Description
For Geography students only. This module integrates knowledge accumulated over the course of the undergraduate programme with advanced field skills, towards a holistic understanding of Mediterranean environments. The course focuses on aspects of Mediterranean environments (geology, geomorphology, past and present climate, plant ecology and land-use practices), centred around a week-long field trip to the island of Lesvos, during the Easter vacation.
Overall, the module aims to develop a sense of "reading the landscape" by understanding how physical, biological and cultural forces combine over time to shape an area of land.Ìý In addition, the work is designed to develop skills in evaluating and synthesising complex information and in communicating ideas in a clear and effective manner.
Teaching Methods: Before the field class: Pre-recorded lectures on Mediterranean setting (past and present tectonic, climate, vegetation changes and plant biodiversity). In Lesvos: Lectures on the geology, climate, vegetation and land-use history of Lesvos. Field activities include visit to the Sigri petrified forest and museum, sediment and tree coring, vegetation description, microclimate measurements.Ìý On the final day, groups analyse the data collected during the trip and present their results.
Prerequisite for this course are GEOG0008 (Environmental Change) or GEOG0021 (Reconstructing Past Environments).Ìý Please note that taking GEOG0052ÌýClimate Change: past, present, future in year 3 is strongly recommended.
Also, please note that field class will run subject to a minimum number of 10 student enrolments.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
Ìý