Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LM Palaeoclimates
School	School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department	Earth and Environ Sciences
Module Code	03 30003
Module Lead	James Bendle
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Supervised time in studio/workshop-50 hours Guided independent study-140 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	There has never been a more critical time for students to understand the causes and potential consequences of Earth’s changing climate. The context for understanding the global warming of today lies in the records of the Earth’s past. This module will put key data and published case studies of past climate change at students’ fingertips, so you can experience the nature of paleoclimate reconstruction. Students will evaluate data, practice developing and testing hypotheses and infer the broader implications of the scientific results. How we know is as important as what we know about past climate. This module is inquiry based and departs from the traditional lecture based format.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Frame climate change appropriately within geological time-scales, with a focus on the Cenozoic. Synthesize palaeoclimate data, formulate hypotheses and articulate evidence based arguments. Apply quantitative and problem solving skills to palaeoclimate data. Recognise and deal with complexity and uncertainty in geological/ environmental data-sets. Work in groups and communicate (written and oral) effectively with others. Be able to evaluate the magnitude, pattern and rates of climate change during time-periods of focus (e.g. the Cenozoic).
Assessment	30003-01 : Summative Assessment 1 : Coursework (20%) 30003-02 : Summative Assessment 2 : Coursework (20%) 30003-03 : Summative Assessment 3 : Coursework (20%) 30003-04 : Summative Assessment 4 : Coursework (20%) 30003-05 : Infographic Poster : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment The module assessment is: 80% by practical assessment, based on four classroom exercises. These involve a synthesis (<1000 words) with accompanying calculations and illustrations, and an emphasis on graphical presentation. 20% by a popular science article and associated infographic (1000 words). Method of Reassessment by failed component.
Other
Reading List