MSc Environmental Management

Title:

Ecosystem Services

Code:

APMA102

Convenor:

DR Yuan Pan

Summary:

The planet carries humans on its shoulders, its ecosystems constantly providing a myriad of things and subsidies which we use and often abuse. You will learn the fundamentals of the relationship between the humans and the provision of Ecosystem Services, their consumption, management, and conservation. You will discuss your ideas on how to preserve Ecosystem Services in a range of UK environments with researchers and practitioners, who bring cutting edge information and knowledge to the module. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Report 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Environmental Management: Principles and Practice

Code:

APMA91

Convenor:

PROF Simon Mortimer

Summary:

Learn how the principles of environmental management are applied in professional settings. Using a series of lectures, case studies and field visits, we will examine the motivations for businesses and organisations to carry out environmental management, the ways in which environmental impacts are assessed and the systems employed to minimise environmental problems.

Assessment Method:

Report 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Environmental Economics

Code:

APME77

Convenor:

DR Sanzidur Rahman

Summary:

Develop the skill set needed to analyse environmental problems. Learn about environmental policy making. In the computer lab, apply key techniques used by environmental economists such as environmental valuation. In this module, based on microeconomic foundations, we will consider, for example, conditions under which tradable permits, taxes, or subsidies might be most effective at controlling pollution; and how to deal with international environmental problems.

Assessment Method:

Practical 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Research Project

Code:

GVMRP

Convenor:

DR Jess Neumann

Summary:

This module provides training in the skills required to devise, carry out and report a natural/ social science-based project.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 20%, Dissertation 80%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Skills for Independent Learning and Research

Code:

GVMSILR

Convenor:

PROF Elizabeth Shaw

Summary:

Through seminars, tutorials and coursework, this module is designed to provide training in the skills required to study and research at postgraduate level. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Oral 30%, Set exercise 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Waste and Environmental Management

Code:

GVMWENM

Convenor:

DR Steve Robinson

Summary:

Through a combination of lectures and site vists, this module aims to develop the student's understanding of the principles and practice of waste production and management.  The lectures include contributions from external speakers on a range of technical and political challenges facing the waste industry.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Issues in Agriculture, Ecology and Environment

Code:

APMA112

Convenor:

DR Lindsay Todman

Summary:

Gain the contextual background for the MSc by Research in Agriculture, Ecology & Environment, integrating the ecology and environmental science with social and economic considerations. The module will comprise lectures over autumn and spring terms combined with a series of seminars and debates in the autumn term. Lecture content is shared with APMA103 and will cover a range of contemporary issues, allowing you to question and consider the scope for sustainable intensification of agriculture. We will draw on material from a range of disciplines (environmental and social sciences, and economics).

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Oral 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Agriculture in the Tropics

Code:

APMA41

Convenor:

DR Andrew Daymond

Summary:

Learn about the agricultural systems of tropical and sub-tropical regions. Examine the major components of agricultural systems including crops, livestock, soils and climate, and their interactions. Discuss Awareness of current issues for agriculture in developing countries such as the 'Green Revolution' and the use of pesticides.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Oral 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Water, Agriculture and Irrigation

Code:

APMA89

Convenor:

DR Gillian Rose

Summary:

Globally agriculture uses approximately 70% of the available freshwater therefore responsible water management is key to global sustainability. In this module you will gain an understanding of the soil and plant processes which contribute to the management of water for crop production and how these are used to schedule irrigation. After learning about the different irrigation methods you will use your knowledge to design an irrigation system and schedule using the Aquacrop simulation model.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 45%, Class test 55%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Climate change and food systems

Code:

APMA90

Convenor:

DR Jake Bishop

Summary:

Anybody working in the food system needs to consider climate change. You will learn about the global climate system and how organisms respond to climate factors. You will apply this knowledge to understand how agriculture and the wider food system need to adapt to climate change. You will learn about a range of scientific approaches used in this area of research, how to decipher the methodology sections of scientific papers, and how to critique what you read in scientific journals and in the media. You will also develop transferable skills in literature review and information synthesis.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Plants, Greenspace and Urban Sustainability

Code:

APMA96

Convenor:

DR Tijana Blanusa

Summary:

Plants in towns and cities deliver a range of benefits. Through a series of lectures you will be learning how interventions such as green roofs and walls, urban gardens and street trees contribute to regulating ecosystem services (microclimate modification, flood and noise mitigation, air quality moderation, biodiversity provision). A visit to a roof garden in central Reading should stimulate thinking about what is possible in practice. We will also be discussing issues around urban food production. The module will provide answers on appropriate urban greening interventions needed to improve environmental quality, as well as human health and quality of life.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Assignment 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Qualitative Research Methods

Code:

APME40

Convenor:

DR Giacomo Zanello

Summary:

Gain fundamental knowledge of qualitative research methods and evaluate the contribution of such methods to social science research, particularly in relation to economics and as applied in the fields of agriculture and food. Learn through integrated lectures, practical sessions, and applied group work.

