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This module introduces atmospheric and climate science, combining theory with observations, to help you develop an understanding of the physical behaviour of the atmosphere and the Earth’s climate system. You’ll explore the structure and characteristics of the atmosphere, the physical principles that govern its behaviour and how these lead to the everyday weather we observe. The module also covers the broader role of the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect in regulating Earth’s climate. You’ll gain an overview of the different components of the climate system, their interactions and feedback, explore evidence of past climates and consider how human activities may influence future climate.

The movement of nutrients and pollutants through catchments is controlled by soils, water flows and pollutant transformations. Improving the water quality of lakes and rivers requires an integrated catchment-based approach. Building on knowledge of water flows, soils and nutrient cycling, this module applies this approach to the Windermere catchment. You’ll visit the Lake District to study lake inflows, the soils of the catchment and water quality parameters. You’ll learn how to describe complex systems using simple models and how to carry out field measurements, followed by laboratory analyses of the samples collected in the field.

Study the dynamic way in which the Earth works and gain the tools to interpret the Earth processes that have formed the planet on which we live. This module gives you an understanding of the processes that create the solid outer surface of our planet. Minerals, rocks and sediments are critical natural resources that underpin the resilience and survival of the human population and we consider these in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The way in which minerals, rocks, sediments, landforms and fossils are initially created and subsequently change or deform, is taught in the framework of the geological timescale, plate tectonics and igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes. Experience will be gained in outdoor field and indoor laboratory skills. You will examine geological landscapes, samples and maps and use microscopes in a laboratory environment.

Gain the practical environmental skills needed to make the transition from school or employment to studying environmental science or Earth science at university. You’ll learn how to accurately record both qualitative and quantitative observations when working in laboratory, field and computer-based settings. Numerical aptitude, scientific proficiency and visualisation techniques will then help you interpret your observations for assessment and other purposes.

Develop your key environmental and Earth science field skills that bring together laboratory, analytical and interpretative approaches. This will allow you to critically examine a contemporary environmental challenge, such as the potential contamination of water courses by historic mining activity. You will learn important field skills that span a range of relevant disciplines including geology, hydrology and erosion, and apply these during a residential field trip to the Lake District. Subsequent laboratory analysis will allow you to measure water chemistry to determine the extent of contamination and you will apply a range of statistical techniques to process and interpret your results. You will learn how to present your results in a professional manner in the form of an environmental report.

This module provides a strong foundation in the data analysis and programming techniques essential for environmental and Earth scientists. You’ll be introduced to computer programming as a tool for analysing and visualising environmental data. You’ll develop the skills to work with large data sets and modelling systems, which are now central to environmental science. The module covers the fundamental tools of programming: running code in interactive development environments, editing, commenting, debugging and using variables, loops, conditional statements and functions. You’ll then apply these tools to carry out statistical analysis, test hypotheses and visualise data in a way that supports your understanding of the environmental and Earth sciences.

Throughout your degree you gain a unique skills set based on your understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of sciences. In this module we develop your self-awareness of these skills and how to make the most of graduate-level employment opportunities.

We introduce you to the University’s employability resources including job search techniques and search engine use. We develop your skills in writing CVs and cover letters, and we draw on the expertise of employers and alumni. Your ability to effectively use these resources will enhance your employability skills, your communication skills and help you to develop a short-term career plan.

Deepen your understanding of the atmospheric physics and chemistry that govern weather systems, atmospheric composition and air pollution. You will explore the physical and dynamic properties of the atmosphere and how they influence air movement - from small-scale flows to global circulation patterns such as monsoons and El Niño.

You will examine the factors affecting important atmospheric trace gases and study the key chemical processes behind urban air pollution, acid rain and stratospheric ozone depletion.

Practical sessions and a field trip to our Hazelrigg meteorological station will introduce you to observing and reporting atmospheric conditions. You will also learn how these observations support meteorological analyses and forecasts. Lab-based activities will reinforce your understanding of chemical reaction rates and provide hands-on experience with standard air quality monitoring techniques.

