Environmental Science and Sustainability

Overview

The combined impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and the lack of sustainable natural resource management will have serious ramifications for the future of our planet. Do you want to be part of the solution? Then UWS’s BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Sustainability programme is for you.

Environmental Scientists must overcome these challenges, and by drawing on a variety of fields, e.g., Biology, Chemistry and Sustainability, you will gain a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing the world today and be able to advance knowledge and strategies for a sustainable future.

You’ll receive a general grounding in biological and chemical disciplines to underpin your knowledge and understanding of core environmental systems before progressing to study more specialised and advanced topics.

Programme highlights

• This programme has been designed to develop your core knowledge and understanding of physical and ecological processes that underpin sustainability.
• The programme allows you to specialise in subjects focused on ecosystem function and understanding human interaction in the environment, such as aquatic ecology, pollution control and environmental impacts on public health.
• Through a flexible and dynamic learning environment you will gain both subject-specific and transferable skills with a wide range of competencies in preparation for future employment.
• You will benefit from UWS’s strong history of applied research in environmental sciences that spans across multiple disciples.
• Work-related learning, combined with access to UWS’s state-of-the-art laboratories, will prepare you for a wide range of career options.

Programme details

Subjects covered include laboratory analysis (biological and chemical), statistical methods,
geographical information systems (GIS), legislative frameworks, earth systems, health and safety and microbiology.

There is also an option to explore these concepts through fieldwork and analytical analysis (at the Paisley Campus).

Work-related learning is available on this programme, including an optional 12-week placement or one-year sandwich placement.

Careers
This programme will prepare you for a successful career in Environmental Sciences, planetary health and one health areas and develops graduate skills which equip students to enter a wide range of vocations, including:

• Environmental and Junior Environmental Consultant
• Ecologist
• Public health Officer with a focus on environmental impacts on human health
• Sustainability Coordinator
• Environmental Scientist

As well as:

• Biotechnology
• Research
• Teaching
• Analytical laboratories
• Sales

Masters or PhD options are also available for graduates. This qualification is acceptable to all Schools of Education as an entry qualification to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education for General Science teaching.

Year 1

A general introduction to biological and chemical disciplines from cell and molecular aspects to ecological and environmental topics. You will be introduced to the role of an environmental scientist and research specific careers and projects. Additionally, you will receive an introduction to the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.

Modules includes:

Fundamentals of Life
Chemistry for Environmental and Biosciences
Diversity of Life
ASPIRE (Academic, Social and Professional skills for Innovation, Reflection and Endeavour)

Year 2

In this year you will start to look at Fundamentals of Environmental Science and Earth system to provide students with the core knowledge to develop in this field.

Students are also offered an array of optional modules in which they can focus their environmental interests on:

• Practical skills in Biomedicine and Environmental Health
• Waste Industry – Legislation and Licencing
• Legislative Framework
• Man and the Global Biosphere
• Introductory Microbiology
• Environmental Protection
• Waste Industry – Compliance and Planning

Year 3

In this year you start to explore the interdisciplinary nature of environmental sciences including developing an awareness of the political and social implications.

Core modules include:

• ASPIRE
• Environmental Monitoring and Introduction to GIS

Optional modules include:

• Biological Conservation
• Entomology and Parasitology
• Wildlife Biology
• Field Biology
• Environmental Responsibilities
• Environmental pollutants and health risk
• Environmental Damage, Policy, and Justice
• Work Related Learning

Year 4

In the final year, students refine their subject areas of choice as well as developing an over-arching understanding of key aspects required in Environmental Science and Sustainability, with core modules:

• Safety, Health, Environment Honours Project
• Global Climate change drivers
• Sustainability and circular economy

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical workshops and field exercises, and guided laboratory work.

There will also be group work, literature reports and research projects in order to ensure the degree provides a strong set of additional skills, such as presentation and communication skills.

The below list provides a guide to the types of assessment methods you can expect:

• Written examinations
• Oral presentation
• Written reports
• Coursework
• Academic posters

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS