Environmental Science brochure 2013

Environmental Science undergraduate study 2013 entry

cornwall campus

Key information UCAS CODE

TYPICAL OFFER

F750

AAB-ABB; IB: 34-32

BSc Single Honours

Environmental Science

For further details on our entry requirements, please see our Environmental Science pages at www.exeter.ac.uk/environmentalscience Cornwall Campus, near Falmouth

Website: www.exeter.ac.uk/environmentalscience Email: cornwall@exeter.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1326 371801

Why study Environmental Science at the University of Exeter?

Do you want to make a difference and change the future of the planet? Are you inspired by the complexity of the natural environment? Could you help develop new ways to manage the world’s natural resources? If so, then environmental science is the subject for you.

Environmental science is a quantitative and interdisciplinary approach to understanding and managing the world in which we live. Environmental scientists are concerned with understanding spatial patterns in physical, biological and chemical phenomena in the Earth’s system at local, regional and global scales.

Environmental scientists find appropriate solutions to environmental problems by assessing, reporting and quantifying environmental risks. They work in areas as diverse as contaminated land assessment and remediation, natural resource management, practical conservation, pollution mitigation, ecosystem service assessment, environmental monitoring, mapping and consultancy. Our degree in Environmental Science will give you the skills and expertise you need to address the world’s greatest challenges in climate

7th in the UK fo r Geography a nd Environmen Science in The tal Sunday Times U niversity Guide Addresses the 2012 grand challeng es facing our p including clima lanet te change, biod iversity, sustain and environme ability ntal decision-m a k ing Focus on deve loping your pra ctical skills and theoretical gro unding, with tr aining in essen skills relevant to tial the environme ntal jobs marke Close links wit t h industry lead e rs in the environmental sector Work placeme nt opportunitie s Field study in th e UK and overs eas Opportunities to study abroa d for a year change, such as biodiversity, sustainability and environmental decision-making.

Jobs in environmental sectors across the globe are likely to increase in the future as population growth intensifies the demand for resources and emerging global environmental policies place a question mark over the longevity of carbonhungry energy supplies. A growing body of scientific evidence, with significant contribution from staff at the University of Exeter, is highlighting the fragile future of biodiversity, water resources,

food security and natural carbon stocks under global climate change. Climate change is now acknowledged by scientists, governments, businesses and social, environmental and economic organisations as one of the greatest challenges of our time. Our changing environment presents a fascinating and urgent set of challenges and opportunities for today’s practitioners, policy makers and researchers. A degree in environmental science will place you in a unique position to capitalise on the growing number of jobs in the environmental sector once you graduate.

Programme overview Single Honours BSc Environmental Science Our BSc Environmental Science programme is the University’s flagship environmental degree enabling you to learn the science behind the Earth’s amazing complexity and its environmental processes. Taught at our Cornwall Campus near Falmouth, this undergraduate programme is at the cutting-edge of current thinking in the environmental field: you will learn practical and theoretical insights from world leading research experts in a range of environmental disciplines. Our mission is to train you in measuring, evaluating and making decisions about environmental issues. From day one of your degree you will take a hands-on approach to the collection and analysis of environmental data in the field and laboratory.

The programme will broaden your horizons by enabling you to learn about environmental processes at a range of scales from local issues affecting South West England to those with global impacts.

You’ll engage with issues relating to climate change, its impact on the world and efforts to mitigate its effect. You will uncover the complexities of the legal processes which underpin environmental decision making and discover how the law facilitates the enforcement of environmental regulation.

You will benefit from interaction with cutting-edge interdisciplinary research through the programme’s close relationship with the University’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) – an interdisciplinary centre that is leading research into the consequences of environmental change and the mitigation and management of its effects.

Throughout the programme you will develop a wide range of practical skills to increase your employability, working with satellite data and using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to guide real-world environmental decision making. You will have the opportunity to work and learn in inspiring places where you will gain practical field experience and learn more about the world, yourself and others.

