Environmental Science Undergraduate Courses.

Department Of Geography.

“I chose Sheffield because I had heard so many good things about it. Everyone is really friendly and it has all the benefits of being one of the largest cities in the country.

The course has definitely lived up to my expectations: the wide range of topics covered by the Geography and Animal and Plant Sciences departments has been surprising, and I have been able to focus in depth on the areas of Environmental Science that I enjoy.

I would like to further my knowledge and am considering an MSc in Global Change Biology. The course has provided me with a good grounding that is relevant to a wide range of careers in Environmental Science”.Roisin O’Riordan Third year BSc Environmental Science

1Environmental Science Undergraduate Courses

Environmental scientists are at the forefront of understanding how we interact with our environment and how this knowledge can be applied to the problems that threaten its future.

Growth in human population, industrial expansion and globalisation are placing growing pressure on our environment. Solutions to the problems that arise from these pressures – from climate change to the protection of ecosystems – require specialist knowledge of a kind that crosses the boundaries of the traditional scientific disciplines.

Environmental Science at Sheffield

The Department of GeographyThe Department of Geography at Sheffield was founded in 1908 and is one of the top-ten geography departments in the UK according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008). Our teaching is rated as ‘excellent’ by the last Teaching Quality Assessment, and the department has an internationally-recognised record of academic research, with 95 per cent of our output rated of ‘international significance’ and 70 per cent at least ‘internationally excellent’ (RAE 2008). We are one of the largest departments in the country in terms of undergraduate numbers and places on courses are amongst the most sought-after in the UK.

The Department of Animal and Plant SciencesThe Department of Animal and Plant Sciences is one of the largest and most successful departments specialising in whole-organism biology in the UK. We gained the maximum 24/24 in the last Teaching Quality Assessment and Sheffield was ranked joint 3rd in the UK for Biological Sciences in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008). We have outstanding recently refurbished, modern teaching and research facilities. All of our 40 academic staff teach, informed by their latest findings and current scientific controversies, providing exciting, up-to-date learning and training for our students. Our students have an outstanding record of achievement with over 85% gaining First or 2:1 Honours. We are consistently rated in the top-six Universities for Biological Sciences in The Times Good University Guide (3rd out of 81 universities in the 2011 Guide).

Our global impactThe University of Sheffield is ranked 7th in the world for the impact of research published over the past decade in the subject areas of Environment and Ecology (Times Higher Education Supplement, June 2008). This places us ahead of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Opportunities in the Environmental SciencesEnvironmental Science is a rapidly growing discipline because its graduates are arguably best-placed to tackle the environmental challenges of today and of the future. A recent report by the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (www.ches.org.uk) identified that the majority of Environmental Science professionals perceive a lack of Environmental Science graduates, indicating that such graduates are now greatly in demand.

At the University of Sheffield, we pull together the environmental expertise of two internationally renowned departments – the Department of Geography and the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences – in order to produce scientists with an interdisciplinary perspective and full understanding of their discipline.Overall student satisfaction rates for Physical Geography and Biological Sciences at the University of Sheffield are 100 per cent and 98 per cent respectively, according to the 2010 National Student Survey. Further, in 2010, over 90 per cent of our students graduating with an Environmental Science degree were awarded a 2:1 or greater.

2 The University of Sheffield

Our courses

3Environmental Science Undergraduate Courses

BSc Honours Environmental Science (3 years) The BSc provides a solid foundation in all major areas of Environmental Science, and is suitable both for students with broad interests and for those who prefer to specialize. In the first year we concentrate on teaching you the essential knowledge and core practical skills needed to give you a thorough grounding in the subject area. From year two you have the choice of focusing on one of three pathways, or retaining a broader outlook. Specialist pathways are in Global Change, Environmental Biosciences, or Environmental Geosciences. In the third year you will undertake project work – laboratory or field-based – and also complete a dissertation. The BSc course is suitable both for those who would like to use their skills directly in an environmental-based career and for those wishing to follow a career path outside the sciences. Students on the BSc course can transfer on to the Undergraduate Masters course up to the end of Year 3, provided that a certain level is achieved in preceding examinations.

Undergraduate Masters in Environmental Science (4 years)This is our flagship course specifically designed for students considering a career as a environmental professional, be that in industry, university research and teaching, or with a government agency. The first three years follow a common pathway with the BSc course then MEnv students progress to more advanced material and further training. Project work comprises a major part of the fourth year. You will work alongside a member of academic staff in their area of expertise, producing a piece of original research. Because there is emphasis on training in the advanced skills needed for many environmental science research jobs, our graduates have a significant advantage in competition for employment or study involving research. Numbers to the course are limited in order to fully maximize the small group teaching and one-to-one project work.

