Lancaster University

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

Knowledge and Understanding

Depending on the choice of modules, students will acquire detailed knowledge and understanding of:

• Earth sciences and geology
• Hydrology
• Atmospheric science
• Environmental chemistry
• Environmental management
• Ecology
• Environmental modelling

Students will be given guidance on an appropriate choice of modules.  The degree programme provides opportunities and support for all students to develop many intellectual, practical and transferable skills at various levels.

Intellectual Skills

Students will learn to:

• synthesise information from a variety of sources
• critically evaluate and assess the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and strategies
• interpret qualitative and quantitative data
• develop a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, and a reasoned argument
• plan, conduct and report a substantial investigation

Practical Skills

Students will learn to:

• use appropriate field and laboratory equipment effectively
• carry out experimental work in the field
• undertake risk assessments and list appropriate safety precautions associated with practical or project work
• collect and present field, laboratory and literature data

Transferable Skills

Students will learn to:

• work independently and as a team (recognising the views of others), on time limited tasks
• manipulate numbers and use relevant information technology
• demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
• design and prepare project proposals

The BSc degree in Earth and Environmental Science is a three-year full-time degree scheme; Part 1 (Year 1) is qualificatory, and marks from Part 2 (Years 2 and 3) classify the degree. The intellectual content of modules becomes increasingly more demanding from Years 1 to 3. As students progress through the degree, we expect to see evidence of increased intellect, independence and scientific rigour in all assessed work.

Year 1

Compulsory Modules

ENV 101               Global Climate Change

ENV 102               Geological Processes

ENV 103               Dynamic Landscapes I

ENV 104               Hydrological Processes

ENV 105               Atmosphere, Weather and Climate I

ENV 111               Environmental Management

ENV 112               Natural Hazards

ENV 113               Earth's Internal Processes

ENV 114               Environmental Microbiology

ENV 115               Chemistry, Pollution and Human Health

For students without A2 Mathematics or equivalent

ENV 122               Numerical Skills ES I

ENV 124               Numerical Skills ES II

For students without A2 Chemistry or equivalent

ENV 123               Introduction to Environmental Chemistry

Optional Modules

Students are free to make up the remainder of their 15 Part I modules from a wide variety on across the University, although many chose to study cognate disciplines.

To proceed to Part 2 Earth and Environmental Science, students must achieve at least 45% in the ENV100 and ENV110 series, at least 40% in the other module group and 45% in the support (ENV120) Maths and Chemistry courses where taken.

Year 2 (6/16 units)

Compulsory Modules

ENV 200               Environmental Field Course

ENV 201               Project Skills

ENV 210               Catchment Hydrology

ENV 211               Aquatic Biogeochemistry

ENV 220               Dynamic Landscapes II

ENV 230               Atmosphere, Weather and Climate II

ENV 221               Soil Science

ENV 203               Earth Science Field Skills

ENV 204               Geological Mapping

Unit 1/2 comprises ENV 200, ENV 201 and ENV 203

Unit 3/4 comprises ENV 210, ENV 211 and ENV 230

Unit 5/6 comprises ENV 220, ENV 221 and ENV 204

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 323               Geological Hazards                                                    (1/16 units each)

ENV 321               The Dynamic Earth

ENV 312               Hydrogeology

ENV 322               Environmental and Resource Geophysics

Optional Modules

4 from:

ENV 320               Volcanic Processes Field Course                              (1/16 units each)

ENV 341               Environmental Radioactivity

ENV 331               Aerosol, Clouds and Climate

ENV 342               Soil and Water Pollution

ENV 311               Modelling Hydrological Processes

GEOG 367           Coastal Processes

ENV 313               Water Supply and Control

ENV 345               Risk Assessment and Management

ENV 314               Chemical Oceanography

No more than 4 per term.

Work/Study Placement

None.

Awards

Students graduate with a BSc degree, Honours or Pass, in Earth and Environmental Science. Degrees are classified according to the university's standard regulations for 16-unit degree schemes.