Having the skills and confidence to work outdoors is key for many Earth scientists. This module will provide you with context and training in geologic field skills. Geologic maps provide information about processes on and beneath the Earth's surface. Useful in both commercial and academic work, they show the geographic distribution of rocks and sediments at the Earth's surface; they can be used to determine the histories of past events and locations of subsurface resources. This module, with workshops ahead of a residential held on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, provides training in geologic mapping plus a visual demonstration of geologic processes. You will collect field data to make a geologic map, in parallel with learning how to record information in field notebooks, use professional geologist’s tools, map read and navigate, keep safe in the field and work effectively both within a team and as a team leader.

Employers in the UK and internationally are increasingly looking for graduates with professional skills in hydrology and water quality. These include environmental consultancies, water companies, government regulators and environmental or humanitarian charities. In this module, you'll learn how water and pollutants move through surface and subsurface environments. You'll also explore the latest theories and technologies professionals use, including monitoring tools and modelling techniques. Real-world examples show how these approaches are applied. Topics include the impact of climate change on water resources, flood mitigation through natural methods and the nitrate time bomb in groundwater. You'll gain hands-on experience with both field measurements and lab-based modelling.

Building on your earlier introduction to glacial systems, this module takes a deeper dive into how glaciers shape landscapes and interact with people and ecosystems. You’ll explore glacial processes in greater detail and begin to see how they connect across space and time. As you progress, you’ll be encouraged to critically engage with current research and understand how physical geographers interpret and contribute to this growing body of knowledge. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to identify how glaciology can inform environmental management and benefit both society and the natural environment.

This hands-on module introduces the theory behind key geological processes. You’ll also gain practical laboratory and field skills to help you interpret geological data and understand the geological evolution of the Earth. You’ll explore how natural resources form through geological processes. You’ll also consider how these resources are extracted and the impact this has on the environment and sustainability. Teaching takes place through lectures, laboratory practicals and field trips. You’ll develop core practical skills and learn how to apply theoretical knowledge to interpret geological processes. You’ll also collect and analyse field data. This data will be integrated with geological maps and existing knowledge to help you interpret the geological history of a region.

Soils are one of the most important, yet often overlooked, resources on the planet. Almost all our food relies on soil - it is the largest active store of carbon. The water we drink is stored and filtered through soils and they support over half of the planet’s biodiversity. In this module you will explore how soils are formed and the underpinning chemical, physical and biological processes that support the major biogeochemical cycles and life itself. We go on to explore some of the threats to soils, including soil erosion and salinisation and what we might do to mitigate them and then consider how soils are linked to the wider environment. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, a walking field lecture, fieldwork looking at soil profiles and laboratory classes to explore this exciting world beneath our feet.

Conduct an independent research project on a specific topic within your field of study and present your findings in an extensive report. Throughout your project, you will receive one-to-one support from a member of academic staff. This is the largest piece of work that you will complete during your degree and, depending on your subject area, it will enable you to develop skills including formulating a research question; contextualising it within research literature; identifying and using appropriate research methods and techniques with which to address your question; collecting and analysing data; and interpreting your findings. Overall, the aim is to demonstrate your ability to conduct rigorous, independent academic work and communicate its outcomes clearly and effectively.

In this module we continue to develop your employability skills. We focus on your ability to communicate your scientific learning to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of your degree and empower you when it comes to job applications and interviews. This includes practice for assessment centres and associated tasks such as psychometric testing and skills testing, and 1-1 recruitment selection or panel-based interviews.

The science and policy landscape around climate change, widely regarded as humanity’s biggest challenge, is rapidly evolving. This module covers climate change causes and effects, equipping you with a rounded understanding of underpinning processes and the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate and debate key contemporary issues. Fundamental carbon and energy balance concepts are introduced to explore how natural and anthropogenic forces (e.g. greenhouse gases) have shaped Earth’s climate since the industrial revolution and throughout geological time. Using real data, you will learn how changes to Earth’s climate are observed and modelled, appreciating uncertainties and how research is synthesised then communicated. Key aspects of current climate debates are explored, including geoengineering options versus conventional mitigation. With case studies, the successes and challenges of international climate policy and climate impacts at a range of scales are discussed.

