The student is able to discover fundamental concepts which underlie catchment processes and drainage-basin structure using a variety of approaches, such as illustrative tutorials, hydrographs, animations and simulations. Quaternary Environmental Change examines changes over the Quaternary period in relation to one causal theory and various sources of evidence. The significance and techniques of pollen analysis are also investigated. Simulating Slope Development allows students to simulate slope development in different parts of the world to see how the combination of environmental controls on slope processes leads to different slope profiles. Students have the opportunity to model the development of a specific slope, including modifying the balance between slope processes.
Students can enter their own field data and explore the future development of the slope.
There is also a brief tutorial on slope development. Biogeography and Ecology introduces students to key principles and concepts by examining in depth the heathland and moorland communities which form an important element in the landscapes of Western Europe. A simple mathematical model is used to predict deposition downwind from a stack and to assist students in visualising the likely deposition from any single source of air pollution an essential skill in environmental science. Global Tectonics introduces students to the major landscape features associated with plate movement. The core of the module deals with the causes of earthquake, and investigates their contemporary spatial patterns of occurrence.