Practical Skills for Geography and Environmental Science is a skills-based module, using geographical knowledge to develop a range of subject-specific skills together with general use of ICT and communication skills. The module focuses on the handling, analysis and communication of spatial and graphical data. You will be introduced to the principles, uses and practical skills of Geographical Information Systems as part of the module.

Introduction to Geographical and Environmental Science Research provides an overview of the subject specific and generic skills in Geography and Environmental Science that you will require to study, research and succeed in your studies. This includes the development of research skills, cartographical skills, statistical analysis and fieldwork skills.

Introduction to Natural Hazards covers the scientific theory for different kinds of natural hazards. These include geological/geophysical hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes, meteorological hazards such as hurricanes, geomorphological hazards such as mass movements, climatic hazards including floods, drought and wildfires, and environmental hazards such as disease. The module equips you with an understanding of the primary and secondary impacts, both negative and positive, of different natural hazards on the environment and society.

Dynamic Earth provides a broad overview of, and introduction to, the science of geology. The module will describe the Earth as a dynamic system, and explain how that system has operated throughout the history of the planet. It will introduce the formation of the Earth, the concept of geological time, and the major processes operating on Earth, from plate tectonics to ocean circulation, evolution and geochemical cycles.

Geological Hazards introduces you to the scientific theory for different kinds of geological hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and soil erosion. The module equips you with an understanding of the primary and secondary impacts (both negative and positive) of different geological hazards on the environment and society.

Science of the Physical Environment provides an introduction to the nature, structure and composition of the physical environment and the processes and interactions that operate within and between the various components. An understanding of our physical environment is fundamental to environmental science.

Research Methods for Physical Geography and Environmental Science uses investigative research processes to enhance and develop your knowledge and understanding of essential research methods in physical geographical and environmental science.

Digital Geographies develops your knowledge and skills in remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) which are widely used in a variety of fields including planning, health studies, environmental investigations and resource management. The module focuses on remote sensing analysis and interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery, which has transformed the manner in which geographers and geoscientists view the Earth. You will explore how remote sensing and GIS have greatly improved our understanding of atmospheric, oceanic and landform processes, helped to sustain environmental management and enabled a better understanding of the interaction of humans with the natural world. The module also extensively covers the use of Geographical Information Systems as one of the most important tool to process and analyse geographical data.

Disaster Management and Risk Reduction introduces the concepts and approaches/methods used in disaster management including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The module also provides knowledge and understanding of the theories and practices involved in disaster risk reduction including vulnerability assessment and reduction, mitigation, risk assessment, analysis and emergency planning. The module includes the study of case studies and scenarios and considers the differences and similarities between disaster management approaches in developed and developing countries.

Field-Based Investigation of Natural Hazards focuses on applying theory to a series of field-based problems in a European destination.  The module provides an integrated geoscientific case study, incorporating geological history, hazard assessment, risk and vulnerability evaluation, and evaluation of existing disaster management strategies. During a residential field course, you will study the products of past volcanic activity, with a view to assessing the risk to future hazard events and developing disaster risk reduction strategies for given hazard scenarios.

Environmental Pollution focuses on the origins, pathways and consequences of anthropogenic pollutants in the environment as well as discussing the various approaches to pollution control and remediation. The module will provide you with a detailed understanding of the actual or possible effects that humans may have on environmental systems, over a variety of scales in time and space.

Geomorphology introduces you to the study of geomorphological processes and the landforms they produce in a range of earth surface environments. The module will outline important concepts for understanding the relationships between processes and landforms. You will study the linkages between landforms and processes in a selection of earth surface environments such as coastal, fluvial, desert and glacial. You will also be introduced to the identification of landforms and the observation of processes through work in the field and laboratory.

Weather, Climate and Soils provides you with a detailed understanding of the climate system and the soil system. The module covers a range of atmospheric processes through to the development of weather systems, with a specific focus on mid-latitude weather. The varying nature and properties of soils, and the soil processes which give rise to soil formation and development are then considered. You will receive practical training in the analysis and interpretation of meteorological data as well as being guided in the methods used in the field and laboratory analysis of soils.

Dissertation in Natural and Environmental Hazards develops further understanding of the concepts, theories and skills acquired through earlier studies in natural and environmental hazards in relation to a topic of your own choice within this academic field. Through the dissertation experience, you will develop a range of transferable skills in the planning, execution and reporting of an individual research report. You will also demonstrate an ability to work independently and effectively, meeting deadlines and producing a professional product, in consultation with a supervisor.