Assessment Method:

Oral 60%, Class test 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Energy, Climate Change and Development

Code:

APME75

Convenor:

DR Nick Bardsley

Summary:

Examine the core social and economic processes contributing to climate change and critically assess proposed solutions, drawing on ecological economics and energy economics. Learn through lectures integrated with student-centred learning activities and guided preparatory reading.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Oral 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Climate Change

Code:

GVMCC

Convenor:

PROF Maria Shahgedanova

Summary:

This course examines natural and human-induced climate change with reference to examples from different parts of the world. By the end of the module, students will gain knowledge about forcings driving climate change (e.g. greenhouse gases, solar variability, volcanic eruptions, desert dust and black carbon aerosol), impacts of climate change on natural and managed systems, methods of climate change assessment and projection, and adaptation to climate change. The course combines the science of climate change (e.g. climatic variability with emphasis on El Nino Souther Oscillation and North Atlantic Oscillation, conceptual understanding of climate modelling) with its application (e.g. investigation of impacts of climate change on glaciated environments, water resources, urban areas). It addresses interactions between climatic changes and conditions of economies and communities focusing on vulnerabilities to climate change, development of adaptation strategies and techniques, and assessments of barriers to adaptation. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Assignment 40%, Oral 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Environmental Consultancy

Code:

GVMENVC

Convenor:

DR Udeme Dickson

Summary:

You will work in a team of students to deliver an Environmental Consultancy project for a client which will involve planning and executing a sampling strategy, collecting primary data, plotting spatial data, interpreting the data to make recommendations, writing a consultancy-style report, and presenting findings to an expert panel.

You will benefit from a genuine environmental consultancy experience that can be used as a convincing case study to demonstrate competencies to future employers.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Oral 25%, Set exercise 15%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Environmental and Pollution Microbiology

Code:

GVMEPM

Convenor:

PROF Elizabeth Shaw

Summary:

This module provides an understanding of the major groups of microorganisms in soils, their adaptation to soil environments, and their impact on the wider environment. Emphasis is placed on the role of soil microorganisms in global cycling of C, N, P and S and in the degradation and transformation of natural and anthropogenic chemicals in the environment (biogeochemical processes). The course also provides students with examples of the benefits of managing soil microorganisms for environmental sustainability. The associated practical work provides students with practical experience of measuring, isolating and testing examples of soil microorganisms and quantifying microbially-mediated processes.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Report 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Field Class

Code:

GVMFC

Convenor:

DR Tom Sizmur

Summary:

This module provides field examples of problems discussed during the teaching terms of Environmental Management and Environmental Pollution. You will obtain further hands on experience of monitoring and assessing environmental issues e.g. ecosystem services, contaminated land, water quality, and sustainable land management. The class runs from Sunday to Friday during the Easter vacation.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Laboratory Analysis of Soils and Pollutants

Code:

GVMLASP

Convenor:

DR Udeme Dickson

Summary:

GVMLASP develops your laboratory and reporting skills. Over the course of 10 practical classes you will develop knowledge of the main analyses which are applied to soils to determine properties pertinent to the fate and behaviour of pollutants. You will also undertake a number of tests that are used to assess the concentration and bioavailability of a suite of contaminants in polluted soils. This module provides practical experience of techniques introduced and applied in GVMPBE.

Assessment Method:

Practical 30%, Report 70%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Pollutant Behaviour in the Environment

Code:

GVMPBE

Convenor:

PROF Anne Verhoef

Summary:

The module focuses on both the processes and applied aspects of pollutant behaviour in the environment with an emphasis on terrestrial and freshwater systems and their interface

Assessment Method:

Assignment 40%, Report 60%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Preparing For Floods

Code:

GVMPFF

Convenor:

PROF Hannah Cloke

Summary:

The module will provide a basis for understanding key issues in flood preparedness, from the local to the global scale, including flood forecasting and warning, response and incident management and building community resilience. The module uses lectures, seminars for discussion and includes a visit to the European Flood Awareness System operational centre. As students on this module will come from a range of academic backgrounds, they may select either a forecast modelling or policy critique based assignment. The module will be run in conjunction with GV3PF Preparing for Floods to increase opportunity for peer discussion.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 45%, Oral 35%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Data

Code:

GVMQAD

Convenor:

DR Shovonlal Roy

Summary:

Quantitative data analysis is essential for Environmental Science. These practical skills increase our understanding of natural environmental processes and the impact of human activity on the environment (e.g. pollution and land management) through the analysis of data collected during practical investigations. This module will provide an overview of commonly used statistical and graphical techniques for environmental data analysis. Students will have the opportunity to design simple experiments, collect and analyse their own data, as well as analyse real data sets provided from different environmental research studies.

Assessment Method:

Report 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Urban Air Quality

Code:

GVMUAQ

Convenor:

DR Hong Yang

Summary:

The impact of human activity on urban air quality and subsequent effect on environment and human health is one of the main environmental issues in our time. This module will provide students with an overall understanding of urban air pollution as a basis for evaluating recent advances in scientific knowledge on the influence of traffic, industry, and domestic energy consumption on air quality in urban environments. Particular focus will be given to understanding traffic and urban air pollution. The module will also measure air quality and model the concentration and emission of air pollutants affected by anthropogenic activities. A visit to a monitoring site or industrial installation will be included.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Oral 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Global Environmental Change, Justice and Development

Code:

IDM099

Convenor:

DR Andrew Ainslie

Summary:

It’s an ever more interconnected world out there with complex, interacting drivers of change. You’ll learn about the trade-offs in environmental change and social justice that are now central to the development–environment nexus at all levels, from local to global. By exploring a range of conceptual framings of this complexity and then applying this learning to a number of exciting case-studies, you will develop the expertise to understand - and the confidence to tackle - socio-environmental challenges. And you will learn this all through reading, interactive small-group learning, film clips, seminars, study visits, and case-studies introduced and led by regional specialists.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 40%, Oral 10%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

The Science of Climate Change (M-level)

Code:

MTMCC

Convenor:

PROF Nigel Arnell

Summary:

This module provides an introduction to the science of climate change, aimed at students who do not necessarily have a scientific background.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Assignment 25%, Practical 25%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.