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ESC-30045 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 29 August 2022

ESC-30045 - Contemporary Topics in Environmental Science
Coordinator: Ian Oliver Tel: +44 1782 7 34956
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites



Barred Combinations



Description for 2022/23

Contemporary Topics in Environmental Science digs deeply into two important current issues in environmental science. It engenders holistic, scientifically detailed understanding of the topics covered. Focusing on 'Contemporary' topics, by its very nature, means that the module will vary in content (i.e. topics covered) periodically according to the emergence and development of environmental science issues and the available expertise within the School.

Aims
The module aims to provide in-depth coverage of two highly topical, contemporary topics in environmental science. The aim is to focus on how environmental science is applied in understanding and addressing these contemporary issues. The specific topics covered will be adapted and/or rotated periodically, in line with staff availability and expertise and the emergence of new pressing environmental science issues. Topic examples include i) Ecotoxicology and chemical risk assessment; ii) Environmental monitoring and regulation; iii) Nutrient cycles, fluxes and management; iv) Food security; v) climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-30045/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

identify and explain in detail the science behind key contemporary issues covered by the module: 1,2
present informed written arguments/opinions about options for addressing and/or managing the environmental issues covered: 1,2
appraise the applications of environmental science within the settings of key organisation types active in the wider environmental sector (i.e. researchers, consultancy firms, regulatory authorities, NGOs): 1,2
search for, critically evaluate and utilise information from the literature on key environmental issues: 1,2

Study hours

16h Lectures
14h Workshops and discussion sessions
60h Independent coursework
60h Private study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Individual Report weighted 50%
2500 word written technical report on the first topic covered in the module
Individual 2500 word technical report using a framework widely used in the environmental sector (e.g. a risk assessment dossier) requiring searching, assimilation and use of relevant literature.

2: Essay weighted 50%
2500 word essay on the second topic covered in the module
Individual 2500 word essay requiring searching, assimilation and use of relevant literature to formulate an opinion and conclusion based on a question set within the context of the second contemporary topic covered in the module.

Please note that for the 2021/22 Academic Year all programmes will be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there will 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: 29 August 2022