In this module you are introduced to physical, chemical and biological aspects of the natural environment. After outlining systems theory and the need for a holistic approach to the study of the environment, processes and components of the natural world are discussed within the context of the atmosphere, the Earth system, the hydrosphere and the biosphere.
Study of the atmosphere includes the global energy budget, global circulation and climates including past and future change; chemical properties and processes; trends and causes, the global hydrological cycle.

The structure, processes and minerals of the Earth system will provide a framework for the discussion of igneous minerals, rocks and landforms and sedimentary materials, environments and processes.  The reshaping of the Earth surface by endogenic and exogenic processes and subsequent products and landforms will then be introduced (slope processes and forms, fluvial, coastal and glacial geomorphology).How flora and fauna exploit and adapt the environment will then be studied in the context of global and local ecosystems. The structure and functioning of ecosystems will be discussed along with concepts such as biodiversity, competition, equilibrium and climax. The module will end with a series of lectures and workshops devoted to a specific case study, such as freshwater nitrate pollution or acid rain. The case study will be examined in atmospheric, Earth surface, hydrosphere and biosphere contexts.

This module runs over both semesters 1 and 2 and is assessed by two 1500 word essays (25% each) to demonstrate detailed understanding of concepts and processes in the environment and one two hour examination with short questions and essays  to demonstrate the ability to draw together a wide range of knowledge gained throughout the module (50%).