Environmental Science

Module Summaries

Please note that the modules listed are current, but that content is indicative only. Modules - or content - may be replaced or altered from year-to-year in response to, for instance, changes in staffing and expertise, technical standards, national or university policy or student demand.

Year 1 Modules (Level 4)

Biology: The Living World (compulsory)

introduces the huge range of biological organisation and interactions from sub-cellular structures to the major world biomes. It examines biological structure and function from the biochemical processes within cells to those of the whole organism, and includes basic elements of anatomy, physiology, growth and reproduction in humans, other animals and plants. It also explores higher levels of organisation including ecosystem structure and processes; communities of plants, animals and micro-organisms and population dynamics.

Foundations in Geography (compulsory)

The principles of human and physical geography, applied to tectonics, climate, rivers and coasts and to how society actively constitutes places, movement and identity. Blend your knowledge with useful skills.

Biodiversity and Conservation

starts by looking at the importance of biological diversity in the world, a highly topical issue that impacts on us all. You will also explore modern classification of species and learn about the key biological characteristics of the major plant and animal phyla. The relevance of biodiversity in the distribution and conservation of organisms is also considered. Factors affecting the survival of species are examined as well as a range of current issues in wildlife conservation. The use of identification keys and biodiversity surveying techniques are practical skills which are developed in this module.

Human Biology

considers the anatomy of the body, its physiology and how this is achieved biochemically. In this module you will also study human cell biology, genetics, nutrition and even evolution and adaptation in developing your understanding of Human Biology. You will also have the opportunity to explore how the body reacts to disease and illness (pathology) and how diseases can be prevented or treated. You will explore how knowledge of human biology is put to use in society and explore the biology of humans through a series of exciting, contemporary biological issues.

Introduction to Physical Landscapes

Focuses on geomorphology - the form of the landscape - and the ancient processes that created it. Add the more recent actions of water, ice and wind and then identify the landforms that are produced.

Development and Sustainability

Poverty, inequality, resource depletion and environmental stress challenge people and shape places all over the world. Explore one of the key geographical questions of today: can global development be sustainable?

Earth Observation: An Introduction

We introduce satellite and aerial imaging in theory and practice. Learn how to collect data using satellite navigation techniques and consider their value to today’s society and economy.

Level 5 (year 2) modules

Investigating Environment and Society (compulsory)

Learn the key knowledge, skills and methods necessary to successfully write your own research project in your third year, and go on to build your information-gathering skills in your future career.

Ecology (compulsory)

examines the relationships between plants, animals and their environment. You will study topics such as predator-prey interactions, resource competition, herbivory, foraging decisions and how animals select mates. The module explores aspects of ecosystem structure and characteristics including material cycling, nutrient availability, energy production, and decomposition.

Environmental Management (compulsory)

focuses on how best to manage and minimise the environmental impacts of companies and industry. The module has been developed with environmental consultants and provides skills required by many employers in the environmental sector. Key themes include: Environmental Management Systems; environmental auditing; the legislation, policy and commercial drivers; and environmental issues such as pollution and contaminated land, protection and liability; waste minimisation and disposal, and resource use and energy efficiency. You’ll gain hands-on experience of tackling real environmental problems facing industry and organisations.

Health and Human Environments

examines the impact of human activity on the environment and the effects of the resulting environment on human health. Means of managing the human environment and minimising damage are evaluated, in particular the role of legislation and policy. Themes examined include pollution, heavy metal toxicity, pesticide accumulation and the roles of monitoring agencies in the management of environmental risk.

Wildlife Conservation

covers a wide spectrum of social, economic, political and ethical issues concerning the highly topical area of nature conservation. You will learn about how species and habitats are identified for wildlife conservation efforts, and develop the skills and expertise required by ecological consultants, conservation officers and scientists researching conservation issues. Field trips give a practical perspective on the issues relating to implementing effective wildlife conservation management.

Work Experience

is an opportunity for you to gain credit for working in an appropriate organisation. You will spend a number of days gaining and developing environmental science and transferable skills whilst carrying out the normal duties associated with your post. The final report on your work experience counts towards your overall second year performance.

River and Coastal Systems

investigates river catchments and coastal systems, with particular focus on movements of water and

sediment within, and between, them. You will learn about the interactions of erosion, transport and deposition to better understand the links between energy dynamics and geomorphology.

Environmental Hazards

are a part of all our lives. Every day, someone, somewhere is impacted by a natural or technological disaster. This module will explore the processes driving these events, and investigate how society may best manage and mitigate their occurrence given they often cause death, injury, homelessness, displacement, destruction of infrastructure and economic impacts. The module will provide you with an understanding of key concepts and the characteristics of a selected range of environmental hazards; with particular reference to recent examples and classic case studies, affecting global communities in the global North and South. It develops issues surrounding the perception of hazard and risk and explores a range of management approaches, including risk assessment methods.

