Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

The Level 1 modules provide a thorough grounding in the principal areas of Environmental Science. You will develop competence in a range of practical and IT skills, and in written and verbal communication. Your studies will be structured in two half-year (semester) modules:

• The Physical Environment: EV11001
• Environments for Life: EV12002

4 other modules including at least 2 appropriate science-based modules for BSc degrees.

You will develop more detailed understanding in key areas of Environmental Science combined with skills in site investigation and laboratory analysis. Your studies will be supported through regular field excursions in the local area. Your knowledge and understanding of Environmental Science will be developed through two half-year modules:

• Management and Monitoring: EV21001
• Mechanisms and Measurements: EV22002

4 other modules, including at least 2 appropriate science-based modules for BSc degrees; one of these will be chemistry for Advanced Entry to Level 2 for students who do not have a good pass at Higher or A-Level in chemistry (or an equivalent qualification)

Your studies will provide more specialised understanding of specific areas of Environmental Science in addition to further developing your skills in laboratory analysis, remote sensing and site investigation.

Core module:

• Reconstructing Past Environments

Option modules:

• BI32028 - Ecology and Conservation Biology (Sem 2)
• EV31003 - Environmental Remote Sensing (Sem 1)
• EV31004 - Biogeography (Sem 1)
• EV32001 - Reconstructing Past Environments (Sem 2)

Students can also choose from a selection of Geography modules. Typical modules on offer include:

• Hydrology and Water Resources
• Glacial Processes and Environments
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Environmental Criminology

In addition to completing your own research project you will be able to choose the areas of Environmental Science you specialise in from a range of modules offered.

Core module:

• Environmental Sustainability in Practice

In addition to these modules, Level 4 Environmental Science students can also choose from several 'advanced' Geography modules which develop material introduced at Level 3. Typical modules on offer include:

• Hydrology and Water Resources
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Environmental Criminology

We believe that students progress most effectively through a stimulating and diverse range of teaching methods, including active participation in laboratory and computing practical classes, seminars, small group discussions, fieldwork, guided independent study, coursework and lectures.

The programme is designed to build your knowledge and understanding successively at each level of a four-year degree, developing both transferable skills in information technology and communication and subject specific skills in laboratory analysis, remote sensing and site investigation. Great emphasis is placed on learning through fieldwork, both independently and in group work. Throughout Level 1, special study skills sessions are provided to support the transition to independent study which underpins most university learning.

We pride ourselves on a diversity of assessment methods which reflect student performance in a range of tasks, and avoid excessive reliance on exams.

Assessment is through a combination of coursework, comprising all laboratory and fieldwork reports, class tests, essays and verbal presentations, and end-of-year examinations.

Coursework counts for 75% of the overall assessment at Level 1, 50% at Level 2 and between 50% and 100% of the modules at Levels 3 and 4.