The aims of the Associate Bachelor degree programme in Environmental Studies are:

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UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION COURSE TITLE:

Associate Bachelor Degree Environmental Studies

PLEASE NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and provision and the learning outcomes that a typical students might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he or she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content and the teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the programme handbook 2007 and in the module handbooks.

1 AWARD INSTITUTION/BODY:UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER 2 TEACHING INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER

3 LOCATION: COLERAINE CAMPUS

4 ACCREDITED BY: N/A

5 FINAL AWARD: ASSOCIATE BACHELOR DEGREE (ABD)

6 MODE OF ATTENDANCE: FULL-TIME

7 SPECIALISMS: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, GEOGRAPHY, MARINE SCIENCE

8 UCAS CODE: F850 C AB/ES COURSE CODES: F212UC

9 DATE WRITTEN/REVISED: 2002/2007

10 EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE

The aims of the Associate Bachelor degree programme in Environmental Studies are:

(a) To produce graduates with a basic understanding of the working of environmental systems, including the influence of humans and the pressures upon them

(b) To equip graduates with knowledge and skills appropriate for employment in technical posts in the area of the environment.

(c) To provide an alternative progression route into honours degrees in Environmental Science, Geography or Marine Science

The objectives of the course are to:

• Provide students with opportunities to develop an understanding of

environmental systems and the interactions of humans with the environment

• Help students to acquire the intellectual skills to analyse and evaluate

information, and apply their knowledge to environmental issues

• Enable students to develop a range of subject-specific and generic

practical and transferable skills

• Provide students who wish to progress with a pathway into a top-up

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Each year of the course, therefore, has a common core of modules taken by all students, with the rest being decided according to the chosen pathway. In year 1, the core modules are designed to give all students, who may have very disparate entry qualifications, an introduction to environmental science, environmental biology, earth processes, as well as numeracy and data handling processes. Practical skills and transferable skills are also developed in these modules. Transferable skills are further developed through the 1st year tutorial programme. In year 2 there are two core modules aimed at developing further understanding of environmental systems and approaches to the investigation of environmental problems. Other modules in this year are determined by the route chosen, which can be Environmental Science, Geography or Marine Science. All three routes include a module on practical techniques and research methods in the chosen discipline.

11 MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES

The following reference points were used to inform the development of the programme and its learning outcomes:

• The University’s Vision and core strategic aims, teaching and learning strategy and policies;

• Current research or other advanced scholarship carried out by academic staff; • National and University qualifications and credit frameworks;

• Foundation Degree award benchmark statement

The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. Successful students will be able to:

11K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT

K1 Understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies, including physical and biological processes and human interactions.

K2 Demonstrate knowledge of the Earth as a system

K3 Show understanding of some natural and human-induced environmental processes

K4 Show the relationship between the human and physical aspects of the environment

K5 Analyse and evaluate the application of scientific or social science information to environmental problems

K6 Show understanding of a range of issues relating to the human, biological and/or

physical environment, their investigation and management

K7 Use the appropriate scientific language, concepts and classification systems

K8 Demonstrate understanding of knowledge related to discipline to allow progression to Honours programme

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Teaching and Learning Methods:

Teaching is through lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals and fieldwork. Knowledge and understanding is also gained through participation in group projects, and through directed reading and from appropriate websites.

Assessment Methods:

Students are assessed by a wide range of methods. Different modules have different assessment regimes, some have coursework and examination, others coursework. This is given in the module outlines. Knowledge is tested using written assignments such as essays, practical reports, project reports and examinations. The application of knowledge to new problems is assessed in the environmental investigation module and in the field course assessment.

11l INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES

l1 Apply principles and concepts relevant to environmental studies

l2 Critically synthesise and analyse information

l3 Construct and test hypotheses

l4 Apply environmental knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar problems

l5 Exercise judgement in applying relevant analytical and investigative techniques

l6 Support decisions with relevant information and arguments l7 Apply a critical approach to the use of scientific literature Teaching and Learning Methods:

Teaching is through lectures, seminars, practicals and fieldwork. Assessment Methods:

Assessment is through essays, practical and fieldwork reports, oral presentations and examinations.

11P PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 Plan, conduct and report on investigations

P2 Collect, record and analyse data in the field and laboratory

P3 Use appropriate measures to ensure health and safety in practical and field work

P4 Select appropriate data handling techniques and apply the necessary computational skills

P5 Select and apply appropriate techniques for studying environmental, geographical or marine problems

Teaching and Learning Methods:

The practical outcomes are taught through laboratory and field work. Individual and group projects in the second year build on the skills acquired in

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the first year. The initial data handling skills are taught in first year modules, and developed through application to a wider range of problems in the second year. Practical and fieldwork is an important component of the course. Students will undertake directed fieldwork in the local environment in the first year, and a module in environmental investigation in the second year, leading to participation in a residