Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences

Contents Why choose Environmental Science at Liverpool? 02 Our research in context 04 Example student timetable 05 Degrees 06 Module details 08

@livuni www.facebook.com/universityofliverpool @livuni UofLTube 01 Explore Study in the field in exciting locations such as California. Challenge Tackle the big problems facing our changing environment. Discover Learn in our award-winning 23 million Central Teaching Laboratories. Excel Study with an Academic Adviser and network of friendly staff dedicated to help you reach your potential. www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences

02 Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Environmental Sciences Why choose Environmental Science at Liverpool? Understanding the complex interactions between the physical and biological environment is essential if we are to find solutions to the increasing global environmental challenges that face us today. This practical degree, focusing on real-world issues, will prepare you to play your part in tackling those challenges. How you learn You will be assigned an academic adviser in each of the three years who will provide pastoral care and help you develop your skills for your chosen career path. To help you meet the intellectual and practical challenges of studying Environmental Science, our programmes are taught using a studentcentred approach, involving a range of learning experiences. These include: Small tutor groups (typically six-eight students) through all years Regular field and lab-based teaching within the School of Environmental Sciences and in award-winning teaching laboratories An emphasis on active, problem-based learning (learning by doing) Hands-on experience of cutting-edge laboratory technologies Supervised independent and group project work, including a final year independent research-based dissertation supervised by a dedicated expert in the field. A number of the School s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. The field work is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective students with disabilities on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.

@livuni www.facebook.com/universityofliverpool @livuni UofLTube 03 Study abroad Studying abroad has huge personal and academic benefits, as well as giving you a head start in the graduate job market. Students can currently apply to one of our many worldwide partners in Canada, America, China or Australia. For more information, visit www.liverpool.ac.uk/goabroad Year in China The Year in China is the University of Liverpool s exciting flagship programme enabling undergraduate students from a huge range of departments, including Environmental Science, to have the opportunity to spend one year at our sister university Xi an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), following XJTLU s BA China Studies degree classes. See www.liverpool.ac. uk/yearinchina for more information. LivWiSE (Liverpool Women in Science and Engineering) LivWiSE is a society for men and women to celebrate and promote women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEM). They regularly host events and networking opportunities which are open to everyone interested in STEM. Find out more at www.liverpool.ac.uk/livwise www.facebook.com/liverpoolwise or Twitter @LivUniWiSE Liverpool University Marine, Oceans and Ecological Society (LUMOES) A great student society for those interested in the environment, run by students for students. Activities include events, talks, outreach and student support. Twitter @LivUni_MOES I picked Environmental Science because I love nature and I enjoy studying the relationship between the environment and humans. The Environmental Science degree gave me an interesting way to look at the world we are living in and helped me realise my dream to build a more beautiful world. Frank Tong Environmental Science BSc (Hons) How you are assessed Your assessments are designed around developing skills and styles of communication that will be most relevant to future employers. So, in addition to exams and essays, you will also undertake assessments that include computer-based exercises, oral presentations, laboratory reports, field projects and research reports. You will complete a compulsory 10,000-word dissertation in your final year on a topic of your choice. This is your opportunity to develop your skills as an independent researcher and develop specialist expertise in your chosen career path, supported on a one-to-one basis by an expert in the field. Good to know: 100% of our students said staff are good at explaining things (NSS 2016) 100% of our students agree staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching (NSS 2016) 91% are satisfied overall with their programme (NSS 2016) Offers study abroad opportunities Offers a Year in China www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences

04 Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Environmental Sciences Our research in context www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences Researchers to monitor fracking in UK Researchers in the School of Environmental Sciences will monitor areas where hydraulic fracturing (fracking) will take place in the UK, as part of a nationwide research consortium. The team will monitor groundwater, regional air quality, seismicity and ground movements at two proposed shale gas exploration sites. www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/ news/articles/researchers-monitor-fracking-uk Cutting-edge research on the link between emissions and climate change The world is warming up and humans keep emitting more carbon. We know the two are linked. But exactly how much warmer will it become as we emit more carbon? Professor Ric Williams explains the evidence his research is unveiling. www.theconversation.com/ our-equation-proves-climate-change-islinked-to-emissions-34897 Study projects unprecedented loss of corals in Great Barrier Reef due to warming Research by the School of Environmental Sciences exploring the short- and long-term consequences of environmental changes to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia has identified that the coverage of living corals on the Reef could decline to less than 10 percent if ocean warming continues. University of Liverpool s co-author Dr Matthew Spencer explains that the findings are not only important for predicting reef futures under climate change but could also be applied to other ecosystems. Under water again when will Britain learn how to manage floods? Despite millions of pounds being spent on flood walls and hydraulic modelling there is still flood damage and destruction in the UK, prompting calls for further investigations into UK flood defences and the impact of climate change. Professor Chiverrell examines how flood defences have worked in places and have bought people and the emergency services more time and reduced flood risk, and explores environmental solutions. www.theconversation.com/underwater-again-when-will-britain-learn-how-tomanage-floods-52166 Liverpool developing sensors for Fukushima Nuclear site monitoring Research at the University of Liverpool is developing new sensors that will help the recovery and regeneration of the post-disaster Fukushima region in Japan and pave the way for improved monitoring and control of radioactivity at nuclear sites worldwide. The research, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is developing ways to detect, measure and monitor nuclear radiation in the environment so that a radioactive substance beneath the ground can be located and monitored at a higher resolution than previously.