The cryosphere holds a significant portion of Earth's fresh water, yet it faces growing threats from a warming climate. In this module, you'll explore the cryosphere as part of a wider environmental system, drawing on current research to understand how these frozen regions function and why they matter. Starting with the physical processes that influence the behaviour of ice masses, such as meltwater production and its effect on ice flow, you'll then examine the cryosphere's far-reaching impacts on downstream environments. By viewing glaciers as ecosystems, you'll uncover their role in sea-level changes, ecological interactions and climate feedbacks. You'll also gain insight into how scientists study these environments, using methods including fieldwork (like ice core sampling), remote sensing and modelling to monitor change and predict future outcomes.

This module takes a critical and yet hands-on approach to exploring the role of eco-innovation as a pathway towards sustainable development. Through action-learning, you will identify and address real-world sustainability challenges by developing your own eco-innovation proposals – viable ideas with the potential to reduce human impact on the environment whilst simultaneously delivering to the economic and social ambitions of global sustainable development. You will work in small teams, while being introduced to key sustainability concepts and business planning approaches that can be combined to develop effective eco-innovations. Gain valuable transferable skills including team working, problem analysis and framing, and effective oral and written communication to professional and non-academic audiences. By the end of the module, you will have developed a deep understanding of the intersection between sustainability and innovation, along with practical skills and increased confidence to help them drive change in the real world.

Geophysical techniques help you explore the subsurface environment in a minimally invasive way just like doctors use X-rays or MRIs to investigate the human body. You'll get to know a broad range of methods, including ground penetrating radar, electrical, seismic, gravity and magnetic techniques. Some of these can even be deployed using airborne or waterborne sensors.

You’ll learn the basic principles behind each method and how to interpret the data they generate, with hands-on practical training throughout. In addition, you’ll explore the strengths and limitations of each technique and see how they’re used in real-world contexts, from groundwater studies and pollutant mapping to glaciology, agriculture, geohazards, archaeology and forensic investigations. You’ll also be introduced to some of the latest innovations in environmental geophysics, such as the use of uncrewed vehicles and distributed fibre optic sensing.

Environmental pollution from metals, nutrients, radionuclides and emerging organic contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and microplastics has received a lot of attention across the media. Their effects on humans, wildlife and the environment are the subject of exciting and novel research. However, the sources of pollution and their pathways through the environment are still poorly understood. In this module, you’ll take a case study approach to explore where different pollutants come from, how they move through and impact the environment, and what this means for the world around you. But understanding the impacts is only half the story, you’ll also investigate how to monitor, manage and remediate pollution. You’ll engage with the latest approaches to reducing risk and exposure, helping you to think critically about how we can build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.

Geological hazards, especially earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions, endanger lives and livelihoods – disproportionately in vulnerable areas – and cause economic losses and infrastructure damage. Effective hazard management requires detailed understanding of the underlying physical processes, use of appropriate monitoring techniques to assess hazards and rigorous policymaking. In this module you’ll learn, via numerous case studies, how the boundaries of our knowledge of geological hazards are advanced by ongoing research. You’ll gain understanding of why landslides occur and the geomechanical models underpinning slope failure analysis and why faults slip. You will look at the probabilistic models used in seismic hazard assessment and how volcanic unrest and eruption relates to physical processes in magmatic systems. You will gain employability-relevant experience of geological hazards, which integrates field, remote sensing and modelling approaches and includes a site survey of a local landslide. You will thus develop systematic and creative approaches to identifying and solving problems.

This field module focuses on the governance of dynamic and rapidly changing socio-ecological systems in tropical South East Asia – places often conceived as utopias. You will explore the concept of ‘utopia’ and how it relates to environment and development challenges, considering why they succeed or fail. Visit a range of sites that reflect a continuum of different management trajectories. Through these cases, you will explore related trade-offs and approaches to natural resource management. Engage with different stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, tourists, local farmers) to explore their differing views of utopia and preferred development and conservation trajectories and their implications for society and the biophysical landscape. This multidisciplinary trip is designed for you, whether you're a natural or social science student, and will challenge you to engage with literature, concepts, methods, and assignments from areas outside your immediate degree focus.

How are we transforming the way we supply and use energy to achieve our climate targets? In this cross-disciplinary module you will look at the major changes underway within our energy system. You will examine decarbonisation pathways in electricity, transport and heat, whilst considering supply and demand dynamics and carbon removal. Investigate real-world challenges including how to govern the energy system, economics, societal engagement and energy security. Through a combination of lecture, workshop and field-based activities, you will gain a ‘whole system view’ cutting across disciplines, enabling you to refine your critical thinking skills and ability to weigh up the opportunities and challenges associated with energy decarbonisation. You will benefit from real-world insight through understanding the university energy system and contributions to the course from energy professionals. The knowledge and skills develop will position you for further study or employment focused on a major societal challenge.

Our planet is shaped by ongoing geological, climatic and ecological processes that are increasingly dominated by mankind. Everywhere you look you will find change, but not all changes are important. To make informed decisions, we need to know how to test ideas and identify reliable trends. This module will teach you how to overlay spatial layers to answer increasingly complex questions about when and where changes are happening, whether they are connected, what is occurring in locations with incomplete data and to predict the magnitude and distribution of impacts? As more and more data is collected and shared by networked devices, corporations and remote sensing technologies, understanding spatial relationships is crucial. The operations of most industries already depend on geospatial analysts and this module will teach you skills needed to take advantage of the digital age.

We inhabit a wafer-thin veneer that floats on a dynamic planetary interior. Explore the structure and evolution of the Earth's interior and how internal processes such as convection of the outer core and mantle have influenced the Earth system, including plate tectonics, climate and life. You will learn about seismology and other techniques that are used to study the Earth's deep interior, how Earth cools, the geomagnetic field and understand how volcanism is produced by partial melting of the upper mantle. Learn how the behaviour of the Earth’s interior determines the stability of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans and consequently the ecosphere we depend upon; however, the Earth’s interior can also produce rapid surface change that alters the trajectory of evolution.

Develop your theoretical and practical knowledge of volcanic processes by studying the evolution of a basaltic volcano. Pre-trip classroom sessions are used to support the main residential field trip component of the module. The module covers the intricate volcanic processes occurring both on the surface and beneath the Earth’s crust, examining geological evidence of both constructional events (like eruptions and intrusions) and destructive events (such as collapses). Through fieldwork, you’ll interpret observations across scales, from millimetres to kilometres, linking them to the volcanic processes that drive them. By taking a problem-based learning approach, you'll tackle large-scale challenges, like understanding magmatic plumbing systems and their role in hazard analysis and mitigation.

Water is a critical natural resource for you and for all ecosystems. Successfully managing water resources is one of the most fundamental challenges facing society today. If you're aiming for a career in the water sector, you'll need to understand the policy and regulatory frameworks, technologies, and monitoring and classification approaches used to develop, conserve and restore water resources. This module gives you that understanding, drawing primarily on core material from the UK water sector and supported by global case studies where relevant. You’ll explore the management of both surface water and groundwater, tackling issues related to water quality and water availability. Your learning will be enriched through field visits and practical sessions with key UK stakeholders such as the Environment Agency and water companies, helping you gain skills and experience directly relevant to your future career.

Conduct an independent research project on a specific topic within your field of study and present your findings in an extensive report. Throughout your project, you will receive one-to-one support from a member of academic staff. This is the largest piece of work that you will complete during your degree and, depending on your subject area, it will enable you to develop skills including formulating a research question; contextualising it within research literature; identifying and using appropriate research methods and techniques with which to address your question; collecting and analysing data; and interpreting your findings. Overall, the aim is to demonstrate your ability to conduct rigorous, independent academic work and communicate its outcomes clearly and effectively.

Global food security means ensuring that everyone, everywhere, always has access to an affordable supply of safe and nutritious food. Today, up to a billion people remain undernourished, while many others face health issues linked to over-consumption. This interdisciplinary module explores the wide range of local and global factors that influence food availability, accessibility and utilisation. You’ll examine what makes a diet healthy and how access to key nutrients can be improved, for example through fish consumption or crop biofortification. The module also looks at how climate change affects food production, by influencing key biological processes like photosynthesis and reproductive development. You’ll explore the complex interplay between food, water and energy security, and assess the environmental footprint of the global food system, recognising the diverse needs and priorities of local communities who depend on food-producing regions.

Advances in environmental science increasingly rely on diverse data collected through a wide range of sensors and instruments. This module equips you with the skills to access, process and interpret varied digital datasets, using modern techniques and software underpinned by scientific rigour. You’ll learn how to critically assess data quality, recognise potential errors and apply methods to minimise their impact. Through real-world examples drawn from across the environmental sciences, you’ll gain confidence in working with complex, multi-source data and understand the value of integrating different data streams.

