Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This Environmental Science course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

  SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG13: Climate Action, SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG15: Life on Land

  This Environmental Science BSc (Hons) degree provides you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge of environmental science and to recognise its relevance to society at national and global levels. You will learn how environmental science can be used to help understand both natural and human-caused environmental change and the role that individuals, organisations, and governments play in addressing such issues.

  Partnerships and Accreditation

  This Environmental Science programme is accredited by The Institution of Environmental Sciences.

  The University of Northampton are also proud to work in partnership with RECOUP. RECOUP works in collaboration with all stakeholders to promote, develop, stimulate and increase the levels of plastics recycling within the UK.

  Course Details

  This flexible, interdisciplinary course allows you to follow a programme with modules drawn from across the subject of environmental science. You are then able to specialise in particular areas of interest in the second and third year or continue to study a more varied programme.

  You will undertake a wide variety of activities and encounter new challenges that help support your theoretical learning. The need for accuracy, critical evaluation, and the ability to research solutions and apply them in new ways, as well as being able to communicate findings to a variety of audiences, are vital skills for environmental scientists.

  You will examine research design and methodology in relation to field and laboratory work including data collection and quantitative analysis techniques. Statistical tools will be used and developed throughout the course to ensure that you are confident and are able to apply appropriate procedures for different sets of data.

  We use field and lab based activities to ensure that you develop a range of scientific concepts and theories that are transferable and sought after in a variety of employment areas.

  Assessments

  A wide range of assessment is used including field surveys, reports, oral presentations, field reports and time constrained tests as well as end of year examinations.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Introduction to Ecology (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV1002

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides an introduction to the science of ecology. It considers fundamental ecological concepts and principles and focuses on individuals, populations, interactions (between species), communities and ecosystems.
    • Life on Earth (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV1126

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the diversity of life on earth and to the concept of geologic time. Students will explore the major events in earth?s history, and how scientific facts are determined such as the age of the earth and the relationship between organisms.
    • Environmental Pollution (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV1127

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to explore a range of contemporary and emerging issues and impacts related to pollution. Students will develop an awareness through global perpectives in line with sustainable development goals.
    • Lab and Field Skills (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV1128

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides students with specialist training in environmental and ecological practical techniques. Students will acquire the skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on environmental science investigations in both laboratory and field environments. Students will apply these skills on a residential field trip.
    • The Physical Environment (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO1107

      Status: Compulsory
      The Physical Environment provides an introduction tothe physical environment of Planet Earth. Students will examine processes which operate in the atmosphere, like the development of clouds and tainfall, those that occur at the Earth's surface, such as weathering and erosion and how, combined with geology and tectonics how these processes interact to produce environments and landscapes.
    • Geohazards (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO1108

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides an overview of the main causes of and responses to a broad range of natural hazards, introduces the key principles, concepts and terminology associated with the analysis of hazard and risk from geophysical events and explains the nature of a range of geohazards using recent case studies.
  • Stage 2
    • Biogeography (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV2103

      Status: Designate
      Biogeography combines ecology and geography to help us understand global patterns of biodiversity. `It is the study of distributions of organisms, habitats and biomes, both past and present, and of related patterns of variation over the earth in the numbers and kinds of living things' (Brown & Lomolino, 1998).
    • Fieldwork Module (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV2124

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides opportunities for a range of ecological and environmental field-based investigations. Students will be involved in more in-depth fieldwork activities than a standard module would allow. Data analysis, scientific reporting skills and specialist practical skills are developed, as are collaborative working skills as students work in teams to collect data in the field and to report on research. This module includes a residential field trip (e.g. Slapton Ley, Devon).
    • Adaptations to Life on Land, in Water and Air (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV2138

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this ecology-oriented module is to enable students to explore behavioural, physiological and molecular mechanisms of adaptation to environmental stress. They will also examine the mechanisms that organisms can utilise to respond to changes occurring on varying timescales and over a wide range of geographic areas.
    • Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV2140

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to explore the fundamentals of a range of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Students will develop an understanding of the distinct characteristics that define these environments, evaluate factors that threaten them and explore principles of conservation.
    • Impacts of Pollution (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV2142

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to investigate a range of impacts related to soil, water and air pollution to enhance deeper knowledge and understanding into their effects on the environment both locally and globally.
    • Data Technologies (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV2143

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will start by introducing students to methodologies for data manipulation and analysis using a free to use platform in combination with MS Excel.The second part of the module will provide introductory training on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the role of geospatial technology in investigating biological and environmental problems. Students will be introduced to specialist software and complete practical IT sessions that demonstrate potential applications of the technology.
    • Weather and Climate (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO2111

      Status: Designate
      Weather and Climate equips the student with a sound knowledge and understanding of atmospheric processes which are relevant to a broad range of environmental sciences.
    • Environmental Law and Justice (20 Credits)
      Module code: LAW2044