A unique aspect of our programme is the inclusion of law in all years of study. We believe that this will give you a sound understanding about the legal framework underpinning issues of environmental protection and is a necessary component of putting science into practice in the environmental jobs sector. A real strength of our graduates will be their ability to connect a fundamental understanding about environmental law with conceptual approaches to environmental policy and practice.

Our programme structure allows you to pursue your interests and shape your ambitions. In addition to studying a number of core modules you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a selection of optional modules in related disciplines and undertake a primary research project in your preferred area. Importantly, throughout this three-year programme you will gain insights from industry leaders in the environmental sector and engage with other relevant organisations through field trips embedded in modules and work placement opportunities offered by the University.

The programme is designed to give you the essential skills that employers demand, while allowing you to pursue your interests in the wider subject area. Please note that modules may be subject to change. For up-to-date details of the programme and modules, please check www.exeter.ac.uk/ environmentalscience

How your degree is structured

Year 2

Degrees are divided into core and optional modules giving you the flexibility to structure your degree according to your specific interests. Individual modules are worth 15 or 30 credits each and full-time undergraduates need to take 120 credits in each year. Within Environmental Science, in addition to the core modules, you can choose from an extensive range of options, a few examples of which are shown at the back of this brochure.

e Cor al p = Option KEY O =

In your second year you have a little more flexibility to explore your interests beyond the core skills based modules. You will gain a more detailed understanding of key issues and practical training in implementing environmental science strategies. You’ll study a range of core modules and choose from a selection of optional modules.

Applied Entomology

O

Applied Environmental Management

p

Atmosphere and Ocean Systems

O

California Field Class and Lecture Series*

p

Environmental Policy and Politics

O

Environmental Regulation and Redress

p

Population and Community Ecology

p

* Please note that the field class location may be subject to change.

Year 1

Year 3

Your first year will provide you with a solid scientific grounding in themes and topics of the integrated environmental sciences. Most (but not all) of the modules are compulsory because we believe that you must gain a solid grounding in key themes and topics in order to progress to higher levels.

In your final year you’ll gain specialist training in the skills necessary to acquire jobs in the environmental sector. You will have an opportunity to specialise in your preferred subjects through an independent research dissertation and a choice of optional modules.

A Legal Framework for Environmental Protection

p

China and the Global Economy

O

Analysis of Environmental Data

p

Climate Change, Evolution and Public Perception

O

Earth System Science

p

Energy Policy for a Low Carbon Economy

O

Environment and Society

O

Environmental Geomorphology

O

Environmental Science Tutorials

p

Issues in Climate Change

p

Field Techniques in Ecology and Conservation

O

Landscape and Environmental Modelling

O

Global Issues in Environmental Science

p

Legal Response to Environmental Destruction

O

Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

p

Research Dissertation

p

Investigating Social and Spatial Environments

O

Sustainable Rural Futures

O

West Cornwall Field Class

p

The Carbon Cycle

p

The Environment and the Media

O

Trends in Ecology and Evolution

O

Wastelands

O

Learning and teaching You’ll be taught by internationally recognised research-active staff through a range of methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, field work and laboratory sessions. Throughout the programme emphasis is placed on developing your practical skills, grounded by sound theoretical knowledge. We embed important environmental science skills within modules, including GIS, remote sensing and data analysis. We include a wide range of local, national and international trips and you will engage in field work of all varieties and in many different environments throughout your programme of study.

You will learn to work independently and become a scientific thinker during this programme – learning these essential skills is not easy but we will be on-hand to guide you throughout the programme.

Your independent study will culminate in an individual project (dissertation) in your final year where you will research an environmental subject of your choice.

Assessment Assessment methods vary depending on your choice of modules, but are likely to include exam and coursework-based assessment. You must pass your first year assessment in order to progress to the second year. The assessments in the second and third years all contribute to your final degree classification.

