School of Environmental Sciences

Undergraduate

> Introduction

Have you ever wondered why global warming is occurring, what impact this will have on society, why cod are disappearing from our seas or why earthquakes happen in some regions of the world and not in others? If you have, then maybe one of our degree courses is the right choice for you.

Hardly a day passes without some major environmental issue headlining the news. Recently it has been the Gulf of Mexico oil leak and the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland. Earlier in 2010 the Haiti earthquake caused tragic loss of life. Understanding these events requires a grounding in the science of earth surface processes, and the societal implications are of such significance that it requires a much broader view to make the connections between cause and effect. In the School of Environmental Sciences we believe that students benefit from an integrated approach across traditional disciplines in learning about natural phenomena and societal change. Our courses in Geography, Environmental Science and Marine Science provide that integration and prepare students for a wide variety of occupations connected with the environment.

> Why can we confidently recommend an education in science, or science-related subjects, to aspiring students?

01. Firstly, Science already has a major impact on the economy and will continue to do so in future. The UK Science Scoping Report ’The Shape of Jobs to Come’ tells us that 30% of GDP is created by Science.
02. Secondly, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) students are important and in demand. The recent CBI report ’Emerging stronger: the value of education and skills in turbulent times’ provides evidence that two-thirds of businesses are having difficulty recruiting STEM-skilled staff.
03. Finally, according to the 2010 Sodexo-Times Higher Education University Lifestyle Survey even in recession students see a university education as a path to a better future.

> How much does it cost?

For details on tuition fees, grants, bursaries and student loans, please visit the dedicated tuition fees page.

> Our degree programmes:

BSc Environmental Science (Hons)

Course Director Dr David Griffiths

This programme examines the natural environment and human impact upon it. The programme produces science graduates with an interdisciplinary understanding of the complexity and uncertainty of environmental systems and who have the skills and competencies to observe, measure, model and manage these systems. This is achieved through the integration of theoretical, practical and field-based approaches. Interdisciplinary in nature, the programme embraces ecology, geography, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, geology, pedology and environmental chemistry and considers present-day environmental problems, such as coastal erosion, acid rain, global warming, waste disposal, recreation and tourism provision.

Year 1 modules combine the study of basic environmental disciplines with human and ecological processes and environmental issues. The application of information technology and statistical techniques are also core.

Year 2 of the Environmental Science programme builds upon the interdisciplinary framework established in Year 1, exploring links and functions of environmental systems from both conceptual and practical viewpoints. You select from a range of optional modules in addition to a compulsory fieldwork module. Modules provide analytical techniques and concepts, and are combined with a detailed examination of a number of environmental systems.

In the final year of the honours courses, you complete a compulsory research project and a synoptic module. Other modules are selected from a broad list of options.

The four-year degree programme enables you to undertake a year’s work experience (in Year 3) leading to the award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS). Alternatively you can also study in Europe or in the USA through the Business Education Initiative (BEI) leading to the award of the Diploma in Area Studies. You return to the University for the Final year of academic study.

Entry Conditions -

A level: A minimum of 220 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades CC (including 2 science subjects). Subjects may include Geography, Economics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physical Education, Information Communication Technology, Psychology and Home Economics. Applied Science Double Award acceptable.
Irish Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 220 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades BCCCC (including 2 science subjects as above). Applicants are also required to have ILC Higher Level English & Mathematics Grade D or above or ILC Ordinary Level English & Mathematics Grade C or above.
BTEC National Diploma: Pass overall BTEC ND with Grades MMM (appropriate science disciplines only acceptable).
Access: Certificate in Foundation studies/Access Course pass with an overall average of 55%

BSc Geography (Hons)

Course Director Dr Peter Wilson

The degree provides specialist geographical knowledge and develops understanding of the human and physical elements of the discipline. Vocational and transferable skills in subject specific techniques are central. Geography is a popular subject at third level and graduates tend to find employment in a wide range of areas. In addition to the 3 year BSc honours programme, the School provides a geography component to the BA degree in Humanities Combined within the Faculty of Humanities, where geography may be read as a minor, joint or major component of the degree. Geography and Environmental Science may also be studied in combination with other subject areas including Education, American Studies and International Development.

You undertake six core modules in the first year of study and move progressively from this foundation period through the intermediate second year to the advanced and specialist level of the final year. You are offered a choice of modules from a range of options in Year 2 and Final Year and this allows you to tailor your studies to your own geographical interests.

