The Natural World: From Deep Time to Our Time (F8510)

15 credits, Level 4

Autumn teaching

On this interdisciplinary module, you’ll explore the foundations of physical geography and biodiversity. After we introduce earth system science as a framework for the module, you’ll consider the evolution of the planet.

You’ll examine the key components and inter-related processes of the:

• geosphere
• hydrosphere
• biosphere
• atmosphere.

You’ll explore elements of:

• earth structure and composition
• continental drift
• plate tectonics
• geological time.

You’ll then examine key principles of macro-evolution and biodiversity including:

• patterns and processes
• the history of life
• major extinctions and radiations
• historical biogeography.

You’ll complete the module by looking at major drivers of the climate system and environmental change.

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 2026/27. 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.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Ecology and Conservation BSc
• Ecology and Conservation MSci
• Geography BA
• Geography BSc
• Geography with a Language BA
• Geography, Sustainable Development and Climate Change BSc
• Zoology BSc
• Zoology MSci