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Environmental Change in the Anthropocene - ENV00037C

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2026-27

Module summary

This module introduces key themes, concepts and debates in the study of how natural and biophysical processes shape human societies, and how human activities in turn transform the physical environment. Examples of topics include Earth systems and processes; socio-environmental systems; landscape change, land-use intensification and degradation; agriculture, soil and food security under climate stress; water resources, floods and droughts as natural hazards and social phenomena; environmental governance, from local and global.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2026-27

Module aims

This interdisciplinary module will examine the relationship between humans and the environment. The module aims to introduce Human Geography and Environment BA students to relevant ideas, concepts and perspectives in human and physical geography. This will provide important background in their study of social, spatial and environmental issues, enabling them to critically analyse the physical and ecological dimensions of these challenges.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of this module a student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate scientific competencies and synthesise a range of debates on key concepts in geography, including on earth systems, socioecological systems, biophysical and ecological processes, spatial analysis, natural hazards and regional understandings.

  2. Develop a geographically grounded understanding of the drivers and importance of landscape change on human societies.

  3. Develop proficiency in a range of analytical skills (analysing, synthesising, and communicating complex ideas), needed for job placements and career development.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Module feedback

Written feedback will be provided on assessment in accordance with the University’s Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. Written feedback will also follow DEG guidelines, with scripts annotated and a feedback form provided.

Indicative reading

Holden J (ed) (2005) An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment. New York, Pearson Education.

Brondízio ES and Moran EF (eds) (2012) Human-Environment Interactions: Current and Future Directions. Cham, Springer Science.

Dearing JA, Battarbee RW, Dikau R, Larocque I and Oldfield F (2006) Human–environment interactions: learning from the past. Regional Environmental Change 6(1): 1-16.

Zimmerer KS (2010) Biological diversity in agriculture and global change. Annual Review of Environment and Resources 35(1): 137-166.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.