Module overview
This module focuses on environmental issues across a range of themes and provides a focal point for the first year of the undergraduate Environmental Science programmes, in terms of knowledge and understanding, and study skills. The module considers knowledge and understanding of the environment in an inter- and multi-disciplinary basis. The summative coursework assignment works towards combining and analysing information to enable prediction of change and response to interventions. The seminars demonstrate the wide variety of information which is available about the environment, and the ways in which information can be drawn together to understand environmental processes and to inform decisions regarding the environment. Good practice and efficiency in study are introduced via elements of lectures and tutorials. Approaches to developing and reinforcing the generic and subject specific skills needed to be an effective environmental scientist are also provided.
Lecture sessions are used as a means to present and consider contemporary environmental issues, and to augment academic and employability skills. Lecture sessions on key skills are aligned with and complementary to tutorials. Tutorial activities and tasks have two main purposes: (1) to reinforce and develop further the academic skills introduced in lectures (e.g. via guided self-study exercises), and (2) encourage student-centred learning via formative assessments focusing on contemporary environmental topics or themes.