Module manager: Robert Newton
Email: r.j.newton@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module introduces students to key concepts in environmental science in two distinct areas: 1) Understanding the process and challenges involved in environmental data collection, and 2) developing an appreciation of a range of important contemporary environmental issues and the interactions between societal pressures and potential solutions. Concepts related to experimental planning, sampling, measuring, analysing and interpreting data are introduced and put into practice on a field course. This provides excellent foundational training for independent research projects. Key concepts include the interaction of environmental heterogeneity, sampling and uncertainty. The environmental issues in society strand will introduce students to a broad range of pressing topics, such as climate change and the energy transition, soil health and sustainable agriculture, and resource exploitation and the circular economy. These topics provide the societal context for understanding Earths physical, chemical and ecological environmental systems.
The module aims to develop understanding of the process of environmental data collection focussing on field data. Concepts are developed through a series of lectures and in-class activities supported by a field course. Data collected during the field course will be used as the basis for a report and form part of the training for this type of independent project.
Work on pressing issues in environmental science aims to produce a broad appreciation of current environmental issues and the complex interplay of factors that influence the implementation of potential solutions. Lectures will be used to introduce each area with a supporting in-class activity. A field class will illustrate some of these issues using a local case study.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SSLO1: Analyse an environmental dataset to answer a scientific question.
SSLO2: Critically assess research strategy in the context of environmental heterogeneity and measurement uncertainty.
SSLO3: Critically assess an environmental problem and its potential solutions in the context of a specific region or country.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Research: Access and investigate a variety of sources of information on a subject, in order to provide answers or solutions, expand or provide new knowledge of a topic or subject.
SKLO2: Critical thinking: Weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas.
SKLO3: Systems thinking: Recognise and understand how parts of a system work together: analyse complex systems (environmental, economic and social systems and interdependencies across these); consider how systems are embedded within different domains and scales; deal with uncertainty; use analytical thinking.
SKLO4: Effective communication: Effectively communicate key facts and ideas, for example, verbally or in written form. Respect and consider the needs and perspectives of others. Engage in interdisciplinary discussion to inform thinking about sustainable futures.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 5 | 6 | 30 |
| Lecture | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Lecture | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Practical | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 103 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 47 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Students will have the opportunity for formative feedback on report structure and content during in class activities and at the computer workshops.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 50 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team