Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 30/05/2017
College College Life and Env Sci
School School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department Earth and Environ Sciences
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title M.Sci. Environmental Science Full-time
Programme Code 8474
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme
  • To foster a firm understanding of the basic ideas and principles of environmental science and their application in both the theoretical and applied aspects of the subject.
  • To integrate field and laboratory work at all levels within the programme.
  • To provide a broad subject coverage while enabling students to specialise within pathways that reflect the key research areas within the School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences.
  • To develop the transferable, personal and academic skills required to enable students to engage in life-long learning, to contribute to the wider community and to provide for career development.
  • To develop the capacity of students to critically evaluate environmental information at varying levels and categories and how it may be applied to further understanding of environmental processes.
  • Enabling students to focus on a particular aspect Environmental Science building upon prior knowledge and experience
  • To prepare students for the next stage in their careers, whether that is further academic or professional study, or entering employment of different kinds
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
A holistic approach to the complexity and interconnections of the Earth’s Systems and Processes
The nature, organisation, complexity, sustainability and interconnectedness of humans and ecosystems
The scientific study of physical, chemical, biological and anthropogenic processes operating on ecosystems on both different spatial and temporal scales
The principles of energy consumption, resource extraction and waste disposal arising from the fulfilment of human needs
Monitoring, modelling and managing natural and human-induced environmental changes and behaviour
the principles of sustainability and the use of sustainable approaches to manage natural cycles
Key concepts of environmental instruments
The use of scientific and technological information and tools (including the roles of institutions, organisation and stakeholders) to inform decision-making processes and environmental management.
The options for remediation of environmental impacts available to human society
Lectures, laboratory practical classes, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, seminars, , discussion groups, independent research exercise and directed independent study
Unseen examinations, laboratory reports and assessments, fieldwork notebooks, independent research exercise, seminar presenations, exposure assessments, management plans, brief notes.
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
In-depth knowledge and understanding of subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
An ability to integrate evidence from a range of sources to test findings and hypotheses
An ability to analyse, synthesise, summarise and critically evaluate information
An ability to define complex problems and to develop and evaluate possible solutions
To be able to conduct fieldwork and laboratory investigations competently (and ethically and safely), including describing and recording observations
To be able to interpret and evaluate practical results, using appropriate numerical and statistical techniques
Plan, conduct and present an independent project with appropriate guidance
Have an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences using a range of formats
To develop effective teamworking
Be able to identify and work towards targets for personal, career and academic development. This includes reflecting on the process of learning and to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses
Use initiative and take responsibility (MDC).
Solve problems in creative and innovative ways (MDC).
Laboratory practical classes, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, seminars, discussion groups, research project and directed by independent study
unseen examinations; laboratory reports and assessments, fieldwork notebooks, major reeseach project, essays, exposure assessments, management plans, professional placements reports and presentations; briefing notes; tutorial projects.