Keele Undergraduate Prospectus 2021 2021 | Page 179

Geography, Geology and the Environment | 179
E N V I R O N M E N TA L S C I E N C E
BSc (Hons)
Why study this course?
Environmental Science at Keele equips you with the scientific knowledge and practical skills
needed for a future career tackling environmental issues such as climate change, soil
security, water resource protection, pollution and biodiversity conservation. The degree can
be undertaken as a single honours or a combined honours course.
The degree provides training in ecology, environmental chemistry, soil and
water management, pollution investigation, environmental impact assessment,
geoscience and environmental conservation, and is taught by highly-
experienced, friendly and enthusiastic staff.
You will gain in-depth knowledge of the science underpinning environmental
problems and their solutions and receive extensive training in fieldwork
(e.g. plant, water and soil surveys, sampling strategies, and terrestrial and
aquatic invertebrate assessments) and in laboratory analytical procedures
(e.g. relating to soil characterisation and water contaminant analysis). The
fieldwork includes local, one-day events as well as longer, residential field
courses (e.g. 5 to 7 days) with UK and overseas destinations available.
You will also be trained in the use and application of Geographic Information
Systems (GIS), statistical analysis of data and many other techniques. Plus,
the degree has additional options of work experience placements or study
abroad at one of our partner institutions.
What will this mean for my future?
Environmental issues are widely recognised as being amongst the most
serious and urgent challenges we face, hence environmental science skills
and knowledge are in ever increasing demand and are much sought after
by employers. With the hands-on skills and training this course provides,
including conducting Environmental Impact Assessments, our graduates are
in an excellent position to pursue careers in environmental consultancy and
regulation, water and land resource management, geospatial analysis,
conservation, science communication and research. This course also provides
an excellent launching pad for any student interested in postgraduate study
(i.e. MSc and PhD) in environmental science.
Indicative Modules
First Year
• Information Literacy and Digital Skills
• Climate Change and Sustainability
• Environmental Management
• Introductory Environmental Chemistry
• Introductory Geology for
Environmental Sciences*
• Ecology and Plant Biology*
• Elective*
Second Year
• Human Impacts on the Environment:
Scientific Perspectives
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Analytical Methods
• Research Planning and Field Course
• Biodiversity in Crisis*
• Elective and Option*
Third Year
• Dissertation
• Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment
• Soils
• Plus a selection of option / elective
modules
Single Honours only
*
This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and by the
Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).
UCAS Code - F901
Foundation Year
Yes
Indicative Entry
Requirements
Single Honours
A level: BBC
BTEC: DMM
Combined Honours
A level: BBC
BTEC: DMM
Course Duration
3 years or 4 years
with an international
or placement year
Placement Year
Yes
Study abroad
Yes
International Year
Yes
Learn a Language
Yes
For information on courses that combine subjects please visit keele.ac.uk/ugcourses