Develop a critical understanding of the core concepts, tools and strategies used in managing natural resources and the environment. This module places strong emphasis on tackling the complexity, uncertainty and conflict that often characterise real-world environmental challenges. You’ll explore a range of management approaches suited to rapidly changing or ‘turbulent’ conditions and examine contemporary environmental issues through both academic and policy lenses. By engaging in constructive debate, you’ll refine your ability to evaluate competing arguments and evidence, and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of alternative management frameworks.

How do we make the decisions that will stop climate change, reverse the biodiversity crisis, keep our rivers clean and cope with a host of other environmental issues while providing the jobs, houses, renewable energy and other things we need for a high quality of life? This module will introduce you to the fast-moving world of environmental decision making through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and the new approach of Environmental Outcome Reports (EORs). We take a practical approach, including site visits, to see how information is gathered and processed on plans, programmes and projects that may have a significant effect on the environment, and we explain the process, law, and key players right through to a decision. This practical approach helps you to gain confidence so that you’re ready to create and present a case either for or against a scheme.

Geological hazards, especially earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions, endanger lives and livelihoods – disproportionately in vulnerable areas – and cause economic losses and infrastructure damage. Effective hazard management requires detailed understanding of the underlying physical processes, use of appropriate monitoring techniques to assess hazards and rigorous policymaking. In this module you’ll learn, via numerous case studies, how the boundaries of our knowledge of geological hazards are advanced by ongoing research. You’ll gain understanding of why landslides occur and the geomechanical models underpinning slope failure analysis and why faults slip. You will look at the probabilistic models used in seismic hazard assessment and how volcanic unrest and eruption relates to physical processes in magmatic systems. You will gain employability-relevant experience of geological hazards, which integrates field, remote sensing and modelling approaches and includes a site survey of a local landslide. You will thus develop systematic and creative approaches to identifying and solving problems.

We introduce you to the fundamental principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing and demonstrate how these complementary technologies may be used to capture/derive, manipulate, integrate, analyse and display different forms of spatially-referenced environmental data. We blend theory-led lectures with hands-on practical sessions using state-of-the-art software. Alongside core subject knowledge, you'll build transferable skills in synthesising geographical data, developing problem-solving strategies, managing your time effectively and presenting analysis through innovative graphical formats.

Groundwater is the largest freshwater reservoir on the planet; in many parts of the world it is the main (or only) source of freshwater. Groundwater is not only a major source of drinking water, it sustains river flow, plays a critical role in food security and can also influence the structural properties of the ground. In this module you will learn how we can access this water reservoir and how natural and human-influenced disturbances can impact on the availability of groundwater and its quality. You will also be given in-field training on groundwater investigation techniques and gain hands-on experience of using groundwater models to tackle practical problems. You will also learn about some topical issues related to groundwater resources, globally.

Develop your theoretical and practical knowledge of volcanic processes by studying the evolution of a basaltic volcano. You will be part of pre-trip classroom sessions used to support the main residential fieldwork component of the module. You will cover a wide range of the complex physical volcanic processes that take place both on the surface, within and beneath volcanoes. You will explore geological evidence for constructional (eruptive and intrusive) events as well as for destructive (collapse) events. On top of that, you will also interpret field observations, over scales varying from millimetres to kilometres, in terms of their causal volcanic processes and evaluate the associated hazard. You'll use a problem-based learning approach to tackle major challenges, such as understanding the magmatic plumbing system and how it shapes modern approaches to hazard analysis and mitigation.

We inhabit a wafer-thin veneer that floats on a dynamic planetary interior. This module explores the structure and evolution of Earth’s interior and how volcanic systems emerge as the surface expression of the convection of the outer core and mantle. You will build a foundation on understanding of the properties and behaviour of volcanic materials gained through laboratory, theoretical and field study. The module emphasises widely applicable physical and chemical principles that underpin volcanic activity, including variations in solubility, rheology, phase, density and permeability. The interaction of volcanic processes with the biosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere are discussed including how the Earth’s interior can produce rapid surface change that alters the trajectory of evolution. These principles will also be applied to research-led insights into volcanism across the solar system.