05 Timetable Semester One Typical week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 9.00 Lecture Feedback from tutor on coursework Laboratory practical in Environmental Science Laboratory PC Centre research for coursework 10.00 Lecture Reading for computer practical Lecture Work on coursework 11.00 Computer practical Lecture 12.00 Lecture Reading for laboratory practical Lecture 13.00 Library preparation for tutorial University event talk by guest speaker Meeting to work on group task 14.00 Study and employability skills tutorial Library working on coursework University sports event Final preparation of coursework 15.00 Reading for following week s lectures 16.00 Lecture Careers workshop in Guild on CV writing Online submission of coursework 17.00 18.00 Background reading for lectures this week 19.00 Guild comedy club Timetabled academic session Independent study time Social

06 Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Environmental Sciences Page Environmental Science BSc (Hons) F750 3 years 06 See www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses for current entry requirements. Environmental Science BSc (Hons) UCAS code: F750 Programme length: 3 years Our Environmental Science degree provides a wide breadth of study opportunities from across the School of Environmental Sciences. Our degree is designed to give you an understanding of both natural and human induced environmental problems. All of our modules centre on real world issues and application, such as food security, climate change, energy security, pollution and natural hazards. In addition to environmental science classes, our degree allows you to choose from a range of modules in biology, ecology, physical geography and earth, climate and ocean sciences, so that you can shape your degree to suit your particular areas of interest and career pathway. Focusing on applied skills that are relevant to careers in environmental science, you will gain expertise in monitoring, modelling and managing the environment. From your first week to your final year, field classes and laboratory practicals are an integral part of your learning and provide a firm grounding in the latest techniques and technologies in environmental science. You will learn through a combination of individual and group work, including practicals in our purpose built ( 23 million) Central Teaching Laboratories. In addition to making the most of Liverpool s coastal location, you will have the opportunity to undertake fieldwork in locations such as Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire, Peak District, Portugal, Iceland and California. Programme outline Year One Right from the beginning of studying environmental science at Liverpool we offer a wide range of choice, providing opportunity to specialise or diversify later on in your studies. However, in order to give you a strong foundation in the principles underpinning environmental science, all students take three core modules in first year: Theory and laboratory experiments in earth surface processes; Experiments in physical geography and Laboratory and field techniques for ecologists. These introduce you to the breadth of the subject and provide the key ideas which inform the rest of the course. You then have a choice of three optional modules drawn from across earth science, ecology, physical geography and oceanography disciplines. Year Two In Year Two, skills development is a central part of the programme, with core modules in Research skills, Statistics for environmental scientists and a residential field class in the beautiful Peak District National Park. You can either choose additional modules from a range of areas, or choose to specialise in a particular branch of environmental science. Examples of some of the choices include Climatology; Environmental sustainability; Human impacts on marine ecosystems; Quaternary environmental change; Geomorphology ice, sea and air, and Marine pollution. Year Three In Year Three, you will complete an independent dissertation which brings together the skills and techniques learnt in the degree to produce an independent piece of research. There is also the option to complete a work-based dissertation with one of our industry contacts, and to take a two-week field class to Santa Cruz in California. In addition to the dissertation, you will have a choice of up to six modules from a choice of 17 options. This range of choice gives you the option to specialise or retain a breadth of study across environmental disciplines. For up-to-date entry requirements and full module details see www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses

