Studying at York
Concepts in Environmental Science - ENV00027C
Module summary
This module provides students with an understanding of key concepts in Environmental Science using a problem-based approach in a series of seminars and field and lab practicals, which enable the students to apply the concepts in freshwater, marine and atmospheric environments. Key skills training in the research process, fundamental calculations for environmental science, and finding and using sources is included in this module.
Professional requirements
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Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 to Spring Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
- To provide students with an understanding of key concepts in Environmental Science using a problem-based approach in a series of seminars which enable the students to apply the concepts in freshwater, marine and atmospheric environments. These fundamental environmental principles will feed into more advanced modules in years 2 and 3.
- To allow students to develop ‘hands-on’ experience in primary data collection, environmental field and lab techniques, fundamental environmental calculations, data analysis and report writing. A portfolio will be put together based on small tasks associated with the practicals and seminars during the module, involving data handling and analysis, fundamental environmental calculations and exercises on environmental concepts. A lab report will be written based on one of the later sets of field/lab practical sessions.
- To provide students with key skills training in the research process, fundamental calculations for environmental science, and finding and using sources.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
- To understand and be able to apply to problem solve, key concepts of environmental science
- To have an awareness of key research methods
Academic and graduate skills
- To be able to undertake environmental experiments in the field and lab and collect high quality data
- To be competent in analysing, interpreting and reporting environmental data sets
- To be competent in carrying out fundamental environmental calculations
- To be able to find and use relevant sources for research and critical evaluation of environmental issues
- To develop skills to work in a group during field and lab practicals
Module content
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Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
| Essay/coursework | 60 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The students will also receive formative feedback during sessions, and can receive regular feedback through the Skills Suport Hub on the VLE. Furthermore, throughout the course, peer review activities will be used to provide formative feedback related to lab report sections that correspond to practicals that are not used for the Lab Report assessment.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Work will be returned according the standard Environment Department “turnaround time" of four weeks. Individual written feedback will be provided as well as additional feedback during dedicated sessions.
For online assessments, results and comprehensive solutions will be returned to students as soon as the activity closes in the particular week it is assigned. In week 8 of spring term, the results of the 8 assessments will be collated and submitted as a single mark representing 40% of the total mark.
Indicative reading
Andrews, J.E., Brimblecombe, P., Jickells, T.D., Liss, P.S. and Reid, B. (2004). Introduction to Environmental Chemistry, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK.
Baird, C. and Cann, M. (2012). Environmental Chemistry, Fifth Edition, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, USA.