BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

The aim of this module is to provide you with practical experience in the methods employed by geographers to collect, statistically analyse, present and interpret primary and secondary data. You will develop quantitative and qualitative practical skills, as well as observational skills and be introduced to self reflection on personal and academic development.

This module will provide you with an introduction to the Earth from a geographical perspective and explores how the various global systems are linked and interact with one another.

This module introduces a range of natural, anthropogenic and cascading hazards, including pollution, flooding, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, wildfires, pandemics, heatwaves and human conflicts, etc. The causes and impacts from these hazards to the physical and human environment are explored, along with the latest adaptation and mitigation strategies used.

This module provides you with a basic understanding of ecology and ecological characteristics of a range of habitats. You will study basic concepts, such as species and succession, communities and ecosystems, biotic and abiotic elements, nutrient cycling, populations and diversity and adaptations of organisms to their environment. Part of this will be achieved through field visits to a range of habitats.

Within this module, you will examine the relationship between environment, society and sustainability in the context of increasing concerns about human impacts on the environment. You will focus on issues in relationship to population, economic growth, resource use and distribution and social welfare in order to outline different scientific, technological, social and political approaches to handling 'real world' issues.

This module will provide you with practical skills in the methods used by geographers to collect, present and interpret primary and secondary data. You will develop both quantitative and qualitative practical skills and field based observational skills.

This module aims to inform research, inquiry and communication through development of geographical skills and provide you with increased professional and subject specific understanding. It will also introduce you to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and key methods of data and database management.

This module introduces the processes that drive the transport, transformation and fate of environmental pollutants in terrestrial and marine environments. You will develop skills in acquiring, processing and interpreting environmental data and in the production of professional standard environmental reports.

This module introduces you to conservation practice and management through largely field-based activities on sites of conservation protection or importance with extensive input from conservation practice organisations. You will gain knowledge on the development and implementation of conservation management plans, protected area designation and other conservation practices, such as habitat restoration and agri-environment schemes.

The aim of this module is to facilitate your understanding and evaluation of processes in global environments through an international field class examining, recording, interpreting and evaluating field evidence in a range of natural and anthropogenic landscapes. It also provides an opportunity to identify the diversity of culture in the wider international context. You will develop an understanding of spatial and temporal variation and themes around sustainability across geographical and environmental studies.

In this module you will examine different standardised methods used for ecological censuses and surveys in the UK. Field experience is provided and different sampling techniques are dealt with in depth during lectures and during fieldwork abroad, with the aim of explaining the quantitative framework on which they are based in addition to providing practical experience of their execution in the field. You will also learn how to digitise spatial data and produce maps using GIS which you will then use to analyse spatial data on habitat and vegetation features.

This module provides you with an appreciation of fundamental processes that operate in (and link) catchments, riverine, coastal and marine environments in relation to climate change. You will be equipped with the necessary skills and techniques that are used for monitoring and comprehending these changing environments.

This module aims to examine the physical processes controlling the cryosphere and the changes it has and will undergo. This will look at the interactions between the cryosphere, the environment and societies in polar and alpine regions. The module aims to provide necessary knowledge and practical skills for understanding the changes the cryosphere is undergoing.

This module is an advanced course in general ecology and wildlife population management and seeks to draw linkages between populations and biogeochemical cycles. This is placed within the context of applied wildlife and ecosystem management by using a mix of case studies, workshops, and fieldtrips to a site managed and restored for wildlife or wider ecosystem functioning.

This module enables you to examine the key biological processes that are affected in plants and animals due to climate change driven biotic and abiotic stresses. This includes studying the biochemical and organismal processes and their link to the changes occurring in the environment.

This module provides a broad introduction to fundamental aspects of marine and freshwater biology, including basic oceanography, limnology and productivity in the marine and freshwater environment. Different marine and freshwater habitat types found in various parts of the world are introduced, and their biological (e.g. ecology, animal behaviour) and physical characteristics are discussed. The exploitation and conservation of these ecosystems are also considered.

This module will examine the social and political responses to climate change, through both mitigation and adaptation strategies, via examination of specific topics and case studies at different scales. To highlight how climate change and responses to climate change are associated with (sustainable) development processes and challenges. It will also provide you with an appreciation of how climate change is subject to different interpretations and solutions.

The Dissertation provides you with the experience of investigating a research topic under the guidance of an academic tutor.

The aim of this module is to provide you with a critical understanding of different environmental modelling techniques and to develop skills in the selection and application of appropriate models to investigate a range of environmental phenomena.

Within this module, you will examine, interpret and evaluate the evidence for Quaternary environmental change using appropriate proxy techniques and dating methods.

This module provides relevant, stimulating and career-orientated experiential learning to encourage you to develop transferable skills relevant to the work environment and to foster initiative and independence of thought.

This module enables you to examine a diverse range of important contemporary research topics linked to ecology. These will be placed in a broader context by examining conflicting issues and ideas arising from ecological considerations.

The aim of this module is to understand the main sustainability issues surrounding coastal and marine environments. You will study the scientific principles necessary to the efficient and sustainable management of coastal and marine environments and their application in a wide range of local, national and international contexts. You will also be able to develop the practical skills and knowledge required by professional environmental regulators and consultants working in coastal and marine management.

This module enables you to examine a diverse range of important contemporary research topics linked to conservation biology, drawing on the research interests of the teaching staff.

The aim of this module is to introduce and analyse the main water-related legislative and management frameworks that environmental regulators and consultants work within. You will study the application of scientific principles to the management of contemporary river management issues and evaluate the methodologies used to investigate, monitor, manage and improve river environments.

Within this module, you will examine the relationship between energy systems, society and contemporary environmental challenges and how a low-carbon energy future can be achieved. The module will aid your understanding of the environment and social benefits and limitations of different kinds of energy generation resources and technologies. It will also outline the key factors in moving to a 'low-carbon' energy future in a way that is socially equitable and sustainable.

A wide range of topics will be covered during an overseas residential field trip to Iceland which are likely to include: glacial geomorphology, coastal processes, volcanology, snow pack properties, geohazards, invasive species, economic geography and landscape development.