Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

You’ll think about Earth science in terms of a global, integrated, system. You’ll become familiar with basic physics, chemistry, and mathematics and IT skills, including a basic introduction to programming, data analysis and visualisation.

You'll learn how to formulate ecological questions then how to gather and analyse data to answer those questions. This module integrates theoretical knowledge with a field course giving the opportunity to experience the practical aspects of this topic, and direct experience with some of the concepts covered in the lectures. The environmental impacts and consequences of human actions upon key ecological processes will be discussed throughout the module. Due to their primary role in ecosystem function, plants are a particular focus.

You’ll cover the basic concepts of systems analysis as applied to physical environmental systems, including concepts of equilibrium, thresholds and change. You’ll examine physical systems on a global scale, exploring the key components that drive environmental systems and natural hazards and how they are inter-related. You’ll then look at physical systems on a smaller scale to learn about the operation of physical environmental systems at the scale of human intervention.

Through case studies, in-depth lectures and workshops, you’ll think about the nature and extent of human impact on the environment, and learn about the complexities of managing environmental, population and resource change at local and global levels.

Why do continents drift? What forces build majestic mountain ranges? Explore these questions and more on this module. You’ll explore theories on the origin of the Solar System and the Earth while looking into the origin and nature of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and their circulation systems. Learn to describe methods of measuring geological tim and investigate the main processes that characterise the major periods of the Earth's history. You’ll get to grips with the basic building blocks of the Earth's crust and get an introduction to the rocks and minerals that make up common igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. You’ll also learn how to read and interpret geological maps, and discover the techniques used for observation and recording geological data.

You’ll examine the physical and chemical processes that control the distribution and composition of seawater, as well as marine-life habitats, populations, and interactions among organisms and their surrounding environment. You’ll bring all of this together to produce a review on a particular oceanographic topic.

You’ll learn about the chemical principles behind the Earth's biogeochemical cycles, atmosphere, water resources and soils. Discover monitoring techniques and the analysis of the natural environment. Through group activities and hands-on-practical work, you’ll gain an understanding of varying methods used in analytical environmental chemistry.

You'll be introduced to and engage in a number of quantitative data collection exercises. This will help develop your ability to work in a team and to collect, collate and record environmental data. It will also introduce the potential career pathways for Environmental Scientists and provide you with the skills required to apply for jobs.

You'll plan the experimental approach for a scientific investigation, including ethics and risk assessment. Demonstrate proficiency in research skills, analyse and interpret scientific data, and demonstrate comprehension in molecular biology methods.

You'll undertake a minimum of 80 hours of placement work, voluntary work or relevant professional experience. You'll develop your work experience and enhance your CV ready for either a year-long placement or to apply for jobs. You'll gain organisation and communication skills, and experience relevant to your future career as you critically reflect on your learning experience and engagement with the Careers and Employability Service and the science Faculty Placements Office. Your engagement will also be further overseen by your tutor and module coordinator. 

You'll also have access to supporting workshops that are supplemented by work based learning hours.

Your 80 hours of work experience should take place between between the June period at the end of level 4 and before the end of the first teaching block at level 5, enabling you to complete assessments. You'll also need to secure relevant employment, volunteering or placement opportunity by the start of teaching block 1 during your second year.

You’ll explore the fundamental principles of low carbon energy - nuclear, solar, wind and hydro power. You’ll also think about the health effects of environmental radiation, and the fundamental principles of heat transfer and household energy saving technologies.

You’ll learn about the discipline of environmental change and palaeoecology, focusing on practical techniques used in the study of the Earth's environment at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. You’ll also gain skills in a range of palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction techniques, including sediment coring, microfossil analysis and geochronology.

You’ll learn core theory underpinning GIS and RS, before applying the theory through the use of industry standard software. You’ll explore the capture, interpretation and analysis of geographical and environmental data from a variety of sources to explore 'real world' problems and challenges.

You’ll explore the physical and chemical properties of water – aquifers, groundwater recharge, storage, and interactions with surface hydrology. You’ll look at the transport of water and contaminants through the groundwater system. You’ll cover concepts of fluid mechanics and Darcy’s law to help you understand flow through porous media. You’ll also cover applications of hydrogeology in engineering and environmental management.

