Introduction to Earth and Planetary Science

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 4
• Convenor: Professor Katherine Thompson
• Assessment: practical worksheets (25%), a recorded presentation (25%) and a 1.5-hour test (50%)

In this module we cover the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the dawn of human civilisation on planet Earth. We will introduce you to relevant aspects of astronomy, planetary science, the origin and evolution of life, and the evolution of Homo sapiens.

This module will appeal to anyone interested in receiving a general scientific introduction to our place in the universe.

Indicative syllabus

• Origin and evolution of the universe
• Origin of the solar system
• The early Earth
• The dynamic Earth (brief introduction to plate tectonics, geological cycle)
• Archaean and Proterozoic life
• Snowballs and greenhouses (atmosphere, oceans and climate)
• Life in the seas
• Colonisation of the land
• Land of giants (Mesozoic)
• Building of the modern world (Cenozoic)
• Out of Africa (Pliocene and Pleistocene human evolution)
• Invasions and extinctions (human radiation, extinctions and environment)
• The start of civilisation
• Plants, animals and humans (advent of farming, disease)
• Humans and the environment
• The future Earth, and humans' future place in the solar system

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge related to the history and evolution of the universe, solar system and planet Earth
• explain how this knowledge has been arrived at, and the relationship between theories, hypotheses and observations
• demonstrate logical reasoning, and the comprehension and integration of scientific concepts
• communicate scientific ideas effectively both in writing and orally.