Programme Specifications

N/A

Earth Science, Environmental Sciences and Earth Studies (particularly the statements in relation to Environmental Sciences)

September 2023

The Environmental Science scheme focuses on past, present and future environmental processes and their complex interactions with human activities. The scheme aims to:

• provide a scientific basis for understanding the Earth System and the impacts of humankind on natural processes;

• provide detailed knowledge into the societal response to both natural and human-induced environmental issues and the ways in which they are managed.

• produce a cohort of graduates ideally placed to be able to enter the workplace as monitors and managers of the environment in a whole range of contexts (e.g. national parks, planning departments, environmental consultancies etc.).

On completion of the degree scheme in Environmental Science, in accordance with the following benchmarking criteria, students should be able to:

The Earth as a system

A1. Describe the functions of the different geospheres (lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere) and identify the flows of energy and cycling of matter between these interrelated and interdependent components of the Earth System.

A2. Identify the chemical, physical and biological processes that are responsible for forming the earth’s physical and biological environments.

Human systems and their interaction with global systems

A3. Account for the complexity of human systems and how they interact with the physical and biological environments.

A4. Assess the role of a range of stakeholders (e.g. government institutions, non-governmental organisations, private companies, individuals) in managing human impacts on the environment.

Inter-disciplinary / multi-disciplinary context

A5. Integrate contributions from geographical and earth sciences, biological sciences and social sciences to the identification, understanding and resolution of contemporary environmental issues.

Activities, patterns, processes, impacts and responses

A6. Assess the implications of the resource requirements of human societies for the natural environment.

A7. Evaluate the nature of human responses to environmental concerns, such as the precautionary principle, the concept of sustainable development and environmental impact assessments.

Temporal and spatial scales

A8. Recognise the range of temporal scales at which natural processes operate and where appropriate, how these interact with human activities.

A9. Illustrate the range of spatial scales at which natural environmental processes operate, from the global to the individual and, where appropriate optional modules are taken, at a molecular scale.

A10. Identify the range of human impacts on the environment, from local to global.

Terminology, nomenclature, classification and practical knowledge

A11. Apply terminology, nomenclature and classification in relation to environmental science, focusing particularly on biological processes, the physical environment and environmental management.

A12. Apply a range of appropriate laboratory, numerical and field-based techniques to practical environmental problems.

A13. If appropriate optional modules are followed, identify and classify a range of flora and fauna.

Environmental Issues

A14. Evaluate critically the social and natural factors that have led to a range of environmental concerns, including exploitation of water resources, pollution of air, land and water, waste management, energy production, biodiversity loss, climate change,

A15. Identify appropriate practical management solutions for the remediation of a range of environmental problems.

A16. Describe the legislative framework relating to environmental management in the UK and assess its implementation.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

At Level 1, student development towards learning outcomes A1-A16 are promoted via the core modules available in DGES and Department of Life Sciences (DLS). Modules are delivered through lectures, supported by independent study and reading by students. Assessment is in the form of examinations, combined with practical exercises (e.g. laboratory, computer, field) and coursework essays where appropriate.

At levels 2 and 3, the teaching programme consists of core elements available in DGES and DLS enhance the student knowledge of key areas in environmental science (e.g. environmental monitoring and management, environmental economics, environmental law and assessment, conservation, pollution). These are assessed through examinations and, where appropriate, case study exercises, practical reports and essays. Modules are delivered through lectures, supported by independent student reading as well as practical classes (field, laboratory and computing) and small group classes. The optional modules available allow students to specialise further in their own area of interest in relation to the above learning outcomes. A number of optional modules allow for further fieldwork opportunities. The ability to apply knowledge and understanding in environmental science to independent research is assessed through the dissertation, undertaken largely between the second and third years of study.

The scheme is designed on the presumption that at the point of entry students will arrive with a good level of skills in relation to Environmental Science. The scheme includes two dedicated modules on research methods that provide a solid foundation for the dissertation and future work-based research in Environmental Science.

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

Upon successful completion of the scheme students should be able:

B1. to demonstrate mastery of various issues studied under the rubric of Environmental Science;

B2. to effectively employ advanced skills in differentiating between a variety of approaches to understanding the environment (from scientific to social scientific);

B3. to display requisite communication, presentation and debating skills in examination of key issues in the field of Environmental Science;

B4. to understand how theoretical and practical understandings of the environment, developed within academia, are translated into the ‘real world’.

Upon successful completion of the scheme students should be able:

C1.to structure and communicate ideas effectively using a variety of means;

C2.to utilise problem-solving skills in a variety of situations;

C3.to design and carry out theoretically and methodologically-sound and clearly-defined research assignments and projects;

C4.to manage time effectively and to operate within deadlines;

to develop transferable skills of reading, analysing and critical evaluation of sources;

C5.to respond positively to constructive feedback and criticism and to be sensitive in offering feedback and criticism to others;

C6.to utilise information technology skills;

C7.to utilise bibliographic and research skills, including the use of libraries and archives;

C8.to use field skills to collect environmental data;

C9.to use laboratory skills in analysing environmental data.