BSc Single Honours Environmental Science

The Environmental Science Degree studies the processes that shape the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the natural world. It has a particular interest in the impacts that people, through their activities, have on the Earth, and also focuses on the effects that the natural world has on the activities of humans, including the impacts of catastrophic events such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

The aim of Environmental Science is to understand, predict, and in some cases regulate these effects. We welcome applications from all people with a passionate interest in the environment and managing its future.

The Environmental Science degree at Aberystwyth provides you with a rigorous, inter-disciplinary, scientific education in those subjects that form the foundation of environmental science. It offers a pathway into employment in the rapidly growing Geen Economy.

The degree scheme exploits the wide range of expertise available in the Institutes of Biological Sciences and Geography and Earth Sciences and other relevant departments. Aberystwyth, because of its location on the coast and with easy access to a wide range of habitats, is an ideal centre for environmental science.

Environmental Science Degree Programme

In Year 1, modules in Physical Geography and Biology offer a wide foundation in Environmental Science. In Years 2+3, modules explain the world's natural resources and describe the techniques required to protect the environment, especially conservation and environmental monitoring. You will also be introduced to the economic, political and legal implications of Environmental Science as you build your degree from a wide range of optional modules.In the third year, you complete a supervised research project. Courses in data handling and information technology support all aspects of the Environmental Science degree programme..

Facilities

As a student at Aberystwyth, you will benefit from our modern teaching facilities, including computer workstations and well-equipped laboratories where students receive excellent training from active research staff. The Kidson Laboratory in the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences allows the physical and chemical properties of natural materials such as soil and sediment to be determined. Other laboratories are equipped for mapping, environmental modelling and remote sensing studies. Facilities in the Institute of Biological Sciences include: indoor and outdoor aquaria with freshwater and sea-water circulation; several state-of-the-art molecular biology/biotechnology laboratories; an extensive suite of temperate and tropical glasshouses in the Botany Gardens; a Bio-imaging Suite with the latest in electron and lower confocal microscopy; an analytical laboratory consisting of a suite of mass spectrometers linked to the latest chromatographic equipment. A large variety of equipment is also available for students to use in the field, enabling the survey of study sites, the collection of samples, and the field determination of sediment, soil, water, and meteorological variables.

Fieldwork

Field courses explore a diversity of habitats within easy reach of Aberystwyth ranging from upland heath and forest to lowland grassland and bog and studies in the legacy of heavy metal mining in the area. Students will also get the opportunity to travel abroad, currently visiting Spain, to investigate a range of environmental issues, such as water resource management on the island. A number of other optional fieldwork modules are also available for you to choose to build your degree from, for example, Marine Biology, and the Plant Ecology of Spain. Additional fees are charged for field visits.

Career Opportunities

A Environmental Science Degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the Green Economy, which is certain to continue to grow in the near and medium-term future. In the public services, in organisations such as the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission, but also increasingly in the commercial sector, consideration of environmental impact has become a vital part of policy making, strategic planning and day to day activity. You will have acquired a wide range of the skills and knowledge that employers are increasingly seeking for these purposes. There is also a growing number of careers in Environmental Education, in further research, in teaching in schools and colleges, or as an Education Officer for organisations like the National Trust, concerned with environmental education and leisure developments. Aberysywth University also makes major investment in creating spin-out companies in the Green Economy.