Years 1 and 2 are spent in the University. In Year 3 you can choose to undertake a year’s work experience in a local business environment. Alternatively, you can study in Europe on an ERASMUS/ SOCRATES exchange scheme undertaking language training, geography courses and independent research. You can also study in the USA through the Business Education Initiative (BEI) undertaking business studies at an educational institution and as an internee with a business organisation. These Year 3 options lead to either the Diploma in Industrial Studies (placement year) or the Diploma in Area Studies (study abroad). You return to the University for Year 4 of your studies.

Entry Conditions -

A level: A minimum of 220 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades CD (to include a Grade C or above in Geography).
Irish Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 220 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades BCCCC (to include Geography). Applicants are also required to have ILC Higher Level English and Mathematics Grade D or above or ILC Ordinary Level English and Mathematics Grade C or above.
BTEC National Diploma: Pass overall BTEC ND with Grades MMM (appropriate science disciplines only acceptable)

BSc Marine Science (Hons)

Course Director Dr Suleyman Nalbant

The scientific study of the marine environment draws upon the knowledge of many disciplines, particularly geography, physics, biology, chemistry and geology to understand chemical, physical and biological processes and patterns measured in the oceans. Modern marine science places great emphasis on multidisciplinary study and research, investigating diverse topics such as the geology of the seafloor, the behaviour of animals living in sandy beaches, the archaeology of wrecks and submerged landscapes and the links between the marine environment, the atmosphere and climate change.

You undertake six core modules in the first and second years of the course. In the final year, two core modules are undertaken along with a choice of optional modules to allow you to tailor your final year studies.

Years 1 and 2 are spent in the University. In year 2, the residential field school takes place in the Algarve, Portugal where you will have first-hand experience of the marine and coastal environment. In Year 3 you can choose to continue directly into your final year of academic study or undertake a year’s work experience in a relevant marine industry (normally a paid placement) or study abroad.

For the study abroad option Marine Science students are placed in Universities in a number of exciting overseas destinations ranging from Australia to Tahiti for a full 12 months, undertaking study modules in marine-related topics. These Year 3 options also lead to either the Diploma in Industrial Studies (placement year) or the Diploma in International Academic Studies (study abroad). You then return to the University for Year 4 for the final year of academic study.

Entry Conditions -

A level: A minimum of 220 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades CD (to include at least two science subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Economics, and Information Communication Technology. Applied Science Double Award is also acceptable.
Irish Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 220 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades BCCCC to include at least one science subject as above. Applicants are also required to have ILC Higher Level English & Mathematics grade D or above or ILC Ordinary Level English & Mathematics grade C or above.
BTEC National Diploma: Pass overall BTEC ND with MMM (Appropriate science disciplines only acceptable).

Current issues in marine biology are highlighted on UU Marine Biology on twitter.

In addition to the BSc programmes, the School provides an intermediate 2-year Associate Bachelor Degree (ABD) programme in:

ABD in Environmental Studies

Course Director Dr Archie McKinley

This programme is designed to equip students to work in technical posts in the environmental area. It is also a route to further study as successful students can transfer directly on to honours degree programme in the school. The ABD gives students an understanding of environmental systems, including human systems, in a geographical context, and the pressures upon them. There is flexibility within the programme so that students can choose to specialises in environmental science, geography or marine science – and use this as a route to study on the honours degrees.

The course begins with a series of introductory modules in environmental studies, environment and society and human geography. You will attend a field trip to Donegal to examine a range of environmental and geographical issues. In the second half of the first year there are modules in geomorphology, data handling and marine science.

The areas of physical geography and ecology are further developed in the second year along with a chance to investigate environmental problems. In the final semester, Associate Bachelor students choose from the same set of modules as the honours degree students (either Environmental Science, Geography or Marine Science depending on your interest), giving a sound base for those who wish to progress onto the honours degree. Compulsory modules in this semester include the research methods modules that are based around a foreign field course.

Entry Conditions -

Applicants should normally possess GCSE passes at Grade C or equivalent in Mathematics and a subject testing the command of English.
A level: A minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff Points to include Grade D in 1 science subject from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Home Economics, PE, IT, Geography or Geology. Applied Science Double Award Grades EE acceptable.
Irish Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff Points to include DDDD (including 1 science subject as above). Applicants are also required to have ILC Higher Level Mathematics Grade D or above or ILC Ordinary Level Mathematics Grade C or above and a pass in a subject testing the command of English.
BTEC National Diploma: A minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff Points - Pass overall BTEC ND with PP (appropriate science disciplines only acceptable).
Access: Pass Certificate in Foundation Studies/Access Course (appropriate science subjects) with an overall average of 40%.

For further information on a specific degree programme, please see the prospectus.