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| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 5 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
| Purpose: TBy completing this unit, standard students should acquire knowledge and competencies underpinning the understanding of the Earth as a system consisting of interrelating subsystems such as climate- and plate tectonic systems. Students will acquire knowledge of the internal processes of Earth, such as mantle convection as a mechanism of energy transfer, and its external expression like the movement of plates as a surface manifestation. The latter is expressed in the Plate Tectonic theory that describes the movement of the plates, and the underlying forces driving the destruction and creation of lithosphere plates. The interaction between the systems of the lithosphere, asthenosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere is of utmost importance for the biosphere - where humans and their activities have a major impact. To be able to evaluate this impact the students should acquire a deep understanding of the surface processes taking place on, and in the Earth's crust, such as mass wasting and transportation of material via streams to the ocean. In addition, students should acquire a basic knowledge of research methodologies, together with writing and reporting skills befitting the NQF level 5. Students should also be able to respond on ethical issues regarding human activity and the impact it has on Earth as a system. Students who enter this unit standard must preferably have successfully completed the following bodies of knowledge on NQF level 4: geography, mathematics, and natural science. |