ii) moles, formulas and equations and the periodic table, (iii) states of matter, (iv) chemical bonding, (v) acids and bases, (vi) chemical reactions and (vii) thermodynamics and entropy. This grounding in chemistry will be followed by an introduction to fundamental concepts of biology, including (i) cell biology, (ii) genetics and molecular biology, (iii) plant form and function, (iv) animal form and function, (v) taxonomic classification, and (vi) evolution. Students will also be given an overview of the major biogeochemical cycles on Earth, including the water, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen cycles. Basic concepts relevant to physics will also be covered, including vectors, scalars, displacement, velocity and acceleration, as well as the use of reference systems. Given that students will be working in laboratories throughout the course, the unit will furthermore provide for familiarization with laboratory equipment, laboratory policies, and health and safety protocols. Students will also be given guidance on writing laboratory reports. Study-unit Aims: The unit aims: - to lay the fundamental scientific groundwork which is necessary for developing an understanding of the functioning of Earth Systems; - to provide students with an understanding of key concepts in chemistry, biology,and physics, which are relevant to the study of Earth Systems; - to equip all students, regardless of their academic background, with the knowledge necessary to be able to understand material delivered in other components of the B.Sc. (Hons.) Earth Systems course; - to provide students with key skills relevant for both field and laboratory sessions and with an understanding of relevant health and safety parameters. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: a. Define atomic number, mass number and isotopes; b. Describe the general properties of the three states of matter; b. Distinguish between acids and bases; c. List and explain different types of chemical bonds and chemical reactions; d. Describe the fundamental biology of the cell; e. Explain the fundamental physiology of plants and animals; f. Outline the structure of DNA; g. Illustrate the functioning of key biogeochemical cycles, and explain their importance for Earth System processes; h. Distinguish between vectors and scalars; i. Outline concepts of displacement, velocity and acceleration. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: a. Use exponential notation; b. Determine the number and types of atoms represented in a chemical formula; d. Use the periodic table to predict the formulas of compounds; e. Balance chemical equations; f. Identify the various taxonomic levels of classification that exist and recognize terminology pertaining to these different levels of classification; g. Make use of laboratory facilities in a safe manner. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main texts: Skinner, B., Porter, C. & Botkin, D.B., 1999. The Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science. Wiley. 2nd Edition. ISBN: 978-0-471-161-141. Zumdahl, S.Z. & DeCoste, D.J., 2010. Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. 6th Edition. ISBN: 978-0-618-803-330. Starr, C., Evers, C. & Starr, L., 2009. Biology: Today and Tomorrow. Brooks Cole. 3rd Edition. ISBN: 978-0-495-827-535. Supplementary texts: Ernst, W.G., 2000. Earth Systems: Processes and Issues. Cambridge University Press. 1st Edition. ISBN: 978-0521473231. Campbell, N.A., Reece, J.B. & Simon, E.J., 2007. Essential Biology (and Study Guide for Essential Biology). Benjamin Cummings. 3rd Edition. ISBN: 978-0-805-368-420. Starr, S., 2003. Biology: Concepts and Applications. Cengage. 5th Edition. ISBN: 978-0534385583. Boga, S., 1997. Orienteering: The Sport of Navigating with Map and Compass. Stackpole Books. 1st Edition. ISBN: 978-0811728720. Burns, B. & Burns, M., 2004. Wilderness Navigation. The Mountaineers Books. 1st Edition. ISBN: 978-0898866292. Barker, K., 2005. At the Bench: A Laboratory Navigator. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. 2nd Edition. ISBN: 978-0879697082. McNeill, C., Cory-Wright, J. & Renfrew, T., 1998. Teaching Orienteering. 2nd Edition. ISBN: 0-88011-804-0. Mason, K.A., Losos, J.B. & Singer, S.R., 2011. Biology. 9th Edition. McGraw Hill. ISBN: 978-0-07-122206-8. Connel, D.S., 2005. Basic Concepts of Environmental Chemistry. 2nd Edition. ISBN: 1-56670-676-9. Allaby, M. A., 2008. A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0199211944. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Practicum | ||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Everaldo Attard Daniela Farrugia Charles Galdies Belinda Gambin (Co-ord.) Edwin Lanfranco Colette Pace |
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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 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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