2017/8 - ENV-4006B SUSTAINABILITY, SOCIETY AND BIODIVERSITY
Spring Semester, Level 4 module
(Maximum 160 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor Carlos Peres
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:CJL
Exam Paper(hrs):1
Striking a balance between societal development, economic growth and environmental
protection has proven challenging and contentious. The concept of `sustainability’ was coined
to denote processes aiming to achieve this balance. This module introduces sustainable
development, and examines why sustainability is so difficult to achieve, bringing together
social and ecological perspectives. It also explores sustainability from an ecological
perspective, introducing a range of concepts relevant to the structure and functioning of the
biosphere and topics ranging from landscape and population ecology, to behavioural,
physiological, molecular ecology, and biodiversity conservation at different scales. This
module is assessed by coursework and an examination.
2017/8 - ENV-4007B ATMOSPHERE & OCEANS I
Spring Semester, Level 4 module
(Maximum Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Parvadha Suntharalingam
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:BB
Exam Paper(hrs):2
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-4008B
The habitability of planet Earth depends on the physical and chemical systems on the planet
which control everything from the weather and clim ate to the growth of all living organisms.
This module aims to introduce you to some of these key cycles and the ways in which
physical and chemical scientists investigate and interpret these systems. The module will lead
many of you on to second and third year courses (and beyond) studying these systems in
more detail, but even for those of you who choose to study other aspects of environmental
sciences a basic knowledge of these systems is central to understanding our planet and how it
responds to human pressures. The course has two distinct components, one on the physical
study of the environment (Physical Processes: e.g. weather, climate, ocean circulation, etc.)
and one on the chemical study (Chemical Processes: weathering, atmospheric pollution,
ocean productivity, etc.). During the course of the module the teachers will also emphasise
the inter-relationships between these two sections This course is taught in two variants: In
4007B (described here) we will provide a Basic Chemistry introduction for those students
who have little or no background in chemistry before coming to UEA (see pre-requisites). If
you have previous experience of chemistry you will take ENV 4008B. This course will run
throughout semester 2 involving a mixture of lectures, laboratory practical classes,
workshops and a half day field trip.
2017/8 - ENV-4008B ATMOSPHERE & OCEANS II
Spring Semester, Level 4 module
(Maximum Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Parvadha Suntharalingam
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:BB
Exam Paper(hrs):2
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-4007B
The habitability of planet Earth depends on the physical and chemical systems on the planet
which control everything from the weather and climate to the growth of all living organisms.
This module aims to introduce you to some of these key cycles and the ways in which
physical and chemical scientists investigate and interpret these systems. The module will lead
many of you on to second and third year courses (and beyond) studying these systems in
more detail, but even for those of you who choose to study other aspects of environmental
sciences a basic knowledge of these systems is central to understanding our planet and how it
responds to human pressures. The course has two distinct components, one on the physical
study of the environment (Physical Processes: e.g. weather, climate, ocean circulation, etc.)
and one on the chemical study (Chemical Processes: weathering, atmospheric pollution,
ocean productivity, etc.). During the course of the module the teachers will also emphasise
the inter-relationships between these two sections This course is taught in two variants. The
version of the course described here (4008B) is for students with previous experience of
chemistry. Students with no previous experience of chemistry will take ENV 4007B (see prerequisites). This course will run throughout semester 2 involving a mixture of lectures,
laboratory practical classes, workshops and a half day field trip.
2017/8 - ENV-5002B ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY MAKING
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 80 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor Andy Jordan
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:DGJ
The most significant obstacles to problem solving are often political, not scientific or
technological. This module examines the emergence and processes of environmental politics.
It analyses these from different theoretical perspectives, particularly theories of power and
public policy making. The module is focused on contemporary examples of politics and
policy making at UK, EU and international levels. The module supports student-led learning
by enabling students to select (and develop their own theoretical interpretations of) ‘real
world’ examples of politics. Assessment is via seminar presentations and a 4000 word case
study essay. The module assumes no prior knowledge of politics.
2017/8 - ENV-5004B APPLIED GEOPHYSICS
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 20 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Jessica Johnson
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:DGJ
Exam Paper(hrs):2
Exam Period:SPR-02
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-5005K
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE ENV-4002Y
What lies beneath our feet? This module addresses this question by exploring how wavefields
and potential fields are used in geophysics to image the subsurface on scales of metres to
kilometres. The basic theory, data acquisition and interpretation methods of seismic,
electrical, gravity and magnetic surveys are studied. A wide range of applications is covered
including archaeological geophysics, energy resources and geohazards. Students doing this
module are normally expected to have a good mathematical ability, notably in calculus and
algebra.
