Environmental Science for Environmental Management

Overview

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
• Convenor: Dr Simon Pooley
• Assessment: a 2000-word report (50%) and 3000-word essay (50%)

Module description

In this module, we will examine the science behind important environmental issues and impacts such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, ecosystems and ecosystems services, pollution and wildfires through topical lectures, exercises and discussions. We will also critically examine the conceptual, economic and social frameworks in which these environmental issues occur, notably the planetary boundaries and sustainable development goals, and investigate the linkages (or lack thereof) between environmental science, policy and management.

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• apply your understanding of scientific principles and processes to environmental management problems
• debate environmental issues and summarise current research findings
• explore the biophysical processes and mechanisms that underlie or drive environmental and sustainability issues
• understand how key conceptual frameworks and narratives influence how environmental problems are framed and prioritised
• articulate how environmental policy and decision making are shaped by ideas and judgements about risk, uncertainty and complexity
• discuss the pathways through which human society is responding to these threats.