GEOL3281: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.
Type | Open |
---|---|
Level | 3 |
Credits | 20 |
Availability | Available in 2024/2025 |
Module Cap | |
Location | Durham |
Department | Earth Sciences |
Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations of Modules
- None
Aims
- Through research-led teaching this module will give students the knowledge and skills appropriate to a career in environmental geoscience, environmental management or further graduate study. Students will be exposed to a range of UK case studies, many of which have global significance.
Content
- Environmental economics.
- Environmental impact assessment.
- Water quality.
- Flood risk and flood management.
- Water and wastewater treatment.
- Air quality and environmental health.
- Air quality control.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Having completed this module students will be able to:
- Understand the economic difficulties associated with sustainable development.
- Prepare an environmental impact assessment.
- Critically evaluate existing water management practices.
- Understand a range of water treatment technologies.
- Critically evaluate flood management practices.
- Understand a range of air quality control issues.
- Solve numerical problems using computer (Excel, Python) and non-computer techniques.
- Derive and calculate numerical equations and empirical relationships.
- Work in teams to produce consultancy reports relating to environmental consultancy.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply environmental management principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
- International and local perspective.
- Cultural awareness.
- Commercial awareness.
- Environmental awareness.
- Earth's natural resources.
- Environmental monitoring and management.
- The role of the professional in society.
Key Skills:
- Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Solve numerical problems using computer (Python, Excel) or non-computer techniques.
- Critical analysis.
- Research capability
- Engage with the professional world.
- Practical competency.
- Independent learning.
- Numeracy.
- IT skills.
- Information skills.
- Communication.
- Teamwork.
- Leadership.
- Opportunity identification.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- The module is delivered through a mix of lectures, practicals and fieldwork, supported by handouts and directed reading.
- Lectures will develop theory.
- Practical exercises will enable students to develop advanced analytical skills, practical experience related to environmental management and the further development of concepts core to the subject. These will require students to process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Fieldwork in northern England develops skills and engages methods in environmental management practice, sustainable development and the wider earth processes relevant to environmental geoscience. Interaction with practitioners will bring a broader perspective to the learning.
- Practical exercises in term 1 will include: net present value calculation, environmental impact assessment, and wastewater and water treatment plant design.
- Formative assessment will be given during practical sessions to aid students with development and presentation of relevant calculation methods.
- Summative assessment concerning will include a group work project and an end of year exam.
- The class test will be a mixture of short answer and problem solving exercises relating to the lectures and practicals delivered in Term 1.
- The group work project will involve the development of a consultancy report concerning a feasibility study for an environmental remediation project related to environmental issues in the UK.
- The consultancy report will include solution design, economic analysis, environmental impact assessment.
- Fieldwork in northern England will be used as a reconnaissance mission for data gathering.
- The written report will be assessed on a group basis.
- Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total | Monitored |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lectures | 10 | Weekly | 1 hour | 10 | Yes |
Practicals | 10 | Weekly | 2 hours | 20 | Yes |
Fieldwork | 2 days | Annually | 16 | Yes | |
Expert sessions | 2 days | Annually | 6 | Yes | |
Preparation, Reading and Group Work | 142 | ||||
Tutorials | 6 | Fortnightly | 1 hour | 6 | Yes |
Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
Component: Continual Assessment | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
---|---|---|---|
Element | Length / Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Group work project | 60 | ||
Timed Exercise | 40 |
Formative Assessment
More information
If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.
Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.
Current Students: Please contact your department.