2017/8 - ENV-5005K APPLIED GEOPHYSICS WITH FIELDCOURSE
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 20 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Jessica Johnson
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:DGJ
Exam Paper(hrs):2
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-5004B
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE ENV-4002Y
In addition to the content of ENV-5004B, the fieldcourse provides "hands-on" experience of
the various techniques and applications, adding on valuable practical skills. There will be a
charge for attending this field course of the order of £150. The charge is heavily subsidised
by the School, but students enrolling must understand that they will commit to paying a sum
to cover attendance. Students doing this module are normally expected to have a good
mathematical ability, notably in calculus and algebra before taking this module.
2017/8 - ENV-5009B WEATHER APPLICATIONS
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 30 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Stephen Dorling
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:DGJ
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE ENV-5008A
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-5010K
This module will build upon material covered in ENV-5008A by covering topics such as
synoptic meteorology, weather hazards, micro-meteorology, further thermodynamics and
weather forecasting. The module includes a major summative coursework assignment based
on data collected on a UEA meteorology fieldcourse in a previous year.
2017/8 - ENV-5010K WEATHER APPLICATIONS WITH FIELDCOURSE
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 25 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Stephen Dorling
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:DGJ
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE ENV-5008A
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-5009B
This module will build upon material covered in ENV-5008A by covering topics such as
synoptic meteorology, weather hazards, micro-meteorology, further thermodynamics and
weather forecasting. The module also includes a week long Easter vacation residential
fieldcourse, based in the Lake District, involving students in designing scientific experiments
to quantify the effects of micro- and synoptic-scale weather and climate processes, focusing
on lake, forest and mountain environments. There will be a charge to students in the order of
£160 for attending this fieldcourse which is also heavily subsidized by the School.
2017/8 - ENV-5017B SHELF SEA DYNAMICS AND COASTAL PROCESSES
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 40 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Robert Hall
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:AGJ
Exam Paper(hrs):2
Exam Period:SPR-02
The shallow shelf seas that surround the continents are the oceans that we most interact with.
They contribute a disproportionate amount to global marine primary production and CO2
drawdown into the ocean, and are important economically through commercial fisheries,
offshore oil and gas exploration, and renewable energy developments (e.g. offshore wind
farms). This module explores the physical processes that occur in shelf seas and coastal
waters, their effect on biological, chemical and sedimentary processes, and how they can be
harnessed to generate renewable energy.
2017/8 - ENV-5022B LOW CARBON ENERGY: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 95 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Congxiao Shang
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:AGJ
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-5023K
This module examines the physical/chemical principles of energy science and technologies –
from clean energy generation and conversion, such as renewables, bioenergy, batteries, and
hydrogen and fuel cells. It provides a systematic and integrated account of scientific/technical
issues of the energy resources and conversion. The knowledge is used to make rational
analyses of energy availability, applications and selections from physical, technical and
environmental considerations. It also provides students with the opportunity to explore the
future of energy provision in greater depth in practical sessions. These include invited talks,
energy debates and group discussions on the applications of low carbon energy technologies.
2017/8 - ENV-5028B GIS SKILLS FOR PROJECT WORK
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 120 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Katy Appleton
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:EE
This module builds upon the introduction to GIS provided in the first year Research and Field
Skills module, focusing on how students can obtain their own data, integrate it together and
then undertake analysis and presentation tasks. ESRI ArcGIS will be the main software used,
but there will also be an introduction to scripting tools (Python) and open source software
(QGIS). Teaching will consist of a one-hour lecture and a three-hour practical class each
week. Students should expect to spend a significant amount of time outside of scheduled
classes on their formative and summative coursework.
2017/8 - ENV-5029B EARTH SCIENCE LAB SKILLS
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 22 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor Jan Alexander
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:CGJ
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-5030B
Good observational and descriptive skills lie at the heart of many areas of Environmental
Science. This module is designed to develop those and is particularly suitable for students
with interests in Earth and Geophysical Sciences. It will cover generic Earth science skills of
use for projects in this area. The module will include: observing, describing and recording the
characteristics of geological materials (hand specimen and under microscope); measuring and
representing 3d data, and reading geological maps.
