Environmental Science and Society

This module introduces basic environmental science concepts. Specific topics covered include: thermodynamics of ecosystems and human systems, ecology and biodiversity, pollution science, the science of climate change, the science of ozone depletion, scientific approaches to environmental risk, science and technology, science and human behaviour, scientific uncertainty and the precautionary principle.

Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility

Provides an understanding of contemporary environmentalism. The module evaluates and discusses the way environmental concerns have affected organisations in the private sector, and how organisations have affected the content, shape and direction of the environmental debate. Particular emphasis will be placed on corporate environmental strategies, the distribution and organisation of environmental roles within an organisation as well as the industrial perspective towards industrial ecology and other recent environmental management concepts.

Sustainable Development

Provides a critical understanding of the concept of sustainable development and the various constituents that contribute to the achievement of its core principles. The module explores the importance of integrating physical sciences and engineering with the biological and social sciences as the basis for a fundamental redesign of both technological and social processes to address an array of global and local concerns.

Environmental Economics

Provides an understanding of the basic environmental economic principles and concepts related to sustainable development. The module explores the use of valuation tools to measure environmental costs and benefits, and makes sense of the position of economics within the broader environmental arena. Students will engage in environmental economically-oriented discussions and deliberate on relevant case studies of environmental problems.

Environment and Development

Provides insight into the interactions that occur within societies in the developing world. The module pays specific attention to the issues of who uses the “environment”, who has control over the use of resources, and who is excluded. The issue of multiple actors, mediums and systems which function within a variety of political, economic, social, historical and ecological conditions are discussed and debated.

Environmental Auditing and Management Systems

Enables students to understand and develop appropriate environmental policies, and to enable them to appreciate and work with Environmental Management Systems (EMSs). Further, this module aims to provide insight into the role of environmental tools for problem solving and decision making in a complex environment with conflicting objectives.

Environmental Life Cycle Approaches

Provides an introduction to life cycle thinking, principles and practice of applying LCA. Case studies constitute an important element of the module to help develop environmental performance indicators and how to use them to inform environmental decision-making. Students are introduced to various types of LCA computer software and undertake exercises to give them a hands-on experience.

Integrated Assessment

Explores the interface between scientific evaluations of environmental impacts and their use in policy decision processes, primarily by engaging participants in a case study. The module provides an introduction to judgement and decision making and experiences of working in project teams. The main objective is to give participants an insight into the practical implications of working on decision support problems, both from the perspective of consultants as well as policy makers.

Environmental Law

Understanding the structure of key environmental laws in the UK and EU covering waste, water and atmospheric pollution constitute an important element of this module. Judicial and court-room procedures in the context of environmental claims are explored. Students are familiarised with the rules of evidence, preparing and presenting evidence as an expert witness.

Transitions to a Low Carbon Economy

This module focuses on the transitions needed from the current situations in energy use, supply, markets and policy to those required as part of a long term, sustainable, low carbon energy system. The module introduces the range of low carbon technology options, the roles of consumers and institutions, and patterns of change in energy markets, regulation and policy.