University of Edinburgh

The course is for complete beginners and equips students with a basic grounding in written and spoken Spanish. Students reach approximately level A1/1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

This course explores the fundamental nature of the main groups of materials which constitute planets such as the Earth, and develops an understanding of how atomic structure of materials ultimately defines planetary processes. In Part A: From atoms to minerals, students briefly review atomic theory, consider how atoms are arranged in crystalline materials and how this, ultimately, controls material properties. Interaction of crystalline materials with light, X-rays, and electrons are used to introduce the theoretical and practical basis behind analytical techniques used to study Earth and planetary materials. In Part B: Planetary building blocks, students review the main groups of solid materials which constitute planets such as the Earth, considering how structure, chemistry, physical properties, and occurrence are interrelated. In Part C: Modelling chemical processes, students consider how the stability and occurrence of materials can be predicted and determined numerically, and consider factors governing the rates at which natural processes occur.

In order to create a learning environment that promotes the wellbeing of all within it, there is a need for capacity building so that everyone has the skills, knowledge, and disposition to be able to make a positive contribution to the health promoting environment. This course seeks to serve that function, having the potential to enhance student wellbeing and student ability to thrive in university and achieve success in their studies, through increasing students' capacity to be well and so contribute positively to a healthy environment and ethos in which to study. 

This course introduces the fundamental concepts from mechanical engineering that facilitates understanding and quantitative analysis of renewable energy systems. This includes concepts from the fields of structural mechanics, dynamics of mechanical systems, and fluid statics/dynamics. The course provides a grounding in key physical concepts and analytical methods to enable understanding of and quantitative analysis of renewable energy systems. Lecture material will cover: structural mechanics; Newtonian Dynamics; and fluid statics and dynamics. These are presented within the context of and applied to renewable energy systems

This course examines some of the key theoretical and practical problems and opportunities which arise when the ethical-political position of care is applied to issues around environment and sustainability. The first half of the course focuses on theoretical topics, such as: 1) Gillard's "different voice" contribution to moral psychology and feminism; 2) the challenge which relationality and interdependence presents to ethics and politics; and 3) how ethics of care offers an additional perspective on justice linking people-animals, and present-future generations. The second half of the course explores a number of empirical cases in areas like renewable energy (nuclear power, wind farms, community renewables etc.); landscape management (eco-system services, rewilding, species reintroduction etc.); and sustainable food production (allotments, regenerative agriculture, GM crops etc.). It also explores home and community, and cultures and communities around the world which link people and planet in different ways.