@livuni www.facebook.com/universityofliverpool @livuni UofLTube 07 Programme in detail Year One Compulsory modules Experiments in physical geography I Laboratory and field techniques for ecologists Study skills and GIS Theory and laboratory experiments in earth surface processes. Optional modules Climate, atmosphere and oceans Ecology and conservation Environmental chemistry Evolution Introduction to sedimentary rocks and fossils Living with environmental change Marine biology: life in the seas and oceans Marine ecosystems: diversity, processes and threats Maths and physics for environmental scientists Microbiology Minerals, magmas and volcanoes Ocean chemistry and life. Year Two Compulsory modules Environmental science field class Research skills Statistics for environmental scientists. Optional modules An introduction to environmental history Biodiversity practical skills Catchment hydrology Changing environment Climatology Ecology practical skills Environmental sustainability Geomorphology: ice, sea and air Marine ecology and the resource exploitation Marine pollution Oceanography of estuaries and shelf seas Population and community ecology Soils, slopes and the environment. Year Three Compulsory modules Dissertation OR work-based dissertation. Optional modules Climate change: a critical review Coastal environments: spatial and temporal change Environmental assessment of policies, plans, programmes and projects Evolution, oceans and climate Field class (Santa Cruz, Iceland or Algarve) Fluvial environments Geoarchaeology Human-environmental interactions Issues in geography Marine ecology: theory and applications Natural hazards and society Ocean dynamics Politics of the environment Science communication Surviving the marine environment: adaptation, behaviour and conservation. See pages 08-13 for module descriptions. www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences

08 Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Environmental Sciences Core and selected optional modules overview Year One Module title Semester Credit Module description Please note: modules are provided for information only and may change. Timetabling restrictions may apply. Climate, atmosphere 1 15 This module involves lecture and field-based problem-solving and oceans to explore the fundamental physical and chemical processes and landforms across glacial, slope, coastal, fluvial and lake environments. The module culminates with a six day field class in the Lake District. Ecology and 2 15 Introduces you to the complex and multifaceted nature of conservation environmental issues and ecological science, particularly stressing the interrelationships between biophysical and human dimensions. Ecology and the 2 15 This module explores the physical and chemical global environment global contexts of the biosphere, the cycling of important elements at different scales, the distribution of biomes and the ecosystem concept. Environmental 2 15 The module enables you to develop the basic chemistry to chemistry understand the chemical reactions and processes that are fundamental to the evolution of our planet generally, and of hydrosphere and the oceans in particular. Evolution 1 15 Introduces you to evolutionary concepts and theories; describes the genetic basis of evolutionary changes; interrelationships of life forms and biodiversity, by descriptions of specialised biological systems. Experiments in 1 15 Provides you with a practical introduction to physical geography I environmental processes, experimental design, reliable measurement, and data analysis. You will undertake 10 different experiments, each lasting a full day, using industry standard equipment in the University s Central Teaching Laboratory. Introduction to 1 15 Introduces the study of sediments and sedimentary rocks sedimentary rocks and to introduce the main groups of common fossil. and fossils Laboratory and field 2 15 This practical module provides training in a range of techniques for ecologists ecological skills in field work which have a wide application to many fields of environmental science including modern biology, ecology and physical geography. Techniques taught include identification of plants and animals, communities and measurement of selected ecological processes.

@livuni www.facebook.com/universityofliverpool @livuni UofLTube 09 Module title Semester Credit Module description Living with 1 15 Introduces you to the Grand Challenges facing society and environmental change what is being done to address them. Living with environmental change is a key interdisciplinary research theme currently being addressed worldwide from tackling climate change and carbon emissions to promoting sustainable resource use and energy efficiency. Marine biology: life in 1 15 This module delivers an introduction to the diversity of life the seas and oceans in the marine environment. It considers the range of living organisms in the oceans from microscopic plants and bacteria to whales, and explores some of the diverse mechanisms living organisms have adopted in order to meet the challenge of survival in the marine environment. Marine ecosystems: 2 15 Introduces you to the diversity of ecosystem types in the diversity, processes marine environment and the various threats that they face. and threats Maths and physics for 1 15 This module provides you with an understanding of the basic environmental scientists maths and physics relevant to processes in the atmosphere, ocean and solid earth. It is particularly aimed at students without A level Maths or equivalent. Microbiology 2 15 Explores how microbes play crucial roles in maintaining the natural environment; explains the role of microbes in disease processes and how the immune system protects against infections; highlights the roles of microbes in biotechnological processes; and develops knowledge and understanding in microbiology. Minerals, magmas 1 15 Examines the physical processes of the main types of and volcanoes volcanic activity and the associated hazards. It also introduces the main rock forming minerals and examines volcanic hazards awareness and principles of risk mitigation. Ocean chemistry 2 15 Introduces you to fundamental chemical and biological and life processes that control the concentration and distribution of key elements (eg carbon and nitrogen) and gases (eg oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the ocean, and their influence on life in the ocean. Practical classes compliment lectures by training you in analysis of elements and gases in the ocean. Study skills and GIS 1 and 2 15 Introduces you to the skills you will need to study Geography at degree level. Delivered through small group tutorials, you will develop key academic skills such as how to produce effective essays, oral presentations and posters. This module also helps you start to develop skills such as CV writing and internship applications, which are important for future employment beyond your studies. Theory and laboratory 2 15 Lecture and laboratory-based problem-solving experiments in earth approach to explore some of the fundamental surface processes physical and chemical processes underlying physical geography. It provides a foundation for environmental and physical geography modules in Years Two and Three. www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences

