Module Code - Title:
PH4013
-
EARTH SCIENCE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Syllabus:
The origin of the universe, formation of hydrogen and heavier atoms, formation of rocks and minerals.Quantification of resources: minerals, oil, gas, coal, wind, biomass, marine energy. Theory of Peak Oil and the Hubbert Curve. The Solar System: the Earths relationship to the Sun, Moon and other bodies of the solar system. Earth, air and water interactions: The structure and composition of the atmosphere. The effects of atmospheric convection, atmospheric dust and cloud cover, rotation of the Earth on global climates and season. The radiation, conduction and convection and their effects on weather and climate. Transer of heat energy to the patterns of wind belts. Moisture, clouds and precipitation. Running water and groundwater. Oceans past and present: Transfer of solar energy to ocean currents and waves. Climate modelling: Collection and use of data to predict the weather. Climate changes that have occurred over the millennia.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Explain key aspects of structure and composition of the atmosphere, the earth and the solar system and describe how these interact to main the delicate life-sustaining balance on Earth.
Evaluate the impacts of energy and resource consumption on this balance.
Compare various methods used to analyse natural resources e.g. oil reserves, climate models etc.
Discuss the theory of peak oil and the Hubbert curve for the prediction of the rate of oil production.
Apply a relevant sustainability metric, identify and evaluate an impact reduction strategy.
Discuss the geological evolution of the island of Ireland its impact on our natural resources.
Differentiate between rocks and minerals
Assess the extraction and use of geological resources.
Demonstrate knowledge of the Earths layers.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful complete of this module, students should be able to:
Elucidate and question Irelands use of its own vs imported natural resources.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Leeder M and PerezArlucea M (2005)
Physical Processes in Earth and Environmental Sciences
, Wiley Blackwell
Thompson, GR and Turk J ()
Earth Science and the Environment (with EarthScienceNow and InfoTrac)
, Brooks Cole
Other Relevant Texts:
Flannery T (2006)
The Weather Makers: The History and Future Impact of Climate Change (1e)
, Penguin London
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
David.Corcoran@ul.ie