Environmental Science - BSc(Hons)

Year one

The first year has modules which cover subjects from geology to climate science, while the Field Work module includes a free field course to Dartmoor.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Life on Earth
• The Earth
• Field Skills (including residential field trip)
• Environment and Society.

Year two

The Field Techniques module in Year two includes a free field course to Tenerife, while the Environmental Change module studies the problems and solutions linked to our changing environment.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Environmental and Field Techniques (includes international field trip)
• Earth System Science
• People and Environmental Change
• Ecology and Ecosystem Protection.

You may elect to spend a year out, working for an organisation in an appropriate placement, to gain relevant work experience. Placements are available both at home and abroad. While on placement, you may opt to take the Professional Practice in Applied Sciences subject and this will count towards your final credit.

Final year

Bespoke Year three optional modules use the strengths of our science department and include a Tropical Expedition to Cuba or Madagascar, as well as the Science Communication module, which offers you skills to help you stand out from other environmental graduates.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Dissertation Project or Independent Research Project
• Resource Security and Sustainability.

Plus four optional modules from the list below:

• Scientific Frontiers and Enterprise
• Energy Technologies
• Tropical Expedition
• Marine Ecosystems (including field trip)
• Environmental Forensics
• Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Forests and Agricultural Systems
• Science Communication
• Professional Practice in Applied Sciences.

This structure is for the full-time course delivery only. For part-time delivery, the same modules will be studied. However, the structure will differ.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Course teaching is interactive. The topics introduced in lectures, seminars and tutorials are deepened and enriched through laboratory workshops, fieldwork exercises and case studies. A major feature of the degree is the opportunity to learn in a range of diverse environments through the residential field trips offered in all years.

Teaching is closely linked with world-class environmental research. You will learn from field leaders, working in areas such as the conservation of bird's nest ferns in rainforests, the decontamination of water in Third World countries and the use of plants to measure radiation levels.

We take a student-centred approach to learning. You will receive one-to-one guidance and individual feedback throughout your course. In your final year, you will undertake a research project, working closely with an academic supervisor in your chosen area of interest.

For more details, see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

A variety of assessment methods are used to reflect the range of theoretical concepts, knowledge and practical skills developed in this course. These include unseen, open-book and practical exams, essays, practical reports, individual and group projects, oral or visual presentations, case-study analysis, taxonomic collections and problem-solving exercises. All modules are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams. The first year assessments do not contribute towards the final degree mark, which is calculated on the basis of year two and final year results.

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.