1. General information
Course:
THE EARTH SYSTEM: PROCESSES AND GLOBAL DYNAMICS
Code:
37325
Type:
CORE COURSE
ECTS credits:
6
Degree:
340 - UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Academic year:
2022-23
Center:
501 - FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND BIOCHEMISTRY
Group(s):
40
Year:
3
Duration:
C2
Main language:
Spanish
Second language:
English
Use of additional languages:
English Friendly:
Y
Web site:
Bilingual:
N
Lecturer:
MARIA BELEN HINOJOSA CENTENO
- Group(s):
40
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
Sabatini/0.36
CIENCIAS AMBIENTALES
5470
mariabelen.hinojosa@uclm.es
Tuesday, wednesday and thursday from 12:00 to 14:00 (previous appointment by e-mail)
Lecturer:
JULIO MUÑOZ MARTIN
- Group(s):
40
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
Edificio Sabatini/0.17.1
MATEMÁTICAS
926051674
julio.munoz@uclm.es
Lecturer:
ANTONIO PARRA DE LA TORRE
- Group(s):
40
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
ICAM/0.26
CIENCIAS AMBIENTALES
926051400
antonio.parra@uclm.es
Tuesday, wednesday and thursday from 12:00 to 14:00 (previous appointment by e-mail)
Lecturer:
IVAN TORRES GALAN
- Group(s):
40
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
Sabatini/0.35
CIENCIAS AMBIENTALES
5472
ivan.torres@uclm.es
Monday to Thursday, 11:00 to 14:00 (contact by email beforehand)
Lecturer:
GONZALO ZAVALA ESPIÑEIRA
- Group(s):
40
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
Edificio Sabatini/0.32
CIENCIAS AMBIENTALES
926051551
gonzalo.zavala@uclm.es
Tuesday, wednesday and thursday from 12:00 to 14:00 (previous appointment by e-mail)
2. Pre-Requisites
Not established
3. Justification in the curriculum, relation to other subjects and to the profession
Third year subject, it belongs to the subject Ecology. This subject also includes the compulsory subject Ecology and the optional subjects Functional Ecology of Plants, Terrestrial Ecosystems, Aquatic Ecosystems and Fire Ecology. Knowledge of global processes and dynamics is essential to be able to contextualise all work related to the environment in the present scenario of global change. Understanding the different scales and dimensions of both ecological and socio-economic factors and processes allows for a global vision of the environmental state of the world, deepening the multidisciplinary training and the students' capacity for integration. It is these themes that will guide professional work and opportunities in the near future.
4. Degree competences achieved in this course
| Course competences | |
|---|---|
| Code | Description |
| E02 | Capacity for multidisciplinary consideration of an environmental problem |
| E03 | Awareness of the temporal and spatial dimensions of environmental processes |
| E05 | Capacity for qualitative data interpretation |
| E06 | Capacity for quantitative data interpretation |
| T02 | To know and apply the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). |
| T03 | To use a correct oral and written communication. |
| T04 | To know the ethical commitment and professional deontology. |
5. Objectives or Learning Outcomes
| Course learning outcomes | |
|---|---|
| Description | |
| To know and apply practically some of the main models concerning the exchange of materials between the terrestrial compartments. | |
| Knowledge of the basic aspects related to energy and matter flows in communities. | |
| To know the main actions of man on the structure and global functioning of the planet. Describe the main components of the ecosystem structure and functioning. | |
| To know the main compartments of the planet as well as the main biogeochemical cycles. The Earth as a model of physical-chemical-biological interactions. | |
| To know, of the different compartments of the Earth, its structure, its spatial and temporal variability as well as its main processes. | |
| Additional outcomes | |
| Description | |
| Application of simplified mathematical models to the study of Natural Dynamical Systems, in particular global ones. | |
| Use of specific software for Dynamic Simulation. | |
| Analysis of numerical results of simulations and interpretation of predictions in the context of their practical application to the resolution of specific environmental problems. | |
| Understanding of the global magnitude of environmental problems. | |
6. Units / Contents
-
Unit 1: Introduction
-
Unit 1.1: The Earth as a system
-
Unit 1.2: System dynamics
-
-
Unit 2: Models and simulation
-
Unit 2.1: Theory of models
-
Unit 2.2: Dynamic environmental modeling
-
-
Unit 3: System Earth
-
Unit 3.1: Basic components of system Earth: Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere
-
Unit 3.2: The biogeochemical cycle of C
-
Unit 3.3: The biogeochemical cycle of N