10 Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Environmental Sciences Core and selected optional modules overview Year Two Module title Semester Credit Module description Please note: modules are provided for information only and may change. Timetabling restrictions may apply. An introduction to 1 15 This module introduces you to the rapidly developing field of environmental history environmental history, and forms a basis for more advanced environmental courses in Year Three. Biodiversity 1 7.5 Develops your ability to map taxonomic and practical skills evolutionary relationships; construct and use keys for taxonomy; dissect and observe the morphology of specific organ systems; and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject and to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems in biology. Catchment hydrology 1 15 This module investigates the main hydrological processes operating in drainage catchments in terms of their measurement, operation and controlling factors. Changing 1 15 You will learn how climate and human activities environment have shaped our landscape, from micro- to macro-scale. You will learn how we can reconstruct climatic conditions, landscape and vegetation from the past. Climatology 2 15 Explores meteorological processes and analysis of climate records. It covers topics such as hurricanes, drought, flooding, monsoonal systems, and the construction and utilisation of climate records. Ecology practical skills 2 7.5 This practical module provides you with an opportunity to experience and gain familiarity with a range of scientific, practical techniques that are used to study the terrestrial environment and its biota. Environmental science 2 15 Provides experience in designing, executing, analysing and field class presenting (orally and in a report) a research project in the environmental sciences. Environmental 1 15 This module introduces you to current thinking in relation sustainability to sustainable development and locates environmental sustainability within this broader framework of ideas. Geomorphology: 2 15 Examines fundamental processes operating in glacial, coastal ice, sea and air and aeolian environments and by learning how modern landscapes are described, analysed and interpreted.

@livuni www.facebook.com/universityofliverpool @livuni UofLTube 11 Module title Semester Credit Module description Marine ecology and 2 15 This module provides knowledge of the marine resources the resource exploitation that are exploited by human activities; familiarity with practical techniques used to assess human impacts on marine ecosystems; understanding of the impacts of resource exploitation on the marine environment and ecosystem components; an introduction to some of the scientific issues associated with managing the impacts of these activities; and an awareness of the cumulative human pressures in the local marine environment. Marine pollution 1 15 Marine systems are currently changing under a variety of stressors. Global increase of temperatures and increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are affecting the chemistry, physics and biology of the marine systems at unprecedented rates. These changes are expected to accentuate in the coming decades. More localised anthropogenic stressors such as excess nutrients, plastic debris, metals, radionuclides and other emerging contaminants are also affecting our coastal waters and beyond. This module will focus on the current state of our seas in relation to the various stressors: what are the causes and how do they affect the marine system. Oceanography of 2 15 This module covers the oceanographic concepts needed estuaries and shelf seas to understand how coastal seas work, reaching from within estuaries, out across the shelf sea and to the shelf edge. Topics covered include circulation and transports in estuaries, estuaries as sources of nutrients to the ocean, waves and tides in coastal seas, the links between the physics, the plankton and important fisheries, and the reasons for coastal seas being so different from the open ocean. Population and 2 15 Introduces you to the concepts and principles underlying community ecology the dynamic interactions between species within communities and populations; describes examples, taken from across the globe, that illustrate the importance of population ecology, pressures on fish stocks, and use of natural predators for biological control processes; describes how mutualistic interactions benefit communities, such as coral reefs and leguminous plants; explores how knowledge and understanding of species and community interactions can help to develop plans for ecological restoration; and develops your ability to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge and understanding to solve problems in zoology. Research skills 1 and 2 15 Delivered through a tutorial-based system alongside a lecture series this module develops keys skills in research design and implementation, including data collection techniques and analysis. Soils, slopes and 2 15 Introduces you to pure and applied soil science. It covers the environment themes such as components of soil, pedogenic processes, soil profiles, and soil classification. Statistics for 15 Provides training in statistics for environmental scientists. environmental scientists It aims to give students an understanding of the statistical terms that appear in scientific papers and the media, and to enable you to choose appropriate statistical tests, use statistical software, and summarise data using graphs, tables and numerical summaries. The module teaches the essential theory alongside the practical components. www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences

