Entry requirements

120 credits with minimum 90 credits in Earth Science or Biology alternatively Physics with 30 credits in Earth Science (Geophysics).

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student hould be able to

• describe the general dynamic principles within the atmo-, bio-, cryo-, hydro-, and lithospheres
• identify the general relations and couplings between the atmo-, bio-, cryo-, hydro-, and lithospheres and describe how energy transfer between these different spheres creates a dynamic geosphere
• illustrate the interplay and resonance between the components of the geosystem and their weight in forcing global changes at various time scales
• explain how the geosphere's components result in interaction and change at different time scales
• describe the full meaning of global changes as an effect of a dynamical geosystem
• explain the principal coupling between the biosphere and the other parts in the geosphere during the geological timescale
• summarise the current issues within earth science systems and the current state of knowledge on global change.
• improve his/her skills in scientific writing and analysis, as well as the ability to work from a scientific methodology.

Content

An introduction to the basic physical processes in the Earth system. Discussion of how processes and changes in the Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere are interlinked through different energy transfer mechanisms, using several case studies. The course introduces the relevant processes in the Earth system and the evolution of the Biosphere, including a rudimentary overview of the Planetary and the wider Astronomical systems. The course uses specially designed case units covering changes in the specific spheres at different time scales. First case unit will consist of changes on the plate tectonical time scale 10-1000 Myrs. Second case unit will consist of changes on the Ice Age and Milhankovitch time scale 10-1000 kyrs. Third case unit will consist of changes on the human industrialisation and meteorological series time scale 10-1000 yrs. Last case unit is dedicated to the biosphere and its evolution through the interplay of the other spheres. The link between the different systems and the energy flow between them is discussed. Scientific writing and the scientific method have central roles in the course. Individual work is to be reported and presented.

Instruction

Lectures, practicals and seminars. Participation in practicals and in seminars is obligatory.

Assessment

The course is graded using a written examination (10 credits) and written essays and oral presentations (5 credits) .