-
Unit 3.4: The biogeochemical cycle of P
-
Unit 3.5: The biogeochemical cycle of S
-
Unit 3.6: The global water cycle
-
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, REMARKS
The lab sessions will consist on practical exercises of system dynamics and global biogeochemical cycle modeling
7. Activities, Units/Modules and Methodology
| Training Activity | Methodology | Related Competences (only degrees before RD 822/2021) | ECTS | Hours | As | Com | Description | |
| Class Attendance (theory) [ON-SITE] | Lectures | E02 E03 E05 E06 T02 T03 T04 | 1.52 | 38 | N | N | Masterclasses | |
| Writing of reports or projects [OFF-SITE] | Self-study | E02 E03 E05 E06 T02 T03 T04 | 0.6 | 15 | Y | Y | Work assignment related to the contents of Topic 2 and its applications (Modeling). | |
| Computer room practice [ON-SITE] | Guided or supervised work | E03 E05 E06 T02 T03 T04 | 0.8 | 20 | Y | Y | Completion of on-site computer-based practicals and passing a short test on them. Attendance at practicals is compulsory and, due to their nature, cannot be made up. | |
| Practicum and practical activities report writing or preparation [OFF-SITE] | Self-study | E03 E05 E06 T02 T03 T04 | 1.2 | 30 | Y | Y | Writing the report of the practical sessions | |
| Mid-term test [ON-SITE] | Assessment tests | E02 E03 E05 E06 T03 T04 | 0.04 | 1 | Y | N | Mid-term test on the theoretical contents of the course, which may eliminate material for the final test. | |
| Study and Exam Preparation [OFF-SITE] | Self-study | E02 E03 E05 E06 | 1.8 | 45 | N | N | Studying for the tests | |
| Final test [ON-SITE] | Assessment tests | E02 E03 E05 E06 T03 T04 | 0.04 | 1 | Y | Y | Test on the theoretical contents of the subject | |
| Total: | 6 | 150 | ||||||
| Total credits of in-class work: 2.4 | Total class time hours: 60 | |||||||
| Total credits of out of class work: 3.6 | Total hours of out of class work: 90 | |||||||
As: Assessable training activity Com: Training activity of compulsory overcoming (It will be essential to overcome both continuous and non-continuous assessment).
8. Evaluation criteria and Grading System
| Evaluation System | Continuous assessment | Non-continuous evaluation * | Description |
| Mid-term tests | 30.00% | 0.00% | Mid-term test that may eliminate material for the final exam. Minimum mark of 4 out of 10 to pass this activity. |
| Final test | 30.00% | 60.00% | Final test with a weight of 30% of the total of the subject, provided that material has been eliminated in the mid-term test. In case of not having passed the mid-term test, or opting for non-continuous assessment, it will be necessary to take the whole subject in the final test (60% weight). Minimum mark of 4 out of 10 to pass this activity. |
| Other methods of assessment | 15.00% | 15.00% | Evaluation of the report or work related to modelling. Minimum mark of 4 out of 10 to pass this activity. |
| Laboratory sessions | 25.00% | 25.00% | Assessment of the student's performance by means of a test and the submission of a written report. Minimum mark of 4 out of 10 to pass this activity. |
| Total: | 100.00% | 100.00% |
According to art. 4 of the UCLM Student Evaluation Regulations, it must be provided to students who cannot regularly attend face-to-face training activities the passing of the subject, having the right (art. 12.2) to be globally graded, in 2 annual calls per subject , an ordinary and an extraordinary one (evaluating 100% of the competences).
Evaluation criteria for the final exam:
-
Continuous assessment:The default mode assigned to the student will be continuous assessment. Any student may request a change to the non-continuous assessment mode (before the end of the class period) by sending an email to the teacher, provided that they have not completed 50% of the evaluable activities.
In order to pass the subject, it will be necessary to obtain a minimum mark of 4 out of 10 in each of the evaluable activities (theoretical, practical and modelling work). In any case, the course will only be considered passed if the overall grade, weighting the different evaluable activities according to the table above, results in a mark of 5 or higher (out of 10).
All the evaluable activities will be recoverable, either in the extraordinary or special completion call. However, attendance to the practicals, due to their nature, is considered as a compulsory and not recoverable activity in order to pass the subject. -
Non-continuous evaluation:The default mode assigned to the student will be continuous assessment. Any student may request a change to the non-continuous assessment mode (before the end of the class period) by sending an email to the teacher, provided that they have not completed 50% of the evaluable activities.