Professional AccreditationBoth Environmental Science degrees have been awarded professional accreditation under the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES) Accreditation Scheme.In gaining IES accreditation, the panel commented that “this is a strong department with a commitment to Environmental Science”, and that “the Environmental Science programme is a very good one”. It highlighted “the emphasis on active learning, including fieldwork”, “the input from environmental professionals and employers”, “the attention to the development of a wide range of skills including practical, laboratory and research skills” and “the attention to professional planning”. The University’s Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) was also highlighted as “an excellent initiative and a good basis for continuing professional practice.”

We aim to produce environmental scientists with the skills necessary for a career in Environmental Science, whether in consultancy, research or education. While you can investigate a broad range of areas, you can also choose to follow a specialised pathway through each of the degrees to reflect your own interests and aspirations.

4 The University of Sheffield 5Environmental Science Undergraduate Courses

Course content and structure Year Three (BSc and MEnv)At Level Three you either build on the specialised pathway chosen in your second year, or continue with the general pathway. You will also undertake a research project, with a choice of topics in either physical geography/geoenvironmental issues, or in environmental biology and ecology. The project may be laboratory, field or computer-based, or involve a mix of these.

Year One (BSc and MEnv)The BSc and Undergraduate Masters in Environmental Science follow a common first year. You will take a mixture of knowledge-based and skills-based modules in physical geography and environmental biology, laboratory skills and computing. Students must take all core modules listed to give a thorough grounding in essential knowledge and practical skills. You will also select one of the approved option modules listed below, depending on exactly where your interests lie.

Environmental Science pathways

The pathway structure applies to levels 2 and 3 and enables you to maintain a broad-based degree or specialise in an aspect of Environmental Science to develop a coherent package of skills and experience that can be tailored towards particular careers.

General pathwayThis route provides the opportunity to study a broad range of modules. The freedom offered here enables you to blend aspects of the more specific pathways below, or fashion your own route (eg with emphasis on palaeoenvironmental change or perhaps eco-hydrology).

Global Change pathwayThis route allows you to focus on global change in physical and ecological systems. You will study how physical and ecological systems function, with a focus on climate and large-scale environmental systems, and in particular the components of the carbon cycle which, through carbon dioxide, are a major contributor to global warming. You will then develop these skills in the geography and ecology of change, with the option of addressing the policy implications for global change. The route will be useful in careers across the environmental sciences, offering an excellent basis for informing environmental science practitioners and researchers working on the past, present and future functioning of the earth system.

Environmental BiosciencesThe relationships between organisms and their environments are fundamental to life itself and are the basis of food production, biofuels and biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in particular. Environmental biology encompasses aspects of adaptations of organisms to their environments; the effects of pollution, disturbance, and management on organisms; their functioning in major ecosystem and environmental processes; and the importance and conservation of biodiversity. Specialisation in these areas is an ideal preparation for careers in ecosystem management and conservation, sustainable resource management, pollution and waste control, bioremediation of brown-field sites and research in industry and universities.

Environmental GeosciencesThe impact of physical processes upon ecosystems, habitats and organisms forms the basis of this route. Strong emphasis is given to the geological and geomorphological processes that operate on the Earth’s surface, and the use of key geoscience tools such as Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing to constrain them. The route will be useful in careers across the environmental sciences, including consultancy, and conservation, and particularly those with a stronger physical, rather than biological, background.

Core modulesBiodiversityComparative PhysiologyEarth’s Changing SurfaceEcosystems and Environmental ChangeEvolutionGeoenvironmental Field SkillsGeographical Data Analysis IGeographical Data Analysis IIInformation and Communication Skills for GeographersPhysical Systems at the Global ScalePractical Skills in Biology

Option modulesBehaviour of Humans and Other AnimalsPopulation and Community EcologyPractical Methods for Physical GeographyReproduction, Development and GrowthUnderstanding and Managing Environmental Issues

Option modulesAnimal Population and Community EcologyApplied Remote SensingAtmospheres and OceansBiodiversityDryland GeomorphologyEnvironmental ChangeEnvironmental ModellingFreshwater EcologyGeographic Information SystemsGlacial EnvironmentsPalaeobiologyPlant, Cell and EnvironmentPlant Population and Community EcologyWorld Ecosystems