At the University of Exeter we have developed novel methods of interactive teaching, which you will benefit from in the Environmental Science degree. From your first year you will engage with handson enquiries using databases, maps and satellite data, developing GIS tools to help you understand the local, regional, national and global picture of the natural world and all of its processes. Lecture material will be global in scope but practical work will build from a local focus in your first year to a global perspective by your final year. By the end of your degree you will be able to use spatial datasets to answer environmental questions important to the future of our planet.

Study abroad

As a student at Cornwall Campus, you will benefit from excellent student:staff ratios, small group tutorials and accessible staff. In all three years you will be offered personal tutoring in small groups with an academic member of staff. You’ll have 10-15 hours of direct contact time per week with your tutors (depending on the modules you choose to follow) and you will be expected to undertake extensive independent and self-motivated study as part of your degree.

You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.

Field work

For full details of the assessment criteria for each module, check the relevant subject areas on our website at www.exeter.ac.uk/ environmentalscience

As a student on our BSc Environmental Science programme you will have the opportunity to apply for a place to study with a number of international exchange partner universities. This year abroad, taken between your second and final years of study, will be spent at an English speaking university outside of Europe. To qualify for application for an international exchange place, we would expect you to have successfully completed the first year of your studies with an average mark of at least 60 per cent. Places are limited and will be awarded on competitive basis.

We believe that students learn a lot by getting field experience in the natural environment and we exploit our unique position in West Cornwall to our advantage.

As a student on this programme you will engage in field work of all varieties and in many different environments.

Led by expert staff, field trips are embedded into some modules during your degree to give you a first-hand understanding of the subject.

We begin in the first year with a range of local field excursions, exploring ecological and environmental principles in West Cornwall. Our main field trip in this year includes an overnight trip to West Cornwall where you will be introduced to the fantastic ecology, geomorphology and environmental landscapes. In addition, you will get handson with a two-day volunteering exercise with local environmental organisations, learning practical environmental stewardship and working with local groups.

In your second year we take you further afield to think about bigger issues in environmental science. You’ll attend a residential field class to California* where you will gain field surveying experience in the Mojave Desert and coastal areas. This is our flagship environmental science field trip where you’ll learn first-hand about management of soils, water, vegetation and people in different ecosystems and climatic zones.

By your final year you will be an expert in field surveying techniques and you’ll be able to plan your own field research using the skills you have developed in previous years.

You’ll get a chance to put your skills to good use in an independent research dissertation where you’ll be supervised by an academic staff member to undertake your own piece of scientific work, following your interests and collecting and analysing new data. By the end of the programme you will have gathered a suite of unique field working skills that will place you in a strong position to move into environmental employment. *Please note that the field class location may be subject to change.

Careers A degree in Environmental Science from the University of Exeter will equip you with a wide range of skills suitable for progressing onto further study or employment. These skills, highly sought after by employers, include: data gathering; information retrieval; data analysis; problem solving; project planning and management; organising and communicating information; report production and presentation; plus the ability to work effectively on your own and as part of a team.

As jobs in the environmental sector increase there is an emerging need for skilled graduates to feed into this industry, bringing sound scientific understanding of environmental issues, coupled with practical training in how to solve or mitigate environmental problems. For example, environmental consultancy is increasing in prominence globally and in the UK, the skills of environmental scientists are required to implement EU legislation at local and regional levels in relation to sustainable development, rural and urban regeneration, and access to the countryside.

There are also many jobs for environmental scientists with an understanding of remote sensing data and information management in GIS. In addition, the UK is currently one of the poorest waste managers in Europe, so waste disposal and recycling are likely to remain important issues for both householders and businesses over the next few years. There is an emerging market for graduates who understand how to value ecosystem goods and services and this degree will equip you with the necessary skills to tap into this market.

Furthermore there are new openings for environmental scientists in the water industry, where sustainable management of water supplies is a growing concern. This list is by no means exhaustive: a degree in environmental science will place you at the forefront of a discipline where resource management and environmental decision making are critical to the future health and function of planet Earth.

successfully in the employment market.

On campus we offer a careers advisory service which provides high quality careers information and guidance to all students as well as online facilities such as a CV creator and advice on application and interview techniques.