The same criteria will be applied in non-continuous assessment than in continuous assessment, taking into account the weightings shown in the table above.
Specifications for the resit/retake exam:
The same criteria will be applied in the extraordinary exam session than in the ordinary exam session. In this call, it will only be necessary to pass the part/s of the ordinary call that have not been passed with at least a 4 out of 10. In any case, the subject will only be considered passed if the overall grade, weighting the different evaluable activities according to the table above, results in a mark of 5 or higher (out of 10).
Specifications for the second resit / retake exam:
The same criteria will be applied in the special completion call than in the extraordinary exams. In this call it will only be necessary to pass the part/s of the previous year that have not been passed with at least a 4 out of 10. In any case, the course will only be considered passed if the overall grade, weighting the different evaluable activities according to the table above, results in a mark of 5 or higher (out of 10)
9. Assignments, course calendar and important dates
| Not related to the syllabus/contents | |
|---|---|
| Hours | hours |
| Writing of reports or projects [AUTÓNOMA][Self-study] | 15 |
| Computer room practice [PRESENCIAL][Guided or supervised work] | 20 |
| Practicum and practical activities report writing or preparation [AUTÓNOMA][Self-study] | 30 |
| Study and Exam Preparation [AUTÓNOMA][Self-study] | 45 |
| Mid-term test [PRESENCIAL][Assessment tests] | 1 |
| Final test [PRESENCIAL][Assessment tests] | 1 |
| Unit 1 (de 3): Introduction | |
|---|---|
| Activities | Hours |
| Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] | 4 |
| Unit 2 (de 3): Models and simulation | |
|---|---|
| Activities | Hours |
| Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] | 10 |
| Unit 3 (de 3): System Earth | |
|---|---|
| Activities | Hours |
| Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] | 24 |
| Global activity | |
|---|---|
| Activities | hours |
10. Bibliography and Sources
| Author(s) | Title | Book/Journal | Citv | Publishing house | ISBN | Year | Description | Link | Catálogo biblioteca |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to computer simulation : a system dynamics mode | Productivity Press | 1-56327-170-2 | 1996 |
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| Aracil, Javier | Dinámica de sistemas | Alianza Editorial | 84-206-8168-7 | 2005 |
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| Aracil, Javier | Dinámica de sistemas | Alianza Editorial | 84-206-8168-7 | 1997 |
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| Ford, Andrew | Modeling the environment : an introduction to system dynamic | Island Press | 978-1-59726-472-3 | 2010 |
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| Ford, Andrew | Modeling the environment : an introduction to system dynami | Island Press | 1-55963-601-7 | 1999 |
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| Huggett, R. J. | Modelling the human impact on nature Systems analysis of environmental problems | Oxford University Press. | 1993 | ||||||
| JEFFERS, John N. R. | Modelos en ecología | Oikos-tau | 84-281-0735-1 | 1991 |
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| Jacobson, Charlson, Rodhe & Orians (eds) | Earth System Science | Academic Press | 9780123793706 | 2000 | http://store.elsevier.com/Earth-System-Science/Michael-Jacobson/isbn-9780123793706/ | ||||
| Likens, Gene E. | Biogeochemistry of a forested ecosystem | Springer | 0-387-94502-4 | 1995 |
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| Lovelock | Gaia | ||||||||
| Lovelock, J. E. | The ages of Gaia : a biography of our living Earth | Oxford University Press | 0-19-286180-8 | 1995 |
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| Lovelock, J. E. | Gaia : una nueva visión de la vida sobre la tierra | Hermann Blume | 84-7214-267-1 | 1983 |
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| MARTINEZ, Silvio | Dinámica de sistemas | Alianza | 84-206-9820-2 (O.C.) | 1986 |
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| Ogata, Katsuhiko | Dinámica de sistemas | Prentice-Hall hispanoamericana | 968-880-074-0 | 1987 |
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| Schlesinger, William H. | Biogeochemistry : an analysis of global change | Academic Press | 0-12-625155-X | 1997 |
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| Shugart, Herman H. | Terrestrial ecosystems in changing environments | Cambridge University Press | 0521563429, hardback | 1998 |
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| Walker B, Steffen W, Mooney H (eds) | Global change and terrestrial ecosystems | Cambridge University Press | 0-521-57810-8 | 1996 |
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