Environmental Science with Education and optional placement year BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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This Environmental Science with Education program combines environmental science with an educational focus, preparing graduates to become educators or pursue careers in environmental management, research, or policy. The program emphasizes active learning, practical experience, and employability skills, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address critical environmental challenges. Graduates are eligible for professional accreditation and can pursue careers in environmental education, management, research, and advocacy.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Environmental Science with Education and optional placement year - BSc (Hons)

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Overview:

This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address critical environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. It combines a strong foundation in environmental science with an educational focus, preparing graduates to become educators or pursue careers in environmental management, research, or policy.

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Objectives:

• Understand the scientific principles and processes that govern the environment.
• Develop a critical understanding of contemporary environmental challenges and their social, economic, and political dimensions.
• Acquire the pedagogical skills and knowledge necessary to effectively educate others about environmental issues.
• Gain practical experience through fieldwork, laboratory work, and optional placement opportunities.

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Description:

The program offers a rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Climate change science and impacts
• Biodiversity conservation
• Environmental pollution and remediation
• Sustainable resource management
• Environmental policy and governance
• Environmental education and communication
Students will also develop essential research, analytical, and communication skills, preparing them for successful careers in various environmental fields.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

The program is a full-time, four-year undergraduate course, including an optional one-year placement. It is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, fieldwork, and laboratory work.

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Year 1:

• Introduction to Environmental Science
• Environmental Systems
• Climate Change
• Environmental Education and Communication
• Field Skills and Research Methods

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Year 2:

• Environmental Pollution and Remediation
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Environmental Policy and Governance
• Sustainable Resource Management
• Environmental Education and Learning

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Year 3:

• Optional Placement Year
• Research Project
• Advanced Environmental Science Topics
• Environmental Education and Curriculum Development

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Year 4:

• Dissertation
• Environmental Management and Leadership
• Environmental Education and Advocacy
• Professional Development

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Modules:

Each year consists of several modules that cover specific topics in detail. Some examples of modules offered include:

• Contemporary Educational Issues: This module introduces students to central educational concepts and values, providing a foundation for critical reflection and learning.
• Facilitating An Effective Learning Environment: This module focuses on creating effective learning environments, exploring theoretical and practical approaches to fostering key conditions for successful learning.
• Environmental Systems: This module delves into the theory of environmental systems, using various examples to illustrate system behavior and analysis.
• Climate Change: This module explores the science behind climate change, its impacts, and potential solutions.
• Environmental Policy and Governance: This module analyzes environmental policy frameworks, governance structures, and international agreements.

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Schedule:

The program follows a traditional academic year schedule, with semesters running from September to December and January to April. Each semester typically includes 10-12 modules, with each module requiring around 10 hours of student effort per week.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the modules but may include:

• Coursework: Assignments, essays, projects, and presentations demonstrating students' research, analysis, and communication skills.
• Practical work: Reports, data analysis, and presentations based on laboratory experiments or fieldwork.
• Dissertation: A substantial research project undertaken in the final year, requiring in-depth analysis and independent research.
Assessment criteria are tailored to each module, focusing on specific learning outcomes and the demonstration of knowledge, skills, and understanding.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and provide a comprehensive learning experience. These methods include:

• Seminars and Tutorials: Smaller group sessions fostering discussion, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Fieldwork: Hands-on experience in collecting data, conducting experiments, and observing environmental processes.
• Laboratory work: Practical exercises to develop technical skills and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Guest lectures: Industry experts sharing their insights and experiences with students.

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Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and passionate academics with expertise in various environmental fields. These faculty members are actively involved in research, ensuring that the program's content remains current and relevant to contemporary environmental issues.

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Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes active learning and student engagement, encouraging students to think critically, solve problems, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This approach is supported by the use of various teaching methods and technologies, including:

• Blended learning: Combining online resources and face-to-face interactions to enhance flexibility and learning opportunities.
• Virtual field trips: Using virtual reality technology to explore distant environments and gain firsthand experience with environmental phenomena.
• Problem-based learning: Posing real-world environmental challenges to encourage students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Environmental Education: Teachers, curriculum developers, educators in formal and non-formal settings.
• Environmental Management: Conservation officers, ecologists, environmental consultants, environmental impact assessment specialists, sustainability coordinators.
• Environmental Research: Researchers, PhD students, scientists in government agencies or private research institutions.
• Environmental Policy and Advocacy: Policy analysts, environmental lawyers, campaigners, NGO representatives.
• The program offers optional placement opportunities, allowing students to gain valuable work experience in industry or research organizations.
• Graduates are eligible to apply for professional accreditation with relevant environmental organizations.
• The program places a strong emphasis on employability skills, equipping students with the necessary competencies to secure successful careers in their chosen field.