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BSc (Hons) Environmental Sciences (2+2)

Course outline

This course develops a fundamental scientific understanding of environmental and ecological processes and systems. These systems are also studied in their social, economic, political and cultural settings. In addition the modules offered allow students to develop skills in the collection, processing and analysis of environmental data which are eventually useful in the development and evaluation of policy and practical training in the techniques of environmental management.

The course is multidisciplinary in nature and involves modules from two Schools: Geography and Biosciences. Students can also opt for courses run by the Faculty of Engineering. Participants benefit from exposure to this wide range of perspectives on environmental processes and issues.

This wide choice of modules allows students to design a degree programme tailored to their personal interests and career aspirations with an emphasis throughout on teaching realistic and transferable skills. 

Course structure

Year One (Preliminary Year-Ningbo)

Modules common to many degrees at UNNC are studied including:

  • Written and Oral communication and study
  • Communication and IT Skills
  • English in specific academic contexts

Plus a specific foundation environmental module:

  • Introduction to the Environment

Students also work in small groups to develop their academic English language skills.

Year Two (Qualifying Year-Ningbo)

Skills modules taught this year include:

  • Interpreting Environmental Data
  • Introduction to GIS
  • The Digital Earth (which are supported by small group tutorials).

Plus specialised modules on:

  • Global Environmental Processes
  • Environmental Management
  • Principles of Ecology

Plus contextualisation of the above with an Environmental Science Dissertation.

Year Three (Part I-Nottingham)

The skills developed at Ningbo are enhanced throughout this year and optional choices allow the development of knowledge in more specialised field of environmental science including:

  • Soil Science
  • Hydrology and Hydrogeochemistry
  • Climate and Environmental Change
  • Engineering geology, Energy and the Environment and Environmental Assessment
  • Landscape processes in Desert, River and Coastal environments

Another optional module on Environment and Development in China reinforces the China focus of the course.

Year Four (Part II-Nottingham)

This year involves the opportunity for students to practice and demonstrate their acquired skills through a major independent research project leading to the submission of a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic chosen by the student.

Taught modules increasingly focus on the practicaland applied aspects of Environmental Science with modules on:

  • Environmental Contaminants and Pollutants
  • Environmental Modelling
  • River, Coast and Ecological Conservation and Management
  • Remote Sensing and Landscape Visualisation
  • Hazardous Waste Management and Environmental Assessment