To develop an environmental science based understanding of varying aspects of the physical environment and how that knowledge can be applied in the areas of climate, ocean & groundwater processes, atmospheric processes, climate change and remote sensing. To develop the students core competency and knowledge in the use and application of geographical information systems.

Earth & Sun: the earth's tilt, sun's energy contribution to earth, rotation of the earth around the sun, insolation, temperature differentials around the globe, seasons. Atmosphere: structure of the atmosphere, properties of air, air circulation patterns, Hadley, Ferrel and Polar cells, influence on global vegetation. Ocean: surface ocean currents, Coriolis effect, gyres, Eckman spiral, deep ocean currents, thermohaline circulation, global conveyor belt, energy, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, pH Groundwater: the hydrological cycle, groundwater formation, distribution, uses, movement of groundwater, Darcy's Law, groundwater pollution, vulnerability to pollution. Climate:global climatic zones, mid-latitude weather, climate stability, cloud formation and precipitation, causes and effects of polar vortices, climatic change in past and predicted future, natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change Remote Sensing: remote sensing, active, passive, energy sources, emittance and reflection, impacts of atmospheric transmission on electromagnetic radiation, spectral reflectance, data capture and interpretation, resolution, GPS, application of remote sensed data in GIS Geographical Information Systems: software methods and applications, vector & raster layers, working with vector and raster data, creating layers, adding shapefiles, saving maps, layer attributes, layer symbology, multiple layers, adding database files, print/export maps, sourcing usable data, working with attribute tables, create new attribute tables using Excel, import/export data, pivot tables for data query, selected case studies. UN Sustainability Goals: Combating climate change and its impacts, conservation and sustainable use the oceans, seas and marine resources, protection and promotion of the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, forestry, agriculture and halting biodiversity loss.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Identify and differentiate between the different physical environmental processes including air movement, ocean circulation and groundwater processes. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of the influence of these processes on climate in general. 3. Apply this knowledge to demonstrate how human activity can alter or interrupt these processes leading to climate change. 4. Evaluate UN Sustainability Goals and analyse how human activities impact on specific sustainability goals like combating climate change, sustainable use of the oceans and protection of terrestrial ecosystems, land use and biodiversity. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts in relation to remote sensing. 6. Analyse how a knowledge of the remote sensing process can be applied and used in conjunction with geographical information systems. 7. Develop a knowledge and understanding of the practical use of geographical information systems software and how it can be applied to global environmental issues. 8. Analyse and evaluate the range of GIS data which is freely available. 9. Develop and synthesise new datasets for use in GIS applications and case studies.

On successful completion of this module, students will: 1. Appreciate the role of the environmental scientist in society. 2. Appreciate the need for evidence to support current views and assertions in relation to overarching global environmental phenomena.

On successful completion of this module, students will be have: 1. Developed computer skills in the practical use of GIS software. 2. Developed interpretation capacity in relation to GIS layering and mapping. 3. Developed original datasets and GIS layers.

This module will be taught during the semester via a formal blend of interactive lectures and laboratory practicals. Within this timeframe, this module is designed to ensure a significant opportunity for students, during lectures, to develop their fundamental knowledge and understanding of global environmental processes, climate change, and current best practice in remote sensing and geographical information systems. In the context of graduate attributes, it is envisaged that this module will aid students in becoming more curious and knowledgeable about the broader context of environment while developing their sense of personal, social and professional responsibility around current environmental issues. The module will allow the student to develop their creative and innovative abilities in the context of solving particular environmental scenarios. The interactive nature of the module, which will involve significant group work, will facilitate each student in developing their collaborative skillset. Students will also find a significant opportunity to enhance their inter-personal communication and presentation skills through the medium of oral presentation mode.