Animal and Plant Science TutorialsData Analysis and Computing

Plant Habitat and DistributionEnvironmental Science Field Course

Environmental ChangeAtmospheres and Oceans

World EcosystemsPlant, Cell and Environment

BiodiversityEnvironmental Biology

Biology or Ecology ProjectsEnvironmental ModellingApplied Remote Sensing

Geographic Information Systems

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Option modulesCommunity EcologyIssues in Conservation BiologyContemporary Climate Change and ProcessesDevelopment Geographies Field ClassDryland Environments Field ClassEcotoxicologyEnvironmental Impact AssessmentEnvironmental Regulation in PlantsGeological HazardsGIS and the EnvironmentGlacial and Periglacial GeomorphologyGlobal Change Land Contamination, Restoration and RevegetationLife in Extreme EnvironmentsPlanetary GeoscienceSustainable Agro-Ecosystems

Issues in Natural Environmental SciencesAnimal & Plant Sciences Project

Geoenvironmental Science ProjectContemporary Climate Change and Processes

Global ChangeIssues in Conservation Biology

Atmospheres and OceansEnvironmental Change

Environmental Regulation in PlantsSustainable Agro-Ecosystems

Geological HazardsPlanetary Geoscience

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Year Four (MEnv)Students progressing to Level Four undertake advanced research training and graduate with an MEnvSci qualification – an undergraduate masters qualification in Environmental Sciences. To progress to the fourth year, candidates must achieve a qualifying grade average in level two and three. Students not achieving this grade will graduate at the end of level 3 with BSc Honours.

Year Two (BSc and MEnv)At Level Two the Environmental Science degree has a pathway structure where you choose from one of four pathways including the option of a general route (see “Environmental Science pathways” on page 5). For each pathway there is a specified structure consisting of core modules that you must take, and option modules, which you choose from the option modules listed below.

Fieldwork and fieldclasses

The University of Sheffield6 Environmental Science Undergraduate Courses 7

North Yorkshire Coast Geoenvironmental Fieldwork Skills (level one)This level-one core module lasts seven days and is based on the North Yorkshire coast, near Scarborough. It is a core course for those taking the BSc and MEnv Environmental Science courses. During the week you will investigate various aspects which have helped form the present-day landscape and the human activities associated within it. These range from the geology of the area, more recent sedimentary processes and controls on present vegetation distributions. In doing this you learn how to make scientific observations and measurements, make and test research hypotheses and present findings either as an individual or as part of a team.

West Coast of IrelandEnvironmental Interpretation (level two) This is a core module for all second year environmental science students. The eight-day field class, based in the beautiful west coast of Ireland, allows you to learn environmental interpretation and assessment techniques in a unique range of habitats. You will visit woodlands, bogs, upland and coastal grasslands, limestone pavement and lake-shore habitats to study the botany, geology, geography, history and environmental science of the area. You will take an in-depth look at some important major rock types and landscape processes, as well as learning description, sampling, quantification and data analysis techniques. The field excursions are complemented by lectures, and learning is reinforced by project work where students work in small teams to collect, analyse and present data on a specific environmental research problem.

Southern California Dryland Environments (level three)(Optional module – open to all with appropriate prerequisite Geography modules)This ten-day field course is based at the California State University Desert Studies Centre, located at the curiously named Zzyzx, California. Experiencing the Mojave Desert habitat first-hand is a truly amazing experience. You will visit dune systems, salt crusts, natural ponds, dry lakes and river valleys. You will investigate the aeolian, dryland and fluvial process occurring here and undertake group and individual field data collection and analysis. Follow-up work in Sheffield will include laboratory and data analysis, and individual project write-ups. Past student projects have focussed on a range of geomorphic and ecological processes on the pediments, alluvial fans, and dry lakes river valleys of the Mojave Desert.

Kapenguria, Kenya Development Geographies (level three)(Optional module – open to all with A-level Geography)This module is based around a ten-day field class at the Marich Pass Field Centre, West Pokot, Kenya, providing students with the opportunity to explore and research ‘grass-roots’ development issues in the field. Students drawn from both Physical Geography, Human Geography and Environmental Science undertake project work on key issues at the environment-development interface. The field class also involves a stop in the Great Rift valley at Lake Elementaita where students undertake a visit to development projects.

These highly-rewarding courses run for 5–10 days usually during the Easter vacation. They are subsidised by the University, though they require a contribution toward travel and accommodation costs.

