Environmental Science (with Foundation Year) - BSc(Hons)

Bachelor's degree

In Bristol

£ 1,800 + VAT

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Bristol

  • Start date

    Different dates available

Why study BSc(Hons) Environmental Science?
The environment in which we live is changing rapidly. Solving and managing the problems and challenges caused by environmental change is becoming an increasingly important issue for modern society. How do we produce enough food to feed our expanding population without destroying fragile ecosystems? What new technologies can we use to improve water quality and provide clean sources of water to even the poorest communities?
To solve these and many other environmental challenges, Environmental Science draws on skills and knowledge from a variety of scientific fields, including Biology (to appreciate life and the central role it plays in shaping our environment), Geography (to understand resource distribution and landscape processes), Earth Sciences (to look at the Earth as a system) and Chemistry (to recognise the building blocks of the environment and environmental pollution). Through combining a broad range of subjects, you will learn how to build a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing the world today and find real world solutions to help society adapt to our changing planet.
Why study our course?
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science at UWE Bristol has a practical focus and you will have many opportunities to gain experience and put in what you have learnt throughout your degree into practice. Whether you are on one of our expeditions working in the threatened forests of Madagascar, diving on the coral reefs of Cuba, carrying out an investigation in one of our labs or using latest mapping software in our dedicated computer suite, you will learn by using the skills and cutting edge technology employed at the forefront of environmental science. You will also find out how to analyse and interpret complex data and pioneer environmentally sound, scientifically robust, practical solutions.
The department is very welcoming and our students appreciate the fantastic collegiate atmosphere and strong...

Facilities

Location

Start date

Bristol (Avon)
See map
Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). Graduates are awarded a certificate on completion of the degree and can apply for membership of the IES.
Placements
Throughout the course, you will be able to apply your expertise and build professional skills in work-based settings through placements, internships and volunteering roles. We encourage all students to choose the sandwich course option. This involves spending at least 40 weeks over the course of 12 months, undertaking invaluable practical training and work with an...

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Subjects

  • Environmental Science
  • Teaching
  • Biology

Course programme

Content

Foundation year (Year zero)

You will study the following compulsory modules:

  • Biology in Practice
  • Chemistry in Practice
  • Skills for Science
  • People and Science.

You will study the Foundation year alongside students from our other Biological, Biomedical and Analytical Sciences courses, and therefore may be able to transfer to a course in one of these areas at the end of the Foundation year.

The normal expectation is that you must pass all Year zero modules before progressing to Year one.

Year one

The modules in this year 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 this year includes a free field course to Tenerife, while the Environmental Change module studies the problems and solutions linked with 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 will be able to 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 this placement, you will have the option to take the Professional Practice in Applied Sciences subject. 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 skills that will 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.

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.

Learning and Teaching

The teaching of this course 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 leaders in their fields, 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.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used to reflect the range of theoretical concepts, knowledge and practical skills which are 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 through 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.

Environmental Science (with Foundation Year) - BSc(Hons)

£ 1,800 + VAT