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Global Landscape Dynamics (F8051S)

15 credits, Level 5

Spring teaching

On this module, you'll focus on the geomorphological processes that shape landscape sensitivity and vulnerability to both natural and human-caused environmental changes. Geomorphologists study some of the world's most visually striking landscapes, and this module introduces you to the key theoretical concepts that inform environmental management on engineering timescales.

You'll examine the behaviour of landscape components and how they respond to dynamic forces under various climatic conditions, ranging from hot to cold and hyperarid to wet extremes. The module covers the properties of earth surface materials, how they are shaped, and how they interact with hydrology and ecology through climatic controls.

The key themes include the dynamics of:

• slopes
• rivers
• coasts
• glaciers
• permafrost
• deserts
• landscapes developed in specific rock types, such as limestone and granite.

This module provides you with the framework to understand the impact of both natural and human forcing factors on landscapes around the world.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 20 hours of contact time and about 130 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.