Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

Environmental Science at Worcester explores the theory and scientific explanations to allow a full understanding of environmental issues.

The learning of field and laboratory skills and their practical applications in investigations, prepare you for rewarding careers in the environmental sector.

Many current environmental issues are studied such as climate change and its consequences, meteorology and climatology, monitoring of water bodies and action against their pollution, the nature of soils and their analysis for nutrient content and heavy metal contamination.

The University of Worcester is well placed geographically to take advantage of the many environments and habitats in the area. We also look further afield at contrasting environments, such as the Mediterranean region and the Cairngorms, during residential field trips. We have a strong emphasis on fieldwork, allowing you to experience the environment and practise skills first hand.

The final year independent research project is your opportunity to research a topic of interest to you over the academic year, supported by your Independent Study tutor. Past topics have included species diversity in water meadows, uptake of heavy metals by maize (allied to phytoremediation studies), effect of trampling on species diversity on footpaths, and the study of flooding events in local rivers.

Factfile
Entry requirements
Course content
Student views

UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Environmental Science BSc (Hons) F750 BSc/EnvS

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

Single Honours only
Semester 1 start only

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

240 UCAS tariff points must include 2 A2 qualifications from: Science subjects (includes Environmental Science) and/or Geography and/or Geology

260-270 UCAS tariff points must include A2 in at least 1 Science subject or Geography or Geology and A1 in a second Science subject or Geography or Geology

280 UCAS tariff points must include A1 in a Science subject or Geography/Geology

The University will consider each application on its individual merits and will recognise a range of qualifications not currently included in the Tariff, including Access courses, European Baccalaureate and pre-2002 qualifications such as GNVQ.

If your qualifications are not listed, please contact the Admissions Office for advice on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk for advice.

Further information about the UCAS Tariff can be obtained from http://www.ucas.com

Modules

Introduction to Environmental Science
Introduction to Ecology
Current Environmental Issues
Earth Systems & Processes
Basis of Biological Surveying
History of the Landscape
Landforms & Landscapes
Mapping the Environment
Introduction to Geology
Research Methods
Analysis of Environmental Materials
Landscape Ecology & Conservation Biology
The Highlands Field Course
Meteorology & Climate
Hydrological Monitoring
Field Techniques in Ecology
Conservation Ecology of Habitats & Species
Natural Hazards
River Processes
Mountain Geomorphology
Soils & the Environment
Work Experience
Independent Research Project
Environmental Pollution & its Management
Energy & Waste Management
Residential Environmental Field Trip
Environmental Impact Assessment
Restoration Ecology
Mountains Glaciers & Landscapes
Geographical Information Systems
River Conservation Management
Mountain Environments Field Course
Environmental Geology

Assessment

There is a wide range of assessment types including coursework (essays, management plans, critiques, etc.), practical reports, projects, presentations and examinations.

Emily Greaves

Student, Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

“The Charles Darwin labs are a fantastic facility, and we also do a lot of work outside on field trips, which provides hands-on experience of what we’re studying. The course covers many interesting topics, dipping into Science and Geography modules too.”

Academic department

Institute of Science & the Environment

“The Institute’s acclaimed research in areas such as river management, rural issues, forensic biology, nutrition and archaeology has a common thread: our belief that science should be centred around its impact on people.”
Professor John Newbury, Head of Institute

Employability

The course will prepare you for various careers offered in the following sectors and many others: local government, statutory agencies and organisations e.g. Natural England, Environment Agency, DEFRA, environmental laboratories, BTCV, etc. Also consultancy; business and industry; media and public relations; teaching and research.