Module overview
This module examines the process of assessing the potential impacts of major developments on the environment- known worldwide as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This is seen globally as major tool to help deliver sustainable development.
The module has two major themes. In the first part of the module emphasis is placed on the philosophy of EIA, and the legal and planning framework in which EIA is used. The second, more practical part, focuses on selected major impacts/issues which need to be considered as part of environmental assessment and the approaches to baseline surveys used by various disciplines to assess and monitor environmental change. Students should gain an intellectual feel for approaches to environmental management and decision-making- plus practically orientated exposure to the approaches used in assessing impacts.
Students will concentrate on EIA procedures in the UK and the European Union, and on the way in which the process integrates different disciplines and different interest groups. At the completion of the course students should be able to judge whether or not a particular project would require an EIA; how such an assessment be produced, what steps would be needed to undertake a baseline survey, how impacts might be mitigated and monitored. They should also be able to discuss critically the strengths and weaknesses of the system and the methods available. Case studies and examples of practice from around the world- both terrestrial and coast/marine- are also included in the module, with targeted support from guest speakers working as EIA professionals.
Practice in researching and writing a detailed report as part of a proposed EIA will be provided through the major coursework exercise, examining a fictional (but not unlikely) local scenario.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Applying knowledge and understanding to complex and multidimensional problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
- Recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct
- Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
- Recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing environmental science information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use
- The terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in environmental science
- The applicability of environmental science to the world of work
- The processes which shape the natural world at different temporal and spatial scales and their influence on and by human activities
- The need for both a multi-disciplinary and an interdisciplinary approach in advancing knowledge and understanding of Earth systems, drawing, as appropriate, from the natural and the social sciences
- The contribution of environmental science to the development of knowledge of the world we live in
- The contribution of environmental science to debate on environmental issues and how knowledge of these forms the basis for informed concern about the Earth and its people
- Issues concerning the availability and sustainability of resources, for example, the different value sets relating to the Earth's resources as commodities and/or heritage
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
- Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
- Identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles
- Recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members
- Evaluating performance as an individual and a team member
- Using the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
- Developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work
- Appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collection, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory
- Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills)
- Communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Referencing work in an appropriate manner
- Undertaking field and laboratory investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders
- Planning, conducting, and reporting on environmental investigations, including the use of secondary data
Syllabus
The module comprises a course of lectures, seminars and workshops that provide an understanding of EIA by examination of theory, law, policy and practice. A broad range of topics is covered, including:
- Conceptual frameworks for EIA.
- Definitions and history.
- General methods within current legal and policy frameworks.
- Baseline survey approaches.
- Assessing significance.
- Mitigation, monitoring and management of environmental impacts.
- Approaches to alternatives within EIA.
- Approaches to EIA presentation and report writing.
Focus on specific aspects, e.g. ecology, cultural heritage landscape and visual, climate change, health and well-being
- Consultation & communication.
- Quality issues and emerging developments.
- Strategic EIA.
- Field visit to a coastal coursework development scenario location.
- Support for revision and feedback.
Case studies and guest speakers are used throughout the module to support the taught material.
Guest speaker presentations deliver examples of current practice and employability support.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The unit will be delivered by lecture and workshop sessions, plus one site visit. The sessions will be delivered by the module co-ordinator, specialist contributors from Engineering and the Environment, and by external speakers with experience in consultancy and planning.
Learning activities include:
- Attendance at lectures and seminars.
- Self-directed learning - supplementary and complementary to lecture materials.
- Private study – research for and preparation of module assignments.
- Site visit, including interactive briefings from lecturing staff.
- Targeted support sessions for coursework.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 4 |
| Completion of assessment task | 25 |
| Revision | 26 |
| Follow-up work | 24 |
| Lecture | 28 |
| External visits | 4 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 12 |
| Wider reading or practice | 27 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Morris, P & Therivel, R (2009). Methods of Environmental Impact Assessment. Routledge London.
Glasson, J, Therivel, R and Chadwick, A (2012). Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment. Routledge London.
Assessment
Summative
Summative assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual Coursework | 20% |
| Group report | 80% |
Referral
Referral assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Report | 60% |
| Assessment | 40% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal