Environmental Science BSc(Hons)

Why choose this course?

If you are interested in the challenges associated with climate change, development pressures, water resources and environmental pollution, this course is ideal for you. You will learn to understand, monitor and evaluate environmental systems, and predict, manage and respond to environmental challenges at global, regional and local scales. You will apply your environmental scientific knowledge through research investigations in the UK and overseas and develop a range of knowledge and practical environmental skills for the workplace.

Kingston University course director Stuart Downward talks about the environmental and sustainable development programmes:

What will you study?

The course introduces you to the concepts of environmental science and important scientific investigation techniques. You will study the processes that operate within environmental systems and cause change, along with the ways in which people have used the environment in the past and the present. In addition, you will learn to make accurate observations of the environment in the laboratory and in the field, and to evaluate your findings.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Understanding the Environment

• Understanding the Environment

  This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the basic principles and processes that operate and cause change in environmental systems and show how this knowledge can be applied to sustainably manage environmental problems. The importance of a holistic, 'top-down' approach to problem solving will be introduced along with material on key underpinning scientific disciplines including environmental chemistry and genetics. Practical and fieldwork sessions are designed to develop observation and recording skills.

  
   
• Investigating the Earth and Environment

• Investigating the Earth and Environment

  The module introduces techniques of fieldwork and incorporates the core Level 4 field programme. Students are also introduced to a range of techniques and principles that form the basis of successful investigations in these subject areas. Also integrated here is the development of study skills through the tutorial system.

  
   
• Digital Earth and Spatial Analysis

• Digital Earth and Spatial Analysis

  Spatial analysis introduces and develops the fundamental geographical skills of data collection, analysis and presentation and the solving of spatial problems using GIS. It concerns data types, representations of reality and key spatial analysis techniques.

  
   
• Global Geology: Processes and Hazards

• Global Geology: Processes and Hazards

  This module provides coverage of key fundamental topics in global geology and no prior knowledge of geology is assumed. The structure of the Earth is described and the major mineral and rock types found in different geological settings on Earth outlined. The history of the plate tectonics hypothesis is outlined and a description of the major lines of evidence leading to the development and acceptance of this hypothesis is given. Geological processes occurring at the different types of plate boundary are described and the effects of such processes outlined. The major natural hazards encountered in the natural environment are described and the physical, chemical and biological reasons for their occurrence and global distribution covered. Case studies of each hazard, from a variety of geographical regions, are provided to build a portfolio of examples, enhancing students' knowledge of the spatial distribution of the key hazards.

  
   

Year 2

• Land, Water and the Environment

• Land, Water and the Environment

  This module develops an understanding of the fundamental principles of soil science whereby the various soil properties and processes, including storage and transport of water in soil, are explained. This provides a good underpinning to developing an understanding of hydrology. Core principles of hydrology are explored both as theoretical physical science of hydrology and practical hydrological skills, which students gain through hands-on experience and investigations. This knowledge of soil and water sciences forms the essential base for introducing and explaining environmental pollution, including the impact of pollutants on environmental systems (soil, water, plants and air) and human health. It also discusses pollution mitigation and control strategies.

  
   
• Ecology
• Design and Management of Projects in Environmental Management
• Sustainable Development Theory and Practice

Year 3

• Independent Research Project in Environmental Science
• Land and Water Resources Management

• Land and Water Resources Management

  The module examines the relationship between land and water management, global challenges associated with the management of land and water, and sustainable options to seek their resolution. The module will develop an understanding and critical evaluation of these challenges from several perspectives, ie through the systematic investigation of land-use practices; the applications of soil science and linking practices to processes and patterns of land degradation; the interface between land management and water management; global concerns for water security; land use impacts on the wider environment, including climate, physical and socio-political drivers; plus an examination of the regional land-water management issues.

  
   
• Biodiversity and Conservation

• Biodiversity and Conservation

  This module examines the importance of historical and contemporary land use practices in shaping current biotic communities. Current issues in biodiversity and conservation are explored through a lecture and seminar programme. Fieldwork supports the lectures and assignments which are designed to introduce students to important aspects of practical conservation work, such as funding bids, species conservation strategies, and communicating to non-specialists/decision makers.

  
   
• Challenge of Climate Change

• Challenge of Climate Change

  This module tackles the key issues relating to climate change in the three main subject areas of science, policy and society. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the key concepts and processes of climate change and the various ways in which societies can respond. Fieldwork sessions are designed to complement the lecture series and give further practical demonstration of policy and practice complexities.

  
   
• Development Geography (including optional developing world fieldwork)