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).
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 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 are also included in the module.
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
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Evaluating performance as an individual and a team member
- Identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
- Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills).
- Developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work
- Communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms
- Appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collection, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory
- Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
- Recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members
- Using the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
- Identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- 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
- The contribution of environmental science to the development of knowledge of the world we live in
- The terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in environmental science
- Methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing environmental science information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use
- 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
- 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
- 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
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- 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
- Referencing work in an appropriate manner
- Planning, conducting, and reporting on environmental investigations, including the use of secondary data
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
- Applying knowledge and understanding to complex and multidimensional problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
- Recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
Syllabus
The module has four major topical blocks. Throughout the topical blocks we weave theoretical knowledge together with case studies to apply the acquired knowledge practically.
Block 1: EIA – The Basics
Firstly, the module begins more theoretically by introducing the philosophy and principles of EIA, and the legal and planning framework in which EIA is used in the UK. This block will cover the main EIA procedure, how to produce an Environmental Statement and the management and participatory processes required to conduct a successful EIA.
Block 2: Field trip and scoping exercise
The second part will be applied and host a fieldwork and scoping exercise. We will use a realistic development scenario in the coastal environment for a coursework exercise, and a virtual field trip to support the work. This will also form part of the marked assignment.
Block 3: Conducting an EIA – the details
The third part of the lecture series will be more practical. We will dive into the different impact areas of EIA – covering biodiversity, water, noise, air, climate and socio-economic impacts. We will cover the approaches used by various disciplines to assess and monitor environmental impacts, significance and to create mitigation measures and scrutinise these in selected UK case studies.
Block 4: EIA beyond the project
The fourth part of the lecture series will expand our EIA perspective and dive into Strategic Environmental Assessments and an international perspective of EIA. We will do some comparison of EIA practice in different countries and also look into EIA quality and emerging areas and priorities to ensure effectiveness of EIA.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will be delivered by lectures, workshop sessions, guest lectures plus one site visit. The sessions will be delivered by the module co-ordinator, a teaching assistant, and specialist contributors 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.
The module will be delivered by lectures, workshop sessions, guest lectures plus one site visit. The sessions will be delivered by the module co-ordinator, a teaching assistant, and specialist contributors with experience in consultancy and planning.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Seminar | 6 |
| Completion of assessment task | 20 |
| Lecture | 27 |
| Revision | 22 |
| Wider reading or practice | 36 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Fieldwork | 3 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Glasson, J, Therivel, R (2019). Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment. Routledge London.
Morris, P & Therivel, R (2018). Methods of Environmental Impact Assessment. Routledge London.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Referral Method - Examination - Students will have 2 weeks to complete and submit the examination. A minimum mark of 40% overall on the open book examination is required for the student to pass the referral assessment. Resubmission of scoping report
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual Coursework | 20% |
| Group report | 80% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Critical essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal