Module overview
This module will enable students to apply their understanding of environmental problems and assess potential solutions through the application of law and policy. The lecture sessions will introduce and analyse the theoretical development and structure of a legislative and policy themes, followed up with an assessment of their application of practical exercises and a discussion of case studies.
The module will begin with an overview of law, policy and regulatory bodies. A teaching block on Environmental Impact Assessment will expose the students to a practical application of UK law. Thereafter, key areas of sectoral laws will be covered alongside case studies and guest lectures from industry experts.
There will be a focus on what the legislation and policy will mean to students when they are working with businesses, government (national and local), and the public after graduation. The over-riding philosophy of the module is to explore how the application of environmental law and policy can lead to positive environmental changes in the commercial and domestic sectors. The emphasis in this class will be on discussion, case studies and group work.
Students will be encouraged to participate in debates and action based learning as opposed to traditional lecture-based classes.
Students from outside the School of Geography and Environmental Science wishing to take this module should contact the module lead to discuss their academic background and determine if this module is suitable.