BSc(Hons) Environmental Science (with Foundation Year)

This module will give you a grounding in biological ideas, theories and processes, together with practical and academic skills for degree-level study. You'll explore cells and viruses, classification, biodiversity, biological molecules, energy, exchange and transport, microbiology, control systems, genetics, reproduction, evolution, ecosystems and modern genetics. Practical work will develop your ability to investigate safely using techniques such as dissection, light microscopy, microbiology and environmental sampling. You'll learn to keep reliable records, collect and analyse data, use academic literature and communicate scientific findings effectively.

This module will build your understanding of key chemical ideas, theories and processes while developing confidence in laboratory practice. You'll study inorganic chemistry, including atomic structure, electron configurations, bonding, the periodic table, crystal chemistry, redox reactions, acids and bases. Organic and biological chemistry will cover functional groups, analysis, isomerism and polymers, while physical chemistry will include electrochemistry, energy and matter, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, kinetics and nuclear chemistry. Practical work will develop safe experimental techniques, accurate record-keeping, chemical measurements and the collection, analysis and presentation of data.

This module will develop the physics, mathematics and information technology skills that underpin further study in applied science. You'll review basic physical laws and principles as they apply to areas such as biological, forensic and environmental sciences, and learn how to calculate relevant physical parameters. Mathematical methods will be developed alongside their practical use in understanding physical knowledge. Through problem-solving, data handling and interpretation, you'll strengthen your ability to apply quantitative techniques, retrieve and evaluate information effectively, and explain the physical meaning of results using coherent scientific reasoning.

This module will develop your understanding of how science works and how scientific ideas are communicated to different audiences. You'll explore the nature of scientific investigation, the relationship between science and society, and questions of ethics and equity. Along the way, you'll learn how to find, read and understand academic literature, research a topic and use appropriate referencing. Practical activities will strengthen your scientific reasoning, critical thinking, academic writing, public speaking, visual communication and data visualisation, alongside group working, independent study, planning, time management and reflective practice.

This module will introduce Earth system science and the physical concepts needed to study ecology and environmental science. You'll explore geological time, evolution, plate tectonics, Earth materials and major events in the planet's history. By examining interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, you'll learn how energy flows and matter cycles shape climate, landscapes and ecosystems. The module will also consider resource extraction, waste, pollution, depletion, environmental change, sustainability and sustainable development, helping you understand Earth as a complex, interconnected system.

This module will develop the field skills needed in environmental science, ecology and conservation. You'll learn how to design field studies, select appropriate survey techniques and collect information for environmental and ecological monitoring. The module will show you how to present data effectively through figures and scientific writing, introduce hypothesis testing, and help you select and apply suitable statistical analyses. A strong employability focus will support you in recognising and evidencing technical and transferable skills for work experience, postgraduate research or scientific employment.

This module will introduce the plants, animals and microorganisms that make up life on Earth. You'll explore taxonomy, classification and the biology of major organism groups, including photosynthesis, plant nutrition, animal physiology, microorganisms and their wider uses and impacts. The module will examine how organisms interact with each other and their physical environment, and how these relationships affect distribution and abundance. You'll also study genetic variation, population genetics, evolution, speciation and extinction, alongside ecological ideas such as population growth, limiting factors, symbiosis and mutualism.

This module will examine the scientific, political, economic, ecological and social dimensions of global environmental challenges. You'll explore population growth, climate change, energy, oceans, land-use change, biodiversity loss, pollution, waste, food and farming. Sustainable development will be considered through its economic, social and environmental pillars and a range of models. You'll also investigate cultural perspectives, environmentalism, political ecology, economic concepts and policy-making. This interdisciplinary approach will help you evaluate threats and opportunities and apply theory to possible environmental solutions.

In this module, you'll develop the practical field, laboratory and analytical skills needed to investigate environmental questions and evaluate ecological evidence. You'll explore experimental design, scientific methodology and the critical assessment of quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The module will introduce principles of temporal and spatial data, long-term monitoring and the interpretation of environmental datasets. Using software tools such as Excel and Minitab, you'll learn how to present and analyse scientific data, identify trends and patterns, and recognise the limitations and strengths of different research techniques.

In this module, you'll explore the fundamental principles of ecology and how living organisms interact with each other and their environments. You'll examine topics such as food webs, nutrient cycles, population dynamics, biodiversity, succession and major global biomes, while developing an understanding of ecological theory and ecosystem function. The module also explores the structure and function of key British habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and coastal environments. You'll investigate how human activities, including pollution, climate change, habitat loss and introduced species, affect ecosystems and consider approaches to habitat restoration and conservation.

In this module, you'll explore global environmental challenges through a social-ecological lens, considering concepts such as planetary boundaries, resilience, tipping points and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You'll examine topics including climate change, pollution, circular economy approaches, ecosystem services and the management of terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. Through laboratory, field and data analysis activities, you'll develop practical skills in environmental monitoring and investigation. You may also explore areas such as atmospheric pollution, ecotoxicology of plastics or greenhouse gas dynamics, strengthening your ability to evaluate environmental impacts across different scales.

This module will examine the environmental, social and economic challenges involved in creating sustainable futures. You'll explore key ideas in sustainability and consider how individuals, organisations, communities and policy-makers can respond to interconnected global issues. Indicative themes may include resource use, biodiversity, climate change, inequality, responsible consumption and sustainable development. Through evidence and real-world examples, you'll learn how to evaluate competing priorities, recognise uncertainty and develop informed responses that consider long-term impacts, ethical responsibilities and the needs of different stakeholders.

In this module, you'll explore the relationships between energy use, carbon emissions and climate change. You'll examine how energy is produced and consumed, how carbon is measured and managed, and how these processes influence environmental change. Indicative topics may include energy systems, greenhouse gases, carbon accounting, mitigation, adaptation and policy responses. Through scientific evidence and applied examples, you'll develop the ability to interpret relevant data, evaluate different strategies and understand the technological, environmental and societal challenges involved in moving towards lower-carbon futures.

This module will enable you to plan and complete an independent scientific research project with guidance from an academic supervisor. You'll define aims, objectives and, where appropriate, hypotheses, then gather and analyse information using methods suited to your chosen topic. The project will develop your understanding of experimental design, research governance, statistical approaches and systematic use of scientific literature. You'll learn how to manage an extended investigation, interpret results and discuss findings in the context of current knowledge. Communicating your work through academic formats will strengthen your scientific writing, visual presentation, critical evaluation and research independence.