BSc (Hons) - Environmental Science

Year one

The theme for your first year will be to develop your understanding of the Science of the Environment, from the origins of the earth to studying the systems operating within the earth’s environment.

You will develop the underpinning scientific knowledge and skills needed to understand environmental concepts and the collection and analysis of environmental data.

• Earth Origins
  Develop an understanding of the formation of the Earth and its present-day composition, using a holistic approach to understand past and present dynamics of the Earth system.
• Terrestrial Systems
  Develop an understanding of the composition, structure, and properties of the rocks and soil that make up our land, and how rocks and soil are involved in biogeochemical cycles.
• Aquatic Systems
  Explore the properties of water and ice, and the processes within natural water and ice reserves and how these play a part in biogeochemical cycles.
• Atmospheric Systems
  Learn about the structure of the Earth’s atmosphere, processes occurring within the atmosphere, and how these play a part in biogeochemical cycles.
• Ecology and the Environment
  Examine the interacting components of ecosystems and their temporal and spatial dynamics. You will explore the processes by which populations evolve, how communities develop and maintained, the modern challenges our ecosystems face, and how we can use the scientific method to test hypotheses.
• Environmental Practice
  Develop the fundamental skills of an environmental practitioner.

Year two

In the second year, you will develop an understanding around environmental issues and environmental assessment. You will continue to build your skills with increasingly complex and diverse challenges while you develop the knowledge to identify and assess contemporary environmental challenges.

Learning at this level is again supported with practical and fieldwork activities, including a weeklong residential fieldtrip.

• Exploring Contemporary Environmental Challenges
  A residential fieldtrip-based module which will enable first-hand experience dealing with a range of environmental challenges. Explore the complexity and interconnectedness of environmental issues while developing an ability for environmental research design.
• Pollution and Monitoring
  Gain an understanding of how pollutants are released, interact with environment, and effect environmental receptors.
• Natural Resource Use
  Explore how human needs lead to natural resource use and the impacts of this on the environment.
• Environmental Legislation and Regulation
  Develop your understanding of how legislation and regulation play a part in protecting the environment and the role of individuals and organisations.
• Exploring Research
  Learn the skills required to conceive, design, conduct, and interpret scientific research.
• Environmental Assessment
  Explore environmental and ecological assessments and assessment techniques, and gain experience with sampling design, analysis, and interpretation.

Year three

In your final year, you will investigate, discuss and debate sustainable solutions to environmental issues, helping you to develop skills in environmental problem solving and undertake a scientific research project.

When you complete the year you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to act as a career-ready, independent environmental practitioner able to evaluate complex environmental scenarios and offer sustainable solutions.

• Managing Waste and Pollution
  Explore the technological and socio-economic solutions available to deal with a range of environmental challenges and risks. Draw upon your understanding of the nature and impact of pollutants gained in earlier modules to develop appropriate solutions.
• Energy and Water Resource Sustainability
  Develop your understanding of current strategies for sustainable harnessing, use, and management of energy and water. You will learn to evaluate technologies and management strategies in terms of environment impact and wider commercial and social implications.
• Land Use and Biodiversity Conservation
  Evaluate issues and solutions related to land use and the conservation of biodiversity at landscape scales (local, regional, national and global contexts).
• Environmental Management and Solutions
  Build the skills and knowledge that allow the determination of suitable management, strategies and solutions in environmental contexts.
• Dissertation
  Undertake an independent piece of in-depth research into a topic of your choice. Develop your research skills and gain valuable experience in project management.