We also offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Whatever path you want to follow after graduating, we’re here to help and support you with all your career and employability needs

The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students and graduates compete very

Entry requirements and applying You can find a summary of our typical entry requirements on the inside front cover of this brochure.

The full and most up-to-date information about Environmental Science is on the undergraduate website at www.exeter. ac.uk/environmentalscience and we strongly advise that you check this before attending an Open Day or making your application. Some programmes require prior study of specific subjects and may also have minimum grade requirements at GCSE or equivalent, particularly in English Language and/or Mathematics.

We make every effort to ensure that the entry requirements are as up-to-date as possible in our printed literature.

However, since this is printed well in advance of the start of the admissions cycle, in some cases our entry requirements and offers will change.

If you are an international student you should consult our general and subjectspecific entry requirements information for A levels and the International Baccalaureate, but the University also recognises a wide range of international qualifications.

You can find further information about academic and English language entry requirements at www.exeter.ac.uk/ undergraduate/international For information on the application, decision, offer and confirmation process, please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/ undergraduate/applications

Environmental Science modules For up-to-date details of all our programmes and modules, please check www.exeter.ac.uk/environmentalscience

Year 1

Year 2

Core modules

Core modules

A Legal Foundation for Environmental Protection

Introduces you to law in the context of environmental science and demonstrates how important law is in the protection of our environment.

Analysis of Environmental Data

Introduces quantitative approaches to data analysis in geographical science. You will learn about using satellite imagery and digital mapping technology.

Data handling techniques will also be introduced in practical classes.

Earth System Science

Environment and Society

Introduces concepts in Earth System Science and describes the geological, geomorphological and climatic processes affecting the Earth system over different scales of time and space, both in the geological past and at the present time. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between physical processes and the role of human intervention in those systems.

Explores the relationships between environmental and social processes in different geographical contexts and at different spatial scales. Explains the contested nature of these interactions at the global, national, regional, urban and rural levels, and the role of different stakeholder groups in shaping them.

Environmental Science Tutorials

A skills based module (essay writing, discussion, critical reading) based around small group teaching with an academic tutor.

Field Techniques in Ecology and Conservation

Familiarises you with the local fauna and flora, covering its biodiversity and introducing ecology and conservation biology. You will develop vital key identification skills and an understanding of taxonomy and phylogeny and an appreciation of ecological and conservation issues.

Global Issues in Environmental Science

Introduces emerging issues in key global environmental sciences debates delivered by a range of academics. Topics include climate change from decadal to millennial timescales, nutrient cycles, food security, epidemiology, land cover change and environmental restoration.

Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

What is ecology? What is conservation biology?

You will be introduced to each topic and then to key areas within each.

Investigating Social and Spatial Environments

Introduces how geographers investigate human societies and their qualitative relations to different environments. It uses a variety of techniques, including group practical projects, to examine the various research questions, methods and sources used by geographers to investigate the dynamic and complex interaction of social groups and spatial environments.

West Cornwall Field Trip

Takes you on a residential field class to West Penwith, learning about the natural environment in Cornwall. Includes a two-day volunteering exercise with a local environmental organisation, getting hands-on with practical environmental stewardship.

Applied Environmental Management

Develops your understanding of the theoretical and practical skills required to create and manage complex spatial datasets for environmental management. Focuses on data acquisition and interpretation through remote sensing and management of such data within GIS. You’ll explore these issues through a local field class to West Cornwall.

California Field Class and Lecture Series*

A once-in-a-lifetime trip to unique field sites in the USA. You will learn about soils, plants and human interfaces in the Mojave Desert and the coastal redwood forests. The trip is preceded by a short lecture series introducing the main theories and concepts underpinning scientific understanding of these amazing environments. *Please note that the field class location and specific topics explored may be subject to change depending on staff expertise.

Environmental Regulation and Redress

Provides an understanding of international contributions to environmental policy and in particular the important role the EU has had in setting environmental standards.

