Module: BIO5006-20 Environmental Management

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Stephanie Greshon

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.greshon@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Environmental crises are frequently in the news: pollution incidents; pesticides or pollutants implicated in the death of species from bees to whales; and, poor air quality leading to premature deaths in human populations. These problems are generally due to the impacts of human activities that directly affect species and their own well being through directly modifying, modifying and degrading the environment and through indirect effects via the use of resources and release of pollutants into the environment. These impacts occur against a backdrop of normal ecosystem processes and interactions where plant and animal species and their habitats affect and are affected by each other and the supporting physical/chemical environment with which they are intimately connected and upon which humans are dependent.

This module investigates key current environmental degradation that affect species, habitats and humans. In addition to identifying these problems, this module helps you to appreciate the scope of potential solutions. In particular, you will learn how we can manage environmental effects and have a more sustainable approach to protecting people, the wider environment and therefore the ecosystems upon which we depend.

Aims:

• To develop skills in field sampling and recording, laboratory analysis and the interpretation of findings in evaluating environmental quality

• To examine and critically understand environmental processes and quality and potential impacts of human activities on such processes and qualities.

• To understand the application of techniques used to regulate and minimise environmental degradation and how to communicate the need for and means of these techniques for the benefit of people and the wider environment.

2. Outline syllabus:

The physical/chemical environment will be investigated in terms of potential impacts on the biological components (people and wildlife). Themes that will be addressed include water, air and land quality, how these can be degraded by industries such as wastes management, mining/quarrying and agriculture, plus everyday activities such as energy use and water abstraction. For example, particular emphasis will be placed on water quality in rivers and streams, and the consequences for associated biota and as a drinking water source. Normal soil properties will be compared with the legacy of contaminated land in terms of pollutant cycling and reclamation options. Air quality issues will be addressed in terms of acidification, nitrogen enrichment of sensitive environments and the impact of air quality on human health.

The application of measures to predict and manage potential impacts on human health and wild species and habitats will be introduced and reviewed. In particular the application of environmental management tools such as Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Management Systems and Ecosystem Services will be evaluated.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

The module uses a combination of theory and practice (lectures, plus field and lab. work) to tackle a range of current environmental problems. You begin by investigating normal ambient environmental conditions and several forms of pollution in different environments. This is done through a series of field visits to record and sample environments. Subsequently you will analyse samples taken and interpret the findings to determine the extent of pollution and health of the environment. You’ll then research what might be done to improve the situation. Ultimately you will present one of these investigations in a report for assessment.

Throughout the module guest speakers will bring practical experience from industry to aid understanding of current issues, techniques and organisations involved in environmental management and protection. In the latter part of the module you will focus on a particular environmental problem and review environmental instruments commonly used to manage the associated environmental degradation and change. Working in small groups you will critically evaluate such techniques and present a case to illustrate an application and its potential to make the situation more sustainable. This presentation could be through a variety of media, such as PowerPoint, video, website, blog or screencast.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Individual Report (3500 words)

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Group Presentation (1500 words equivalent per person).

• % Weighting: 30%