On entry to our programme, students can register for either the 3 year (BSc) or 4 year (MChem.) degree in Environmental Chemistry. The final choice of degree will normally be taken at the end of Part 1, although change is still possible at the end of Year 2. Part 1 (Year 1) is qualificatory, and marks from Part 2 (Years 2, 3 and 4) classify the degree. The intellectual content of modules becomes increasingly more demanding from Years 1 to 4. As they progress through the degree, students are expected to demonstrate increased intellect, independence and scientific rigour in all assessed work.
Year 1
Students take 15 modules in Year 1, of which 10-12 are core. Students are free to make up their remaining modules from a wide choice across the University, although many chose to study cognate disciplines.
Compulsory modules
ENV 101 Global Climate Change
ENV 102 Geological Processes
ENV 103 Dynamic Landscapes I
ENV 104 Hydrological Processes
ENV 105 Atmosphere, Weather & Climate I
CHEM 101 Atoms and Molecules
CHEM 102 Introduction to Organic Chemistry
CHEM 103 Organic Chemistry
CHEM 104 Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
CHEM 105 Spectroscopy and Bio-inorganic Chemistry
For students without A2 Mathematics or equivalent
ENV 122 Numerical Skills ES I
ENV 124 Numerical Skills ES II
Optional modules
ENV 111 Environmental Management
ENV 112 Natural Hazards
ENV 113 Earth's Internal Processes
ENV 114 Environmental Microbiology
ENV 115 Chemistry, Pollution & Human Health
ENV 121 Communicating Science
BIOL 103 Life in Changing Environment
BIOL 105 Biodiversity and Conservation
To proceed to Part 2 in Environmental Chemistry, students must achieve at least 45% in the ENV100 and CHEM100 series, at least 40% in the other module group and at least 40% in the Numerical Skills modules where taken.
Year 2: (6/16 units)
Compulsory modules
ENV 200 Environmental Field Course
ENV 201 Project Skills
ENV 211 Aquatic Biogeochemistry
ENV 231 Atmospheric Chemistry
ENV 221 Soil Science
ENV 202 Data Analysis and Programming Skills
CHEM 211 Properties of Matter
CHEM 223 Transition Metal Chemistry
CHEM 233 Practical Inorganic Chemistry
Progression to Year 3 is subject to satisfactory performance in Year 2; after re-sits students must have achieved a pass (at least 40%) in 3 of the 6 units of assessment.
Year 3: (10/16 units)
Compulsory modules
ENV 300 Dissertation (2/16 units)
ENV 340 Environmental Organic Chemistry and Ecotoxicology (1/16 units each)
ENV 315 Application of Aquatic Chemical Models
ENV 330 Air Pollution
ENV 314 Chemical Oceanography
Optional modules (choose 4 from)
ENV 316 Freshwater and Groundwater Chemistry (1/16 units each)
ENV 341 Environmental Radioactivity
ENV 342 Effects of Soil & Water Pollution
ENV 313 Water Supply & Control
ENV 322 Environmental and Resource Geophysics
ENV 331 Aerosol, Clouds & Climate
ENV 345 Risk Assessment and Management
CHEM 212 Kinetics and Thermodynamics*
CHEM 281 Practical Physical Chemistry*
* must be taken together
An average mark of 55% or greater from Years 2 and 3 shall normally be required in order to progress from Year 3 to Year 4. Any student not attaining 55% shall normally be awarded a BSc degree in Environmental Chemistry, based on the marks obtained in the 16 units taken in Years 2 and 3.
Year 4: (8/24 units)
Compulsory modules
ENV 401 Dissertation (4/24 units)
Optional modules
Choose 4 from
ENV 412 Environmental Radioactivity* (1/24 units each)
ENV 430 Waste Management
ENV 431 Pollution Microbiology
ENV 432 Chemical Risk Assessment
ENV 433 Environmental Technology
ENV 434 Contaminated Land and Remediation
ENV 435 Environmental Toxicology
ENV 437 Freshwater and Groundwater Chemistry*
ENV 440 Environmental Impact Assessment
ENV 443 Aerosol, Clouds and Climate*
ENV 461 Environmental and Resource Geophysics*
BIOL 431 Toxicological Mechanisms and Measurements
BIOL 432 Consequences of Toxic Effects
* cannot be taken if studied in Year 3
Work/Study Placement
None.
Awards
Students graduate with a BSc or MChem degree, Honours or Pass, in Environmental Chemistry. Degrees are classified according to the university's standard regulations for 16 or 24 unit degree schemes.