Population and Community Ecology

Develops your expertise in population and community ecology. You’ll develop a broad perspective on important issues in both fundamental and applied ecology, including conservation, pest management and sustainable exploitation of resources.

Optional modules Applied Entomology

Enables you to gain an understanding of the systematics and biology of a range of pest species, disease vectors and species providing ecosystem services (eg, pollinators). Also investigates methods of pest control and monitoring rare species.

Atmospheres and Oceanic Systems, Past, Present and Future

Provides an introduction to the circulation of the oceans and atmosphere and how they interact, and to the cyclical behaviour of ocean-atmosphere systems on different temporal and spatial scales.

Examines past changes and addresses some of the causes and effects of present-day (anthropogenic) climate changes and their impacts on the oceanatmosphere system.

Environmental Policy and Politics

Focuses on how decisions about environmental policy and political attitudes to environmental impacts have the potential to shape people, places and landscapes in both the short and the long term.

Uses some of the most important environmental issues of the day to illustrate the complexities of environmental policy making and implementation at the local, national and global level.

Year 3 In your third year, you take a single core module (Research Dissertation) and then additional compulsory credits from the physical geography modules being offered. Remaining credits must be taken from a selection of optional modules.

Energy Policy for Low Carbon Futures

Introduces the idea that any given desired energy system requires a tailored energy policy. You will examine the building blocks of an energy policy: economic, social, security and environmental goals and gain an understanding of how an energy system fits together. You will look at how energy is used by sector and learn about energy policies in different countries which are intended to lead to a low carbon economy.

Legal Response to Environmental Destruction

Enables you to discover various sectors of environmental law and policy, and consider national and international responses to managing global environmental issues.

Sustainable Rural Futures

Provides a hands-on in-depth exploration of the business of regenerating and conserving the rural environment. Places you in scenarios in which you must design and cost plans to produce sustainable rural landscapes and communities. Specifically addresses the growing demand from environmental sectors to foster awareness and training in the way business and management practice relates to, and impacts on, the environment and rural populations.

Includes two field trips, connecting you with expert practitioners, as the basis for the practical work.

The Environment and the Media

Develops your knowledge of how environmental science is communicated through the media and how science and the media inter-relate. Learn how to write press releases and generate your own mini science documentary on a topic of relevance to the discipline.

Trends in Ecology and Evolution

Follow the latest scientific breakthroughs in ecology and evolution through engagement with the biosciences seminar series. Discover what it takes to be a research scientist and discuss cutting edge research with some of the top biologists in the world. You will attend weekly research seminars given by speakers from universities and research institutes from all over the UK and further afield.

Following each seminar there will be a group workshop with the speakers. Learn to write your own scientific abstracts.

Wastelands

Explores the complex processes through which certain landscapes and environments are devalued and discarded, and the equally complex processes that work to redeem and recuperate such places.

Waste-making is approached as a dynamic cultural phenomenon, a spatial classification strategy that works to stabilise (and destabilise) economic, political and ecological orders.

Core modules Research Dissertation

Provides you with the opportunity to undertake your own independent and original piece of research, drawing on the themes covered in the Environmental Science programme.

You’ll choose at least two from the following physical geography modules on offer: Environmental Geomorphology

Learn about the nature of geomorphology with reference to case studies throughout the world. You will be introduced to key concepts in geomorphology (such as driving and resisting forces, scale, thresholds). Develop your understanding of how these concepts are used to evaluate landscapes and identify the processes which shape the particular landforms.

Issues in Climate Change

This module develops your understanding of current issues concerning present and future climatic change through an investigation of past change over a range of timescales.

Landscape and Environmental Modelling

Gain insights into how humans and other living organisms have interacted with landscape forming processes over millennia to modify and shape the world in which we live. This module has a strong fieldwork and GIS component on Dartmoor.

The Carbon Cycle

Focuses on the contemporary carbon cycle and the influence that anthropogenic activity is having upon it. The principle aim of the module is to describe in detail the mechanisms underlying the ocean, atmospheric and land-surface components of the carbon cycle and how they are responding to man-made emissions of greenhouse gasses.