8 The University of Sheffield 9Environmental Science Undergraduate Courses

Teaching, learning and assessmentTeaching and learning Our teaching portfolio is continually reviewed and revised to take account of new developments in the field.Teaching methods include lectures, tutorial, laboratory and computer practicals, seminars, small group or individual work, and field courses. A member of staff from the Geography department will act as your course tutor, and you will have a further tutor in the department of Animal and Plant Sciences. You will also have a personal tutor to act as a pastoral and academic advisor.Dedicated fieldtrips both in the UK and overseas provide training in modern field techniques. The range and diversity of field, laboratory and project work reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the courses and covers the fundamental aspects of these disciplines.The University operates a modular system which allows flexibility within your course structure. Most courses count as one module, and you must take the equivalent of twelve modules per year. These are usually split equally between the two semesters of the academic year. Tutorials meet in smaller groups than lectures, and they provide opportunities to try out the theories presented during the lectures, to ask questions about the course and to discuss work with fellow students. Each student is also assigned a personal tutor who is available for advice, information or assistance on a small group and one-to-one basis throughout the year. Beyond lectures and practicals, great emphasis is placed on independent study to gain deep understanding of each module.

Benefits of studying at Sheffield

AssessmentCertain modules have some continuous assessment such as essays, laboratory and field reports, presentations, problem solving and IT exercises. Other modules, especially in the third and fourth years, have projects which count as part of the assessment. Other assessment is by examinations which take place in January and June, at the end of each semester. The first year examinations do not contribute to the final degree classification though they must be passed to proceed to year 2. All subsequent examinations count towards the final degree classification.

Project workProject work forms an important part of our teaching and project options are available in the third and fourth year. The topics are very varied – recent examples include Extreme Climate Change, Quaternary Dryland Change, Trace Gas Emission Monitoring, and Lower Carboniferous Palaeoecology – and it is possible to propose a topic of your own. All project work is supported by a project supervisor who specialises in your chosen topic, enabling you to gain insight into current research in that area.

Your future

Our environmental science degree programmes provide an excellent entry point into a wide variety of employment or further study. Accreditation of our degree programmes by the Institute of Environmental Sciences further enhances our graduate’s competitiveness across a wide range of careers in Environmental Science and related disciplines.

Whether pursuing job opportunities or further study, environmental science graduates are ideally placed to provide rigorous analysis and practical solutions in matters of environmental concern. Environmental consultancies, local and central government agencies, geological exploration companies, conservation bodies and utility companies all employ environmental scientists. Some of our past graduates have gone on to work as hydrologists, renewable energy advisors, and SSSI project officers. Many of our students choose to specialise by continuing their studies with either a one-year Masters course, or a three-year PhD.

Our courses provide the breadth of knowledge and transferable skills to make you successful in careers outside science. Having a scientific degree tells employers that you are able to analyse situations and develop solutions, communicate your findings, handle data, make decisions, and carry a project through from start to finish. During your degree you will also learn to manage your time, work effectively in a team and develop excellent IT skills. All these attributes are sought after by employers across many job sectors. Recent graduates have been successful in obtaining employment in fields as diverse as teaching, law and planning.

Every student, working with their personal tutor, develops a Personal Development Portfolio during their degree which documents their academic progress and the skills they have acquired. This forms the basis of your CV, and allows you to identify any skills gaps that need addressing. You will also be encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities provided by the University for developing transferable skills through extra-curricular activities. Various schemes exist for obtaining additional certificates recording achievements in these activities, including the Sheffield Graduate Award: a prestigious award that recognises valuable skills and experience gained outside your degree course.

The University Careers Service has a specialist Advisor who works with environmental science students. We arrange a series of workshops for students in all years including employer presentations, skills development sessions, CV workshops and interview preparation. The Careers Service also has an online, searchable Vacancy Service, which displays a range of graduate job opportunities and useful links to other vacancy sources. For students looking for paid or unpaid work while studying, there are many different types of job and work experience opportunities available, ranging from part-time work to structured placements. The Student Job-shop provides practical support to help students find work experience of all types including an online searchable database.

“Sheffield’s students are in demand, with nearly three-quarters going into graduate-level jobs. The introduction of the Sheffield Graduate Award, which recognises experience and real-life skills gained beyond a degree, can only make them more attractive to employers.”

Sunday Times University Guide 2007

10 The University of Sheffield 11Environmental Science Undergraduate Courses

Entry requirementsBSc Environmental Science (F900 BSc/ES)ABB, including two subjects from List A or one subject from List A and one subject from List B below:

List A: Geography, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science/Studies

List B: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Science

The third grade can be achieved in any Acceptable in-combination subject.

Masters in Environmental Science (F902 MEnvSci)AAB, including two subjects from List A or one subject from List A and one subject from List B below:

List A: Geography, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science/Studies

List B: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Science

The third grade can be achieved in any Acceptable in-combination subject.

