Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved
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 B.Sc. Environmental Science with Professional Placement Abroad Full-time
Programme Code 5239
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme 1) 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

2) To facilitate the acquisition of a sound knowledge of the scientific methods (theoretical, laboratory and field-based) required to monitor, assess and manage both natural and anthropogenic environmental change

3) To provide a broad subject coverage while offering areas of specialisation reflecting the interests of the major research groups within the School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences

4) To develop the transferable, personal and academic skills required to enable students to engage in life-long learning and contribute to the wider community

5) To develop the capacity of students to critically evaluate and appreciate environmental information of varying levels and categories and how it may be applied to further understanding of environmental processes.
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:
The structure, functioning and dynamic interactions of the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, pedoshere and biosphere (E. App 2b.1, E = ES3 Benchmarking statement)
The interaction of human and Earth systems and the role of institutions, organisations and other stakeholders in managing and regulating the human impact on the environment (E. App 2b.2)
The contribution of chemistry, physics, biology and physical geography together with the social sciences to the identification, understanding and resolution of environmental issues and concerns (E. App 2b.3)
The principles, ideas and techniques which inform environmental assessment and management (E.App 2b.4)
The processes via which matter cycles through the environment at a range of temporal and spatial scales (E. App 2b.1 and 2b.6)
The teminology, nomenclature, main methods and techniques used in the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental data and related information (E App 2b.6)
Major environmental issues, their causes and consequences and options for remediation (E App 2b.7)
All our learning and teaching methods are designed to assist students to achieve one or more of the programme outcomes. Numbers in parentheses below are used to denote methods deemed particularly important in achieving the outcomes specified.

Lectures (1-7), practical classes (3, 4, 6), tutorials (4, 5, 7), seminars (7), discussion groups (3-7), independent research exercise (6), and directed independent study (1-7). In addition to specific learning outcomes, fieldwork is important in reinforcing and demonstrating the applied nature of the subject.

Directed independent study assumes increasing importance as the programme progresses.
Each assessment method is designed to evaluate the level to which students have achieved one or more of the programme outcomes. Numbers in parentheses below are used to denote methods deemed particularly important in assessing the extent to which the outcomes specified are achieved.

Unseen examinations (1-7), laboratory assessments and notebooks (3, 4, 6), fieldwork notebooks (4, 6), dissertation (6), essays (1-7), seminar presentations (2), discussion papers (7), exposure assessments (4, 6), and open-book examinations (7).
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:
Formulate and test hypotheses through the analysis and synthesis of environmental information (E3.3.4)
Analyse, synthesise, summarise and critically evaluate environmental and other literature (E3.3.4)
Design, conduct and report laboratory and field-based research that achieve the required objectives in a safe and responsible manner (E3.3.5)
Access relevant information and use it to communicate environmental concepts and results to a professional standard and through reasoned argument by written, oral and visual means (E3.3.6)
Use C&IT techniques appropriately in data collection, processing, statistical analysis, presentation and communication (E3.3.7)
Work effectively and efficiently, both individually and as a member of a team (E3.3.8)
Develop the skills necessary for self-managed and long-term learning (E3.3.9)
All our learning and teaching methods are designed to assist students to achieve one or more of the programme outcomes. Numbers in parentheses below are used to denote methods deemed particularly important in achieving the outcomes specified.

Lectures (5), computer 'laboratory' work (5), independent research exercise (1-7), practical classes (1-5), fieldwork (3, 5, 6, 7), tutorials (2-7), and directed independent study (1, 2, 4-7). Aside of specific learning outcomes, fieldwork has important general relevance as a reinforcement and demonstrating mechanism.

Directed independent study assumes increasing importance as the programme progresses.
Assessment methods are selected to develop and evaluate the skills appropriate to the learning outcomes of the programme. Where appropriate, assessments provide opportunities for feedback to students to enable skills development. Numbers in parentheses below are used to denote methods deemed particularly important in assessing the outcomes specified.

Unseen examinations (4), laboratory assessments and notebooks (1, 3, 5-7), fieldwork notebooks (3, 5-7), dissertation (1-7), essays (2, 4-7), seminar presentations (1-7), web page construction (4-7), discussion papers (1, 4, 5), exposure assessments (1, 3-7), and open-book examinations (1, 5).