Optional modules China and the Global Economy

Climate Change, Evolution and Public Perception of Science

Here, we investigate the drivers of Chinese economic growth and explore interactions between China and the global economy, by providing insights into the Chinese governance model. By taking this module, you will have a systematic view of the Chinese economy, political system, social welfare system, culture, energy consumption and environment challenges.

What are the key messages of ecology and evolution for society and how can scientists communicate these to the general public? This module will help you place your understanding of ecology or evolutionary biology in its wider context. You’ll learn the ecological questions facing policymakers and conservation practitioners, and give a presentation on one of these. You’ll debate the public controversies regarding evolution by natural selection and the threats to biodiversity from climate change. You’ll employ a range of formats to communicate science, from tweets to lay summaries, to a leaflet, poster, website or suchlike on an ecological controversy of your choosing.

Academic excellence

A vibrant community

•W e are in the top one per cent of universities in the world, and a regular fixture in top 10 league tables of UK universities

• Our students are the most engaged in the country, smashing participation records in student elections for the last two years running

•Y ou will receive an outstanding education here; our teaching was voted fourth in the country in the latest National Student Survey

• FXU, the Cornwall Campus Students’ Union, offers a fantastic selection of societies, from sport to culture to community volunteering groups – in total there are over 80 clubs and societies to choose from

•O ur teaching is inspired by our research, nearly 90 per cent of which was ranked as internationally recognised by the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise • We are a top 10 UK university for sport and provide a wide range of sporting facilities and support whether you want to compete at the highest level or just for fun

• The Cornwall Campus Sports Centre includes an excellent gym and sports facilities. Through the centre you can access a range of support whether you want to compete at the highest level, keep fit or just have fun • We work with our students to continually improve the education on offer, via initiatives which put students at the heart of our decision making process • The Cornwall Campus has a small but vibrant international community. Across the University there are students from over 130 countries and staff of 50 different nationalities • Our students are consistently among the most satisfied in the country, ranking us in the top 10 of the National Student Survey each year since it began

Ambition for the future

Explore the possibilities

• We equip you with the skills employers need via business placements, study abroad schemes, volunteering opportunities, careers advice from successful alumni and much more

Open Days Come and visit our beautiful campuses.

We hold Open Days twice a year in June and September.

• Despite tough economic times, we’ve improved our employment record year-onyear: more than 90 per cent of students get a job or further study place within six months of graduating • The Cornwall Campus is now a £200 million Higher Education hub featuring state of the art lecture theatres and library spaces, new accommodation and worldclass research facilities including the University’s £30 million Environment and Sustainability Institute

Campus Tours Tours of the Cornwall Campus run on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. You’ll be shown round by a current student, who’ll give you a first-hand account of what it’s like to live and study here.

For full details and to book your place at an Open Day or campus tour, visit www.exeter.ac.uk/opendays For enquiries contact phone: +44 (0)1326 371801, email: cornwall@exeter.ac.uk Offer-Holder Visit Days Once you receive confirmation of an offer we’ll contact you with an invitation to visit us on an Offer-Holder Visit Day, which will give you the chance to find out more about your programme and department and decide whether to accept our offer.

While this opportunity to visit includes a campus tour and formal introduction to the department, much emphasis is placed on a more informal period for questions and answers. A number of our current students also take part on these days, leading tours and giving you the opportunity to ask them what studying at Exeter is really like!

Offer-Holder Visit Days take place during February and March.

www.exeter.ac.uk/environmentalscience This document forms part of the University’s Undergraduate Prospectus. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in the Prospectus is correct at the time of going to print. The University will endeavour to deliver programmes and other services in accordance with the descriptions provided on the website and in this prospectus. The University reserves the right to make variations to programme content, entry requirements and methods of delivery and to discontinue, merge or combine programmes, both before and after a student’s admission to the University. Full terms and conditions can be found at www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/disclaimer Find us on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/exeteruni www.twitter.com/uniofexeter

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