Earth System (2500203) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Syllabus
Learning Objectives
Our planet is a complex system comprised of various very dynamic subsystems (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, biosphere and anthroposphere) that interact varyingly and intensely at different time scales. A basic description of the internal dynamics of each subsystem is added, along with their interactions to assure an overview of the global functioning of our planet and climate. The targets of the subject are: 1. Reach a global vision of the dynamics of our planet and its subsystems: composition and structure of the lithosphere, of the hydrosphere, from the atmosphere, the cryosphere and the biosphere. 2. Understand the transfer of mass and energy: a) in each subsystem (atmospheric circulation, ocean circulation, continental hydrology, tectonics plates, sediment transport, nutrient transfer); b) among them (water cycle, rock cycle, biogeochemical cycles); and c) of global balances. 3. Understand global climate, regional climates, and the factors that control them. Knowledge of: a) the climatic changes that occurred during the Quaternary at various time scales and current climate change, b) the causes of these changes and their consequences on subsystems terrestrial, and c) the influence of human activity on current climate change.
Competencies
Especific
Recognize the biological bases and foundations of the plant and animal field in engineering: notions of genetics, biochemistry and metabolism, physiology, organisms and environment, population dynamics, flows of matter and energy and changes in ecosystems, biodiversity, principles of the kinetics of microbial growth and reactor theory.
Solve mathematical problems that may arise in engineering by applying knowledge about: linear algebra, geometry, differential geometry, differential and integral calculus, optimization, ordinary differential equations.
Obtain basic knowledge about the use and programming of computers, operating systems, databases and basic numerical calculation and applied to engineering.
Manage the basic concepts about the general laws of mechanics and thermodynamics, concept of field and heat transfer, and apply them to solve engineering problems.
Apply the basic principles of general chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry and their applications in engineering.
Describe the global functioning of the planet: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, anthroposphere, biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S), soil morphology and apply it to problems related to geology, geotechnics, edaphology and climatology.
Generic
Identify, formulate and solve problems related to environmental engineering.
Apply the functions of consulting, analysis, design, calculation, project, construction, maintenance, conservation and exploitation of any action in the territory in the field of environmental engineering.
Total hours of student work
| Hours | Percentage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervised Learning | Large group | 29h | 48.40 % | |
| Medium group | 17h | 28.30 % | ||
| Laboratory classes | 14h | 23.30 % | ||
| Self Study | 90h | |||
Teaching Methodology
The subject consists of the following activities at the classromm: 1) Theory sessions that include expository theory classes and theory quiz discussion workshops (30 h, large group). 2) Problem's sessions (14 h, small group). 3) Problem solving workshops and clasrooom assessment (5 h, medium group). 3) Real case study workshops (5 hours, medium group). 4) Discussions sessions to resolve questions before the exams and to resolve and discuss the examns (6 h, medium group). Detailed support material and the schedule of the subject is provided on the ATENEA Virtual Campus.
Grading Rules
The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.
The assessment includes: 1) Two partial theory and problem exams, each with a weight of 40% of the subject's grade. 2) Two mini-exams about the problem sessions, with a total weight of 20%. Grading criteria for "not presented": a) In an assessment test (examination): the grade of "not presented" will be obtained in the exam if it is delivered before 20% of the time of its planned duration has passed. b) In the subject: the delivery of any assessable activity is mandatory. In case of failure to hand in an exam, the thematic work or two or more classroom practices within the period indicated by the teaching staff, the student will obtain the qualification of 'not presented' in the subject. Criteria for admission to the reassessment: Students who have failed the regular assessment will have the option to take a reassessment test in the period set in the academic calendar, as long as they have taken all the assessment tests of the subject. Students who have already passed or students classified as not present will not be able to take the revaluation test of a subject. The maximum grade in the case of taking the reassessment exam will be five (5.0). The non-attendance of a student called to the re-evaluation test, held in the fixed period, cannot give rise to the completion of another test with a later date. Extraordinary assessments will be carried out for those students who, due to accredited major reason (e.g. disease accredited by an official physicist certificate) have not been able to take any of the assessment tests. These tests must be authorized by the corresponding head of studies, at the request of the teacher responsible for the subject, and will be carried out within the corresponding teaching period.
Test Rules
Practice sessions and workshops are held in medium or small-size groups. Each week the schedule of the practice group alternates so that the same group does not always have the last hour of the afternoon. The practice schedule for each group is indicated in the subject calendar that is published at the beginning of the semester in Atenea. It is mandatory to respect the schedule of the practice group. Access to the classroom will not be allowed outside the hours of the assigned practice group. If you do not show up for a practice at the assigned time, it will be classified as "no show".
Office Hours
José Moya: Monday from 12 to 14 and agreed hours.
Bibliography
Basic
- Jacobson, M.C.; Charlson, R.J.; Rodhe, H.; Orians, G.H. Earth system science: from biogeochemical cycles to global change. San Diego (Calif.): Academic Press, 2000. ISBN 9780080530642.
- Lenton, Tim. Earth system science: a very short introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2016. ISBN 9780198718871.
- Strahler, A.N.; Strahler, H.S. Geografía física. Barcelona: Omega, 1989. ISBN 8428208476.
- Investigación y ciencia. Barcelona: Investigación y Ciencia, num 86. Prensa científica, 1983.
Complementary
- Scientific American. New York: Scientific American. Volume 15, number 2, 2005.
- Investigación y ciencia. Barcelona: Investigación y ciencia, 2000.