The requirements listed here are provisional and we recommend that you check our Prospective Undergraduate webpages for the latest requirements before you apply:www.sheffield.ac.uk/geography/prospectiveug

Acceptable subjectsFor a list of Acceptable in-combination subjects, please refer to the University’s Guidance on A Level Subject Requirements at:www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/policies/alevel.html

Alternative qualificationsOur offers are quoted in terms of your best three GCE A Level grades. For entry requirements for alternative qualifications, please refer to the University’s Online Prospectus:www.sheffield.ac.uk/prospectus

Additional requirementsThere is a core requirement of at least Grade C in GCSE Mathematics and English. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to take a suitable test.

What’s Sheffield like?Sheffield is England’s fourth largest city and is situated close to Leeds, Manchester, and Nottingham. The city is an important part of student life and the large student population of Sheffield means that there are a very wide range of student-oriented services, shops, cafes, and entertainments.

The University is campus-based but is very much a part of the city: Sheffield’s first-rate nightclubs, pubs, theatres, galleries and cinemas are all within easy walking distance, so you’ll get to know your way around in no time. Furthermore, the atmosphere is so friendly and easy-going that you’ll feel at home immediately.

Sheffield has excellent rail links to all major cities. You can be in Leeds or Manchester by train in about an hour and London in 21/2 hours. In addition, the Peak District National Park, with its outstanding countryside, climbing, caving, walking and cycling, is only a short journey by bike, bus or train.

Where will I live?Most first-year students choose accommodation in one of our student villages, which are situated in pleasant wooded suburbs a short walk from campus. There are over 6,000 places available – 95 per cent of them reserved for first-years. City centre and central campus accommodation is also available.

We guarantee a room for all new undergraduates; international students are guaranteed a room for the duration of their course.

Our accommodation is amongst the best-quality in the UK, providing a comfortable and safe environment within a supportive, close-knit community. All types of accommodation offer modern facilities, including en-suite study rooms and 24-hour IT suites, a choice of catered or self-catered accommodation, dedicated security, and Residential Mentors who provide on-site support. There are also extensive programmes of social events, so you’ll make friends fast.

Students in Sheffield enjoy a harmony with the wider community rarely seen in UK university cities and many Level 2 and 3 students choose to live in private rented accommodation. A high standard of private accommodation is assured under the Sheffield Responsible Landlord Scheme.

For pictures and prices go to www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation/prospective

Safest major city in the UKHome Office statistics

Greenest city in England150 woodlands, 50 public parks and 2 million trees

Best Students’ Union in the UKTimes Higher Education Supplement 2010(voted joint 1st with University of Loughborough)

12 The University of Sheffield

How to applyAll applications are coordinated through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Your application must be received by UCAS between 1 September and 15 January during the year before entry. We welcome deferred entry applications from those of you planning to take a year out before starting your course, and your application will be treated on an equal basis with those applying for standard entry.

University of Sheffield UCAS Code: SHEFD S18

Open Days If you would like to see Sheffield before you apply then come to one of the University Open Days during the summer.www.sheffield.ac.uk/opendays

When you apply you will be invited to one of our Environmental Science Open Days, which are held from December through to March. This gives you the opportunity for us to meet you, and for you to visit the department, and see the accommodation and rest of the University.

Contact usTo find out more about our undergraduate courses, or to discuss your application or offer, please contact:

Undergraduate Admissions SecretaryDepartment of GeographyThe University of SheffieldSHEFFIELDS10 2TN

Telephone: +44 (0)114 222 7970Email: geog-ug-applications@sheffield.ac.uk

www.sheffield.ac.uk/geography

For a University of Sheffield prospectus visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduateFor details of the UCAS application process visit www.ucas.com

Copyright © 2010 The University of Sheffield TUOS239

This publication is available in alternative formats. To request a different format telephone 0114 222 1303. From outside the UK telephone +44 114 222 1303.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information given in this brochure, the University can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. The University reserves the right to amend or discontinue courses or amend entry requirements.

“I was very impressed when I first visited the University and liked the way the course was structured. The course has been

challenging but very rewarding and has more than lived up to my expectations; it covers a wide range of subjects at level 1,

but then allows you to choose your own path through the remainder of your degree.

I am now planning to apply for a PhD in palaeontology. The MEnvSci has given me a better insight into my chosen subject

than if I had done a traditional Geology degree because I have been able to take modules from both the Geography and Animal

and Plant Science departments.”Alex Dunhill

Fourth year MEnvSci Environmental Science

MA in Human Geography Research.