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to allow students to develop an awareness and understanding of the underpinning philosophies behind environmental laws on land and at sea, as well as of the ways in which environmental policy is implemented and enforced through legal measures.
  • Stage 3
    • Biodiversity and Conservation (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV3021

      Status: Designate
      This module deals with theoretical aspects of measuring biodiversity and understanding patterns of its distribution. It also considers more practical elements in terms of the practice of wildlife conservation including the evaluation and assessment of biodiversity for conservation.
    • Sustainable Resource Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV3143

      Status: Compulsory
      This module equips students with the skills, knowledge and tools to enable the critical evaluation of the role of Circular Economy and issues related to sustainable development goals and resource management across a range of products, services, activities and behaviour.
    • Pollution Monitoring and Control (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV3144

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to empower students with the skills and insight into a range of pollution monitoring techniques and control, remediation and mitigation measures to inform management and policy decisions within the appropriate statutory framework.
    • Research Project and Dissertation in the Environmental Sciences (40 Credits)
      Module code: ENV4101

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to carry out an independent student-led, supervisor-supported investigation in a specific area related to their main field of study within their programme, and to communicate their findings in the form of a written dissertation.
    • Communicating Climate Change (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO3108

      Status: Designate
      Climate change is regarded as the greatest environmental problem. It is a complex scientific topic that can affect all aspects of environmental and human systems. It is essential that debate and policy is driven by informed specialists and not by the media or political agenda. In this module we explore all aspects of the climate change issue.
    • Water Resource Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO3124

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to enhance students? employability through the development of key employability skills. Students participate in career planning activities and reflect on their experiences.
    • Monitoring the Earth's Surface (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO3140

      Status: Designate
      The module explores techniques used to document and understand changes occurring at the Earth?s surface with a focus on the role of geospatial technology. In this practical module students learn to use industry-standard survey instruments and software to generate and analyse geographical data.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time Environmental Science degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your environmental science course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for an environmental science degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for BSc Environmental Science, we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• Opportunities Abroad

  There are various opportunities for visits and for fieldwork throughout our Environmental Science course. There are two compulsory UK based field trips, one in the first year and one in the second year. There is a further opportunity in the second year to undertake an optional residential field trip overseas, currently Tenerife, but please note there is an additional charge for overseas field courses to cover flights, accommodation and transport (in 2019, the cost was £550).

  Examples of previous UK day field trips include Oxford Botanic Garden, Kew Gardens, the Natural History Museum, as well as field sites in and around Northamptonshire.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on the Environmental Science BSc degree?

  Face-to-face sessions are organised as interactive classes with discussion and activities. For some modules on BSc Environmental Science, there are computer based workshops (GIS and statistics) and field and laboratory based activities.  Classes are supported by online and technology-enhanced learning to ensure you have the best possible study experience to achieve your potential.

  How many hours per week of teaching/personal tutoring?

  Environmental Science students typically have 12 hours contact time per week, in addition to 20-25 hours per week of independent study. Students are encouraged to meet with staff on a one-to-one basis to get additional study support, and also receive timetabled personal tutor meetings each term.

  How will I be assessed?

  Each module generally has two items of assessment. Assignments are designed to develop your skills, as well as test your knowledge and understanding. There is a range of written assignments, including reports and essays. You may also be asked to analyse data or reflect on your learning. In some written assignments you will be tasked with writing in a style appropriate to a particular audience. Presentations, debates and discussions are used to assess your verbal communication skills. There are no formal examinations, but there are a small number of class-based tests. A detailed set of instructions is provided for every assignment. Students are encouraged to meet with academic staff to get one-to-one support.

  What careers can I go into from studying this course?

  The BSc Environmental Science degree equips students with a broad knowledge base and a wide range of skills that are attractive for many careers requiring graduate skills. Our graduates gain employment in range of sectors such as planning, consultancy, biodiversity and ecology related careers, waste and resource management, contaminated land, sustainability, environmental consultancy, education, energy, charities, and local government. Opportunities to network with graduates are incorporated into the programme.

  Are there any study trips on the Environmental Science degree?

  Fieldwork is a key and an integral part of the environmental sciences degree. It not only provides you the opportunity to work with specific equipment but also helps you develop transferable skills. Many of our modules include part- or full-day field trips. In addition, we often conduct fieldwork on and around campus. There are 2 compulsory UK residential trips, one in Year 1 (3 day) and one in year 2 (5-day). Recent field courses have taken place at FSC field centres in Slapton, Devon and Preston Montford. Students have covered a wide variety of techniques such as bat surveys, biological monitoring, water quality, coring techniques, rocky shore ecology and studying past environments and geology. Other optional field trips may be available to you throughout your degree. We fund travel and accommodation costs on compulsory study trips. There are additional fees for optional trips.

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