GIS Solutions for Hazard Management focuses on the application of geographic information system (GIS) technology to the natural environment and hazards domains, encompassing both natural and anthropogenic events. In the module, you will integrate spatial data from a range of sources to map and evaluate exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity to hazards and analyse mitigation strategies. You will develop key technological skills which will enhance your employability.

Disaster Recovery Landscapes covers the techniques practised by professionals in the fields of emergency planning and disaster management. The module focuses on the key themes of search and rescue, humanitarian aid during and following disasters, emergency first aid, the role of the media and social media in disaster reportage, and community education for disaster mitigation, response and recovery. You will critically evaluate search and rescue techniques, learn how to work with the media in disaster management scenarios, critically evaluate the effectiveness of humanitarian aid, and plan, propose and implement disaster management strategies in a simulated major disaster scenario. Current practitioners working in areas of emergency planning and management, such as search and rescue, the emergency services and humanitarian aid, will supplement your learning with valuable first-hand insights.

Development Economics discusses the key economic, social and political factors responsible for economic development and growth. In particular, the module provides an insight into economic theories analysing the development patterns across different countries and explaining differences. You will consider what factors effectively enhance or hinder economic growth and explore the relationship of economic development with national and international institutions, macro-economic policy and foreign direct investment. The role of civil society and the environment on economic development will also be examined, as will socio-economic issues such as poverty and inequality.

Natural Hazards identifies the nature of geohazards and the relationships between hazards and risk to people. The module investigates the distribution, causes and management of a range of major geohazards. It will enable you to demonstrate your ability to research and evaluate information on geohazards both on an individual basis and in a group scenario.

Environmental Change develops your knowledge and understanding of the nature of environmental change from the last glacial period to the recent past. You will examine the evidence for change, consider potential causes, and analyse the spatial and temporal responses.  The module explores the major changes of the Late Glacial, Holocene and recent periods and examines the relative contributions of forcing factors, such as climatic variability and anthropogenic activity. In addition, the module critically considers the techniques and methodologies used in the reconstruction of environmental change.

Wetlands explores the largest terrestrial carbon store; wetlands. The module studies the flora and fauna that have adapted to and formed these environments. You will examine the sensitivity of these environments to climate change and analyse the historic, current and future management strategies required to preserve these ecosystems.

Environmental Hydrology and Flood Management provides an understanding of input, storage and output processes within the catchment unit in the hydrological cycle. The module will develop knowledge and experience of the measurement, analysis and simulation techniques available to the modern hydrologist. You will gain an holistic appreciation of flood estimation and modelling techniques, in addition to river catchment and flood risk management, in the context of extant policies, legislation and planning.

Landscape Ecology facilitates advanced learning in landscape ecology, involving the application of remote sensing image data collection and computational spatial analysis to solve environmental problems. Landscape ecology is a growth area, underpinning much large-scale environmental analysis due to its synoptic scale, the wide and growing availability of digital image data and the ease of automated, computer-based analysis. The module covers the theory underpinning landscape ecology and provides advanced technical training in acquiring and analysing various forms of imagery, including optical, hyperspectral, lidar and drone data. You will learn how to apply spatial analyses to a range of environmental and ecological problems such as land use planning, habitat assessment, forest monitoring and peatland conservation.

Biodiversity and Conservation is a field-based module providing you with an opportunity for a detailed study of habitats and conservation issues at protected sites. A diverse range of management issues across a range of organisms will be explored through fieldwork in varied habitats. This will be placed in the context of ecological theory, conservation legislation and wider pressures on the landscape.

GEO2077 Weather, Climate and Soils (20 credits) changes from compulsory to optional in Year 2. GEO2075 Geomorphology (20 credits) added as an optional module in Year 2;

GEO3140 Environmental Monitoring and Management (20 credits) removed as a compulsory module in Year 3. GEO3087 Climate Change (20 credits) and LAW3055 (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 3. BUS3033 Development Economics (20 credits), GEO3071 Natural Hazards (20 credits), GEO3073 Environmental Change (20 credits), GEO3077 Wetlands (20 credits), GEO3102 Landscape Ecology (20 credits) and SCI3309 Biodiversity and Conservation (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 3.

GEO3244 Disaster Recovery Landscapes (20 credits) replaces GEO3085 Disaster Management and Response in the Professional World (20 credits) as a compulsory module in Year 3.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2020 entry.