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ESC-20142 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

ESC-20142 - Geoethics and Environmental Justice
Coordinator: Steven Rogers Tel: +44 1782 7 33752
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

-

Barred Combinations

-

Description for 2025/26

In this module you will investigate the ethical dimensions of geosciences and their impact on environmental justice. Topics include principles of geoethics, the role of geoscientists and geographers in society, and the ethical challenges in resource extraction and management. The module addresses environmental justice issues, focusing on the distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, the rights of indigenous and marginalized communities, and the development of sustainable practices. Case studies and interactive discussions will highlight real-world applications and ethical dilemmas.

Aims
On this module you will develop an awareness of the essential contributions of geoscience to the economic, environmental and cultural needs of society. You will study and gain an advanced understanding of the principles of geoethics and environmental justice. You will also reflect on the aspects of geoscience that relate to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Case studies will be utilised to develop an appreciation of these aims and to place geological activities into context of social, economic and environmental impacts.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically evaluate, communicate effectively and apply awareness of geoscience challenges in resource exploration and exploitation, geohazards, geodiversity management, and their impact on society: 1
Apply geoethics and environmental justice concepts and procedure to a range of geo-related activities: 1
analyse and critique open access geoscience data for georesource and anthropogenic hazard assessment, and communicate effectively the importance of such data for future developments, societal needs and the UN Sustainable Development Goals: 1

Study hours

30 Active learning hours
- 15 hours scheduled synchronous class activity
- 15 hours structured engagement with online material
120 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Report weighted 100%
Geoethics and Environmental Justice Report
A report on a topic suggested by, or designed in collaboration with, the teaching team (3000 words). The report must include data from, and be informed by, case studies and related literature.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025