Global Climate Change

Climate change is the most contentious and actively debated environmental topic of our time. Explore the science, causes, consequences and future policy options, as well as the politics of climate change.

Field Investigation

Take part in a detailed field investigation of current themes in human and physical geography within a distinctive regional setting. Plan and research mini-projects during a residential field trip. Currently, the study area is Merseyside UK.

Sustainable Communities

The goal of development should be a society that lives ‘well’, but does so sustainably. Explore the concepts of community, sustainability and wellbeing and ask how they can be achieved for different people and places across the globe.

Level 6 (year 3) modules

Dissertation (compulsory)

provides you with the opportunity to undertake an individual investigation in an area that interests you. A wide range of topics is tackled each year, assisted by the breadth of staff expertise, specialist resources, and student interests. This double module is your opportunity to carry out an in-depth research study using a standard scientific approach. The production of a scientific thesis will equip you with essential skills for graduate employment, and should be the culmination of your BSc degree.

Animal Behaviour

examines psychological and ecological aspects of animal behaviour including communication, social behaviour and animal welfare. You will undertake a practical animal behaviour project and present the findings in a scientific paper format. The practical importance of animal behaviour in wildlife conservation is a particularly strong feature of this module.

Environmental Consultancy

The environmental sector is a fascinating and dynamic sector in which to work. Whether an officer in a Government Agency, a research scientist or an environmental consultant you have to tackle real-life environmental problems, find workable solutions and even sometimes undertake ground-breaking work that will affect human receptors and the wider environment. With increasing professional standards in the environment industry, important skills shortages have been identified in: environmental impact assessment (EIA), environmental management, protected species evaluation, evaluation of contaminated land (particularly on brown field sites), and wastes management. This module aims to equip you with experience in these areas and thus improve employment prospects in organisations such as environmental consultancy, Government Agencies, research groups and the not-for-profit environmental sector. It will also enable you to research the range of careers within the environmental sector and identify further knowledge, training or experience you might need in order to enter this area of professional work.

Marine Biology

introduces major marine ecosystems of the world, such as rocky shores, coral reefs, deep seas, salt marshes and mangrove swamps, and the biology of major marine organisms from the plankton, nekton, and benthos. Other topics include oceanography, marine pollution, marine biotechnology, productivity of the oceans, and exploitation of marine resources. This module includes a residential field trip in which you will investigate marine organisms and their interactions within populations and communities in an important marine habitat.

Plants and People

looks at how the current atmosphere of ‘technological possibilities’ in the plant sciences has concentrated human attention on its past, current and future relationships with the plant world. You will study both historical aspects and selected contemporary issues in the plant world. Recent topics have included: genetic engineering; non-genetic plant biotechnology; ethnobotany; forensic botany; trees and wood; fungi (honorary plants!); economic botany; bioprospecting; and model plant systems.

Biodiversity Assessment

With biodiversity facing continued threats from development, abuse and neglect it is vital that we can identify, quantify and assess the status of species and habitats. Key skills for working as a professional ecologist include: background knowledge in natural history; an understanding of environmental legislation; and, a professional approach. This module will help you develop a professional and critical approach to field surveys, evaluating data, and reporting in formats. Specifically, this will include:

Field survey skills – species identification, methods and mapping,
Analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of complex data,
Understanding of species biology
Effective communication

The survey methodologies employed will follow statutory and developer guidelines for protected species and habitats. You will develop a working knowledge of habitats and species biology that will enable you to interpret survey findings. You will investigate the attributes of a habitat or species (group), and so develop an informed view of how factors can influence the quality of survey data.

Climatology

Trace the many processes constituting the climate system, how they affect each other and how the climate is monitored through the use of remote sensing. Learn how to analyse and communicate climate information.

Quaternary Environments

The Quaternary is the last two and a half million years of Earth history. Collect field evidence and reconstruct sequences of climatic and environmental change from this era. The fieldwork and analysis broadly simulates professional practice.

Coastal and River Management

examines the management of rivers and coasts, which is vital for environment and society. You will study current challenges such as water resources, erosion and sedimentation, climate change and recreational pressures, explore and critique options for remedies and management, and recommend solutions.

Managing Sustainability

will develop and extend the debate concerning the relationship between business and issues such as: climate change; the environment; humankind’s relation to nature; and the challenge of sustainability in capitalist economies that privilege economic growth.