BSc Environmental Science

Our BSc Environmental Science course contains a core of modules designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge required for understanding the different parts of the Earth System. Beyond these core modules you can select from a wide range of options that allows you to focus on the aspects of environmental science that suit your own strengths and interests. We try to be as flexible as possible within the constraints of the timetable and although there are several suggested pathways through the degree you can choose combinations of modules to match your own specialist interests. Example 'pathways' through the degree include:

• Climate Change
• Habitat Management
• Environmental Change

But there are many others available. 

A small intake of students allows us to cater for individual needs, and our students highlight our enthusiastic lecturers ability to explain things well (National Student Survey 2010). Our divers and cosmopolitan intake of students mean that you will be studying with people from around the world.

The BSc Environmental Science and our four year BSc Environmental Science with Professional Experience accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences

The first year

The first year is designed to provide a sound foundation in the main aspects of environmental science with an introduction to the components of the Earth System and the impact of human activity on our planet. Modules in the science (10 credits) and maths (10 credits) of the environment are designed to develop a quantitative understanding of the Earth System and a field class, ususally based in the Mendip Hills, held at Easter provides an introduction to environmental science field techniques and observations. Optional modules can be selected from a wide choice in earth sciences, physical geography, ecology, countryside management, chemistry, archaeology and meteorology according to your particular interests and background.

The second year

The second year devotes special attention to the development of skills and technical experience. Investigative and recording skills in the field and laboratory are enhanced by library and computer based research techniques. The second year field class, based in a semi-arid region of Southern Spain, invesitgates how rainfall has a profound effect on the soils and vegetation of the area as well as the implications for water supply to agriculture and tourism.

Optional modules can be selected from the wide range available in environmental science, archaeology, ecology, botany, chemistry, meteorology, physical geography and zoology allowing you to begin to specialise in particular aspects of environmental science or to select modules which compliment those taken previously.

Year of professional experience

A year of professional experience is available in the third year of the four year BSc Environmental Science with Professional Experience degree (F852). This is designed to give you experience of working in a professional environment for an extended period of time.

The final year

The final year is designed to integrate the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous years. The Independent Project involves undertaking a piece of original practical research and writing it up in the form of a scientific publication. Recent projects include:

• The use of wood chips as an alternative for biomass energy.
• Pine plantation to heathland: is it sustainable?
• Pollutant fate in the soil-plant-water-atmosphere system of a constructed reed meadow.
• Assessment of solar and wind power use in Cyprus
• The sustainable management of food waste in medium sized enterprises: a case study
• Can sustainable development be achieved at a former quarry site?

Land Evaluation is a core final year module that investigates how the quality of different types of land, including wetlands, can be evaluated and strategies for its management.

Your choice of optional modules allows you to specialise in a key area of environmental science to suit your own interests.

Read a detailed programme specification (PDF format) for more details of the course content: BSc Environmental Science and BSc Environmental Science with Professional Experience

Year 1

Compulsory Modules

• ES1A3 Chemistry of the Earth and Environment
• ES1A4 Introduction to Physics of the Environment
• ES1B1 Introduction to Environmental Science
• ES1B2 Environmental Science Field Class
• ES1D1 Earth Structure and Processes
• SS1A1 Introduction to Soil Science

Optional Modules

Choose from a wide range including:

• ES1D2 Earth Materials
• ES1F2 Biogeography and Soils
• BI1ED2 Mammals: Diversity, Behaviour and Conservation
• GG1D Hydrology
• GG1GS Geomorphology
• MT11C Introduction to Meteorology
• LA1XX1 IWLP - Various Languages

Year 2

Compulsory Modules

• ES2M5 Global Quaternary Climate Change
• ES2F4 Soil Ecology and Function
• ES2B4 Predicting Natural and Contaminated Environments
• ES2H4 Transport Processes in the Environment

A field class chosen from:

• ES2Z6 Environmental Science Field Class
• AP2A21 Practical Environmental Sciences Field Course (to be taken at end of Term 3)

Optional modules

Choose from a wide range including:

• ES2C5 Crime Scene Analysis
• ESD5 Sustainable Resource Management
• ES2M5 Quaternary Global Climate Change
• ES2N5 Laboratory Methods
• AP2A59 Nature Conservation
• BI2EX5 Introduction to Entomology
• GG2P3 Human Activity and Environmental Change
• MM270 Entrepreneurship

Year 3

Optional year of professional experience.

Final Year

Compulsory modules

• ES3IP Independent Project
• ES3G8 Contaminated Land Management
• ES3I7 Carbon and Global Change

Optional Modules

Choose from a wide range including:

• ES3F8 Applied and Environmental Soil Microbiology
• ES3J8 Soil, Atmosphere and Vegetation Modelling
• ES3LP Environmental Science Literature Project
• ES3Z8 Earth Systems Field Class
• AR3S13 Vegetation History & Archaeobotany
• BI3EJ8 Conservation Biology
• BI3EY7 Living Landscapes
• GG334 Glacial and Periglacial Geomorphology
• GG3CC Climate Change