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ESC-20108 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

ESC-20108 - Environmental Impact Assessment: Practical Geographical and Environmental Skills
Coordinator: Antonia Law Tel: +44 1782 7 34306
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to a variety of specialist field, laboratory and computer-based techniques of particular relevance to physical geography and environmental science. These focus around the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment on the university campus. The module builds upon core concepts and techniques introduced in the level 4 practical programmes whilst providing a portfolio of skills applicable to level 6 independent study projects. This module also develops of skills that are relevant to a range of specialist careers pathways.

Aims
This module aims to develop students' knowledge of undertaking research in the field and laboratory using skills and techniques appropriate to the fields of Environmental Science, Physical Geography, Environment and Sustainability and Ecology and Conservation. The module will provide students with experience of the research process from planning fieldwork and collecting data through to appropriate data analysis and presentation. Students will apply this learning to research in the real world through undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment on the university campus. This module builds upon concepts and techniques introduced at level I and provides a portfolio of skills and techniques applicable to level III independent research projects and careers in the environmental and sustainability sector.

Intended Learning Outcomes

identify and apply appropriate research methodologies to plan and execute fieldwork and laboratory
: 1
identify and apply specialist geographical and environmental techniques to collect appropriate data in the field and laboratory: 1
analyse, interpret and present data using methods appropriate to the fields of geography and environmental science in a written report: 1
evaluate the data collected to identify the geographic and environmental impact and possible solutions, relevant to a range of stakeholders, related to managing environmentally sensitive developments: 1,2
reflect and evaluate the quality of field and laboratory data and determine the most effective techniques for the collection, analysis and presentation of this data: 2
work effectively as an individual and collaboratively as part of a team to complete a group exercise within a specified time: 1

Study hours

12 X 3-hour, weekly lab and fieldwork sessions = 36 hours
1 x weekly orientation session = 12 hours
6 x drop-in sessions = 6 hours
70 hours working on EIA Report
26 hours working on video blog

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Individual Report weighted 80%
Environmental Impact Assessment
An industry standard, authentic Group Environmental Impact Assessment Report (2500 words). Students will work in small groups (~6 students) to produce a group report which collates, analyses and presents the data collected in the field and in the lab during the module. Each student produces a section required for the report and obtain a mark related to their individual sections. Additionally, the introduction and conclusion section must be completed as a group (worth 10% of the 80%).

2: Presentation weighted 20%
Reflective Video Blog
A 10 minute reflective presentation or written blog (equivalent to 1500 words) where students need to present their reflections on a) how their perceptions and understandings of completing research has changed b) what are the errors and limitations of using certain techniques in research and how can these errors be reduced c) how their experiences in this module will lead to approaching research differently in the future and what skills they have gained for their future careers.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024