Environmental Science

Program Overview

---

Environmental Science, BSc

Overview

The Environmental Science degree at Aberdeen will allow you to understand more about the environment from the local to global scale. It will allow you to appreciate the impact humans are having on the environment and how it can be managed. During the Environmental Science degree you will study an interdisciplinary programme which includes Environmental Biology, Geography and Geology, Soil Science, and Chemistry.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen
• UCAS Code: F900
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

What You'll Study

Each year you take a selection of compulsory courses and optional courses that can be chosen from those on offer across the institution. The first two years lay a foundation for the more specialised third and fourth years.

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Frontiers in Biological Sciences (BI1009)
  • Diversity of Life 1 (BI1012)
  • The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time (GL1005)
  • Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511)
  • The UN Sustainable Development Goals: Transforming Our World (GG1512)
  • Earth's Materials (GL1505)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018)
  • Ecology (BI2020)
  • Physical Environments (GG2013)
  • Conservation Biology (BI2509)
  • Plants, People, and the Environment (BI25P4)
  • The Living Landscape (BI25FB)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010)
  • Gateway to Honours Project (BI3511)
  • Environmental Analysis (EV3802)
  • Catchment Management (EK3307)
  • Global Soils and the Environment (EV3005)
  • Plants, Soils and Sustainability (PL3311)
  • Ecosystem Processes (PL3506)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 credit points from Term 2 courses of choice.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • SBS Honours Project (BI4016)
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EV4802)
  • Environmental Pollution (BI4823)
• Optional Courses: Plus 45 credit points from courses of choice, at least 15 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (i.e. BI, EK, EV, PL, or ZO courses) at level 4.

How You'll Study

• Combine practice and theory: Typically, one third of your class time is practical and many courses include full-day practical classes and field visits.
• Research experience: You are actively involved in scientific research throughout your degree. In Year 4, you conduct independent research which can be pivotal to your career choice.
• Engaging and inspiring teaching: Our teaching methods are diverse, innovative and based on research on how students learn.

Learning Methods

• Field Work
• Group Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies you learn on the course
• Written examinations at the end of each course

Why Study Environmental Science?

• Our degree in Environmental Science aims to train you to recognise and understand the threats and conflicts in the environment today and appreciate the steps required to develop solutions.
• You will develop quantitative skills that will allow you to address current environmental issues.
• You will benefit from the opportunity to work outdoors and apply your classroom and field work knowledge to real life situations.

Careers

• Environmental Adviser
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Protection Officer
• Nature Conservationist

Industry Links

We have strong local, national and international links to industry, government bodies, charities and other research institutions.

Accreditation

This is an IEMA approved programme. Graduates automatically qualify for GradIEMA professional status – showing you are part of the next generation of leaders in sustainability.

Facilities

• Lighthouse Field Station
• Research facilities
• Science Teaching Hub

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: Standard: AABB, Minimum: BBB, Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS: Standard: BBB, Minimum: BBC, Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £24,800
• Home Students: £1,820

Scholarships and Funding

• UK Scholarship: Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding.
• Aberdeen Global Scholarship: The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

---

Environmental Science, BSc

This program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to understand and address current environmental issues. The curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary studies, encompassing environmental biology, geography, geology, soil science, and chemistry. Through this program, students will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the environment from local to global scales.
• Appreciate the impact humans have on the environment and learn how to manage it effectively.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address environmental challenges.
• Enhance their research and communication skills through diverse learning methods.

---

Outline:

---

Year 1:

• Global Worlds, Local Challenges
• Earth's Materials
• Frontiers in Biological Sciences
• Diversity of Life 1
• The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time
• Ecology and Environmental Science
• The UN Sustainable Development Goals: Transforming Our World
• Earth's Materials
• Optional Courses (30 credits)

---

Year 2:

• The Living Landscape
• Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST)
• Ecology
• Physical Environments
• Conservation Biology
• Plants, People, and the Environment
• Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST)
• Optional Courses (30 credits)

---

Year 3:

• Soils for Food Security
• Global Soil Geography
• Ecosystem Processes
• Environmental Analysis and Statistics
• Statistical Analysis of Biological Data
• Gateway to Honours Project
• Environmental Analysis
• Optional Courses (30 credits)

---

Year 4 (Honours):

• SBS Honours Project
• Environmental Pollution
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Optional Courses (45 credits)

---

Note:

The exact course offerings and schedule may vary depending on the academic year.

---

Assessment:

Students are evaluated through a combination of coursework, practical assessments, and written examinations. The specific weightage of each component may vary depending on the individual course. Typical assessment methods include:

• Essays and reports
• Practical exercises and data analysis
• Presentations and group projects
• Final examinations

---

Teaching:

The program utilizes a diverse range of teaching methods to enhance student learning and engagement. These include:

• Fieldwork and laboratory work
• Lectures and seminars
• Group projects and presentations
• Research projects and independent study
• Case studies and simulations
The faculty comprises experienced researchers and professionals with expertise in environmental science and related fields. They employ innovative teaching approaches, including:
• Problem-based learning
• Collaborative learning
• Case study analysis
• Simulation and role-playing
• Field trips and research excursions

---

Careers:

Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths in the environmental field, including:

• Environmental consultant
• Environmental scientist
• Ecologist
• Sustainability manager
• Policy analyst
• Research scientist
• Educator
• Conservationist
The program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in various sectors, including:
• Government agencies
• Environmental consulting firms
• Research institutions
• Non-profit organizations
• Private companies
• Educational institutions

---

Other:

• The program offers field trips and research opportunities to provide practical experience.
• Students can participate in internships and work placements to gain industry experience.
• The program allows for a year-long study abroad opportunity.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources for research and learning.
• The program emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and prepares students to address complex environmental challenges.

---

RUK

£9,250

---

EU / International students

£24,800

---

Home Students

£1,820