Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 48

NATURAL SCIENCES

Applied Environmental Science
Overview

Applied Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary,
science-based degree programme which provides
you with the skills and knowledge required to tackle
global-scale environmental (and societal) problems
such as climate change, food security, water
resources, pollution and conservation.
The course at Keele combines the knowledge
of specialists within the disciplines of biology,
geology and chemistry to emphasise the role and
importance of basic scientific understanding and
practical skills in the analysis and management of
topical environmental issues. No previous knowledge
of environmental science is required and we also
consider applications from students who have not
taken science subjects at A-level. There are excellent
opportunities within the degree programme for you
to engage with environmental professionals and to
undertake environmentally focused work placements.
We also place strong emphasis throughout the
programme on the development of field-based,
practical and laboratory skills and you will have the
opportunity to study abroad.
A degree in Applied Environmental Science will
prepare you for a broad range of career options
including conservation, environmental consultancy
and environmental management, and in
environmental regulatory bodies and industry.
The Applied Environmental Science programme
at Keele is nationally recognised and accredited
by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

Course content

First year
The first year provides a sound basis and
understanding of the core sciences underpinning
the field of environmental science and of the
environmental issues faced by the world today.
Modules include:
Environmental Science Skills introduces the core
field and laboratory skills of environmental science
research and the application of these skills in the
study and management of environmental issues.
There is a residential field course to North Wales.
Ecology and the Environment provides an
introduction to the function and interaction of
plants and animals in populations and communities,
introduces key ecological field and laboratory-based
skills and considers the threats to biodiversity and
the role of conservation.
Introductory Environmental Chemistry provides
a solid foundation in core chemistry concepts,
terminology and practical (laboratory) skills from an
environmental perspective. Students are not required
to have studied A-level chemistry.

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Introductory Geology for the Environmental
Sciences highlights the role of geology in
environmental issues such as fracking, carbon
sequestration, developing sustainable water
resources and in contaminant transport (pollution).
Second year
In the second year you will develop a deeper
understanding of environmental issues, such as
genetic crop modification, food security, renewable
energy and ground water contamination, and of
the analytical and investigative skills demanded of
today’s environmental scientists. Residential field
courses provide real world, hands-on experience.
Alongside the core modules (Human Impacts on
the Environment, Integrated Environmental Field
Studies and Environmental Analytical Methods)
you choose one option module from a range that
includes a work placement module, Health and
the Environment, Geoscience and Society and
Sustainable Chemistry.
Third (or fourth) year
The third year provides the opportunity of increased
specialism in your particular areas of interest
or the flexibility to retain a broad coverage of
environmental issues. Option modules include:
Conservation Biology, Applied Geographic
Information Systems, Clean Technology, Natural
Hazards, Global Environmental Change and Water
Resources. All students undertake an independent
research project tailored to their individual interests.
Previous students have developed research projects
in collaboration with the University’s Environmental
Manager and with local conservation organisations.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching combines a wide range of approaches
including traditional lecture-based teaching,
seminars, field work and laboratory classes.
Assessments are varied and include traditional
examinations and essays, alongside more innovative
types of assessment such as technical reports,
presentations, reflective portfolios and diaries.

Work placement opportunities

We provide a range of exciting opportunities for
you to gain subject-specific work experience during
your degree programme. These include an optional
work placement module in the second year and the
option to undertake a work placement year between
the second and final year of your degree. Examples
of work placements that our students have recently
undertaken include: working with environmental
consultancies and local council, biodiversity and
conservation work at local nature reserves and work
with Thames Water and Severn Trent water.