2017/8 - ENV-5030B EARTH SCIENCE SKILLS
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 22 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor Jan Alexander
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:CGJ
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-5029B
This module is designed to develop good observational and descriptive skills and is
particularly suitable for students with interests in Earth and Geophysical Sciences. It will
cover generic Earth science skills of use for projects. The module will include: observing,
describing and recording the characteristics of geological materials (in the field, in hand
specimen and under microscope); measuring and representing 3d data, reading geological
maps and basic geological mapping. The module includes a week-long residential field work
in the Easter vacation which has an added cost implication in the region of £250.
2017/8 - ENV-5031B SOCIAL RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GEOGRAPHERS AND
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 40 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Mr Peter Simmons
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:CGL
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-5036K
The study of society and its relationship to the natural environment poses distinct research
challenges and social science presents a range of approaches and methods with which to
address these problems. This module provides an introduction to the theory and practice of
social science research. It covers research design, sampling, data collection, data analysis and
interpretation, and presentation of results. It is recommended for any student intending to
carry out a social science-based research project.
2017/8 - ENV-5035B SEDIMENTOLOGY
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 40 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor Julian Andrews
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:BGJ
Sedimentary rocks cover much of the Earth's surface, record the Earth's history of
environmental change, contain the fossil record and host many of the world’s natural
resources. This module includes the study of modern sediments such as sand, mud and
carbonates and the processes that result in their deposition. Understanding of modern
processes is used to interpret ancient sedimentary rocks, their stratigraphy and the
sedimentary structures they contain.
2017/8 - ENV-5036K SOCIAL RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GEOGRAPHERS AND
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS WITH FIELDCOURSE
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 35 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Mr Peter Simmons
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:CGL
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-5031B
The study of society and its relationship to the natural environment poses distinct research
challenges and social science presents a range of approaches and methods with which to
address these problems. The module provides an introduction to the theory and practice of
social science research. This will cover different perspectives on research, developing a
research question, research design, research ethics, sampling, data collection, data analysis
and interpretation, and includes quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method approaches. The
learning outcomes will be for students to be able to demonstrate: (i) Knowledge and critical
understanding of relevant concepts and principles (ii) Ability to apply concepts and principles
to the design of social science research (iii) Knowledge of some of the main methods of
enquiry (iv) Ability to evaluate critically different approaches (v) Ability to present
effectively a research proposal, both orally and in writing. The module will include a field
course at Easter based in Keswick, an area which provides excellent opportunities for
studying a range of geographical and environmental issues, including flooding, low-carbon
energy developments, spatial contrasts in economic development and landscape management.
The first part of the field course will consist of four days of faculty-organised activities where
students will be able to practice questionnaire surveys, interviewing and other social research
methods. During the final two days students will work in small groups to plan a research
investigation from a list of pre-defined topics. Each group will present their research proposal
on the final afternoon of the field course as a piece of formative assessment and the
individual members will then write separate short reports on their proposal as their second
item of summative assessment for the module. There will be an additional charge in the
region of £250 for students to attend the field course.
2017/8 - ENV-5039B AQUATIC BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
Spring Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 40 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Alex Baker
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:CGJ
Exam Paper(hrs):2
Exam Period:SPR-02
The Earth’s terrestrial and marine water bodies support life and play a major role in
regulating the planet’s climate. This module provides training in how to make accurate
measurements of the chemical composition of the aquatic environment and explores a
number of important chemical interactions between life, fresh and marine waters and
climate:- nutrient cyles, dissolved oxygen, trace metals, carbonate chemistry and chemical
exchange with the atmosphere. Students are expected to be familiar with basic chemical
concepts and molar concentration units. This module would make a good combination with
ENV-5001A Aquatic Ecology.
2017/8 - ENV-6001B GEOPHYSICAL HAZARDS
Spring Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 36 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Richard Herd
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:AGJ
This module is an in-depth examination of the key geophysical hazards that plague
humanity—earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and tsunami. It covers the physical
behaviour and global occurrence of each hazard type, The module addresses matters such as
hazard monitoring, modelling and assessment. The module considers approaches towards risk
mitigation and the reduction of vulnerability (individual and societal), with an emphasis on
their practical implementation. Scenarios and probabilities of mega-disasters are also
investigated. A basic knowledge of physical science and of mathematics is assumed e.g. use
of logs, exponentials, powers, cosines, rearrangement of equations.