12 Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Environmental Sciences Core and selected optional modules overview Year Three Module title Semester Credit Module description Please note: modules are provided for information only and may change. Timetabling restrictions may apply. Climate change: 2 15 Provides you with the knowledge to evaluate the likely a critical review outcomes of climate change and climate variability over the next 100 years, to understand policy decisions at different levels, to obtain a critical understanding of climate predictions, and to understand the importance of reference to past and present climates. Coastal environments: 1 15 Examines how coastal geomorphology, sedimentary and spatial and temporal biological systems and socio-economic infrastructures change will respond to changes in sea-level and climate. Dissertation or 1 and 2 30 Provides an opportunity for you to develop your own research work-based project on a topic of your choice. You are supported by an dissertation expert academic supervisor on a one-to-one basis, guiding you through all stages of research design, data collection, interpretation and write up. Environmental 1 15 Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and assessment of policies, practice of strategic environmental assessment of policies, plans, programmes plans and programmes and of environmental impact and projects assessment of projects. Evolution, oceans 2 15 Develops knowledge and understanding of the major controls and climate on the behaviour of the earth s oceans and climates and the interaction of climate and the evolution of life on earth. Field class (Santa Cruz, 2 30 This module provides a unique opportunity to undertake Iceland or Algarve) two weeks high quality human or physical geography field-based research. Fluvial environments 2 15 This module examines the main components of the fluvial system, and develops an understanding of the dynamics and controls on water and sediment flux and how these produce different types of landforms. Geoarchaeology 2 15 Provides an understanding of the principles and methods of the application of the earth sciences in archaeological investigations. Human-environmental 1 15 This module aims to demonstrate and review how successful interactions management of modern and future landscapes often requires a long time perspective. Issues in geography 2 15 This module gives you the chance to examine a topic or an approach which is new to you. By Year Three, you will have well-focused areas of study, based on dissertations and module choices. This module allows you to take a step back from this focus and to consider new areas of investigation. A number of the School s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. The field work is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective students with disabilities on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.

@livuni www.facebook.com/universityofliverpool @livuni UofLTube 13 Module title Semester Credit Module description Marine ecology: theory 2 15 Develops the connections between ecological theory and and applications the management of marine communities and ecosystems. Natural hazards 1 15 This module provides an integrated perspective on a variety and society of natural hazards. It explores the different levels of impact on human societies and the mitigation/adaptation strategies adopted before, during and after extreme natural events. Ocean dynamics 1 15 Develops your understanding of how physical processes operate in the ocean, including the open ocean and shelf seas, as well as how analogous phenomena in the atmosphere behave. Politics of the 1 15 Critically evaluates the political responses to the growing environment impact that environmental issues and the concept of sustainability are having on decision making at all levels of governance (international, national and local). Science communication 1 and 2 15 You will learn about science communication and then prepare and deliver practical science workshops to local schools (primary and secondary). Surviving the marine 1 15 Fosters a broad understanding of contemporary theory in environment: adaptation, behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation, behaviour and conservation with special reference to the marine environment. Provides knowledge of adaptational and life history strategies used by animals during inter- and intra-specific competition; understanding of the evolutionary implications of gene flow in the marine environment and the variety of mechanisms that drive evolutionary processes, from individual adaptation to speciation; and knowledge of how these issues relate to contemporary themes in conservation biology and experimental marine biology. www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences

Find out more www.liverpool.ac.uk/study Accommodation: www.liverpool.ac.uk/accommodation Fees and student finance: www.liverpool.ac.uk/money Life in Liverpool: www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/welcome-to-liverpool Student Welfare Advice and Guidance: www.liverpool.ac.uk/studentsupport Undergraduate enquiries and applications: T: +44 (0)151 794 5927 Environmental Science The University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZQ T: +44 (0)151 795 0618/4642 E: envsci@liverpool.ac.uk www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences Information provided is correct at time of going to press and is subject to change.