You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher.

You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.

You’ll do a combined RYA Powerboat Level 2 course and complete an RYA Marine Radio Short Range Course through an RYA accredited provider. Among other skills, you’ll become familiar with common nautical terminology, and safely launch and recover a boat from a trailer and safely handle a powerboat in the right conditions, being aware of own limitations and those of the craft.

You’ll get an introduction to fluvial geomorphology and a foundation in the discipline for developing a career in the environmental management sector. You’ll examine fluvial forms and processes, including flow dynamics and the mechanics of sediment erosion, transport and deposition. Take part in lab classes to demonstrate fundamental processes of open channel flow and sediment transport in alluvial rivers. You’ll also complete a project to show what you’ve learned about river channel processes in the context of an environmental management issue.

You’ll build your skills gained from your basic diving qualification, you'll learn the theory and practice of working diving and appreciate the issues faced during underwater scientific operations. Through classroom based workshops, you'll demonstrate understanding of HSE legislation, risk assessment, project reports and the conduct of a diving project, within relevant Approved Codes of Practice. You’ll then apply your knowledge by planning a dive and undertaking practical diving in the field.

You’ll examine the complex and contested concept of Sustainable Development and the spectrum of views that surround it, as well as its roots, origins and core principles. You’ll explore the problems of achieving sustainable management of the environment, with reference to finite and renewable resources. You’ll also think about different approaches to sustainable management at different scales and in different geographical regions using empirical case studies.

Through interactive lectures with academics, speakers and professionals, you'll discuss, debate and complete practical exercises exploring wildlife crime alongside your classmates.

You'll spend time examining wildlife crimes and the factors behind them, as well as environmental justice and sustainability.

You’ll learn essential data analysis skills you’ll need for your future career, including how to produce a carbon audit to current Defra standards and how to present data to a range of stakeholders. You’ll also produce a consultancy-style report evaluating environmental impacts and potential savings, and explore the role of environmental impact assessment in the planning system.

You’ll become familiar with the main environmental pollutants, how they’re transferred within and between various media and how they interact with biota to create an environmental risk. You’ll explore the waste management hierarchy and the scientific and technical processes involved with waste management operations.

Supported by your Academic Tutor, you'll select and manage information and competently undertake research tasks. You'll assess health and safety, the ethical considerations in pursuing independent research, and critically evaluate your findings against knowledge in available academic literature. You'll learn to discuss and communicate your key findings found from your research and write a dissertation in accordance with academic conventions.

You’ll gain an understanding of modern analytical methods used in Earth and Environmental sciences, ranging from project design and the choice of laboratory techniques, through to data collection, evaluation and interpretation. You’ll also get hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art laboratories for environmental chemistry, geochemistry, mineralogy and microscopy.

You’ll examine the physical factors driving climate over history and the signatures of modern anthropogenic influence. Through climate modelling software, you'll investigate future warming scenarios and impacts regionally and globally. In a self-directed study, you'll assess vulnerabilities and solutions - evaluating possibilities for adaptation and mitigating climate change.

You'll cover ecological concepts and anthropogenic factors that impact species distributions and habitats. This will include discussing habitats of conservation interest, such as biodiversity hotspots, and conservation challenges such as human-wildlife conflicts. This module includes an integrated fieldtrip to a local area of conservation importance.

You'll cover botanical identification of major British flora in a series of preparatory workshops and attend a field course that covers habitat surveying and writing a consultancy-style report of industry standard. This is contextualised within the current landscape of ecological consultancy legislation, enhancing employability for ecology related fields.

Transport is central to transformations towards sustainable futures, and in reconciling competing environmental, economic and social policy goals. Transport is also central to understanding the changing spatial organisation of cities, towns and regions, social equity, industry and trade (national and international). Transportation planning and policy is therefore crucial to sustainable transformations. This module includes lectures, trips and help sessions to introduce and support student projects, with students choosing a project that fits with their individual interests. Students will critically assess underpinning concepts and debates through engaging with academic and policy literatures. There will be a number of guest speakers from the transport sector coming into class to support the teaching.