2017/8 - ENV-6012B NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL
ECONOMICS
Spring Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 70 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser:
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:CGJ
This module introduces some key principles of economics for students who have not studied
the subject previously. It then explores how these principles can be applied to address a
number of economy-environment problems including air pollution and over-fishing. The
framework of cost-benefit analysis as a framework for decision-making is also introduced.
2017/8 - ENV-6017B PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY
Spring Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 35 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Mark Chapman
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination
Timetable Slot:DGJ
Exam Paper(hrs):2
This module examines the geological evidence for climatic change through the Quaternary
Period (the last 2.6 million years) and the longer-term evolution of climate through the
Cenozoic Era (the last 65 million years). The interpretation and causal mechanisms behind
these major global environmental changes are explored using a diverse range of approaches –
isotope geochemistry, sedimentology, palaeoecology and organic geochemistry. We focus on
geochemical, biological and sedimentological information obtained from marine sediments,
ice cores, and terrestrial environments and use these records to reconstruct the timing extent
and magnitude of selected climatic events as expressed through changes in the geological
record.
2017/8 - ENV-6018B CATCHMENT WATER RESOURCES
Spring Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 38 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor Kevin Hiscock
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:BGJ
This module will adopt an integrated approach to studying surface water and groundwater
resources in river basins to enable students to analyse aspects of land management that affect
catchment water resources and ecosystems.
2017/8 - ENV-6021B INDEPENDENT PROJECT - PROPOSAL
Spring Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 200 Students)
UCU: 0
Organiser: Dr Nikolai Pedentchouk
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
2017/8 - ENV-6026B ENERGY AND PEOPLE
Spring Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 50 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Tom Hargreaves
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:AGJ
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ENV-5033B OR TAKE ENV-2A42
This module will introduce students to a range of social science perspectives on the interrelationships between energy and people. The module begins by tracing the history and
development of energy intensive societies and everyday lives as a means of understanding
how energy has emerged as a key sustainability problem. The second part of the module then
introduces some theories of social and technical change and uses these to critically analyse a
range of people-based solutions to energy problems - including behaviour change initiatives,
domestic energy efficiency technologies, and community-scale renewables - that are
currently being tried and tested around the world. TEACHING AND LEARNING The
module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars involving group projects,
peer discussions, practical exercises and student-led learning. The lectures (2 per week) will
introduce students to some core theoretical ideas about the relationships between energy and
people, as well as examining a series of people-based solutions to energy problems that have
been attempted around the world. The seminar sessions (1 per week) will give students the
opportunity to engage with the lecture content in more depth through a range of exercises
designed to promote discussion with both course lecturers and peers. Essential readings will
be identified for each lecture. To do well in the module students will need to demonstrate that
they have engaged extensively with the literature in this area, particularly regarding the ‘real
world’ implications of theoretical ideas and debates. CAREER PROSPECTS Contemporary
energy problems are a key concern of central and local government policy, business
activities, charity and community work and wider public debates. A key reason why existing
solutions to these problems either fail or are not as effective as at first assumed, is that they
are often based on a poor understanding of how people use and engage with energy in the
course of their everyday lives. Improving students’ understanding of the relationships
between energy and people and providing them with the intellectual tools necessarily to
critically assess energy problems and potential solutions will therefore give them with a
significant advantage in this growing job market. In addition to enhancing employability in
the specific area of energy, this module will also provide students with a range of key
transferable skills that will help them secure gainful employment on completion of their
undergraduate degree. These include: developing analytical and critical thinking skills;
understanding how to work effectively in teams; advocacy and negotiation skills; developing
creative approaches to presentation; and presenting work to different audiences.
2017/8 - ENV-6031B ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANCY
Spring Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 25 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Jenni Turner
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Examination with Coursework or Project
Timetable Slot:EE
This module provides experience of working on a ‘real-world’ environment- related project
presented by an external organisation. Students will first learn how a business functions and
expectations for professional behaviour. Multidisciplinary environmental ‘problems’ will be
presented as case study projects by external organisations. Acting as an ‘environmental
consultant’ students will form small teams to discuss feasible solutions, with the opportunity
for discussion and feedback with the host organisation. Each student will submit an
individual business-style report of what they could offer to resolve the problem. Overall,
providing a taster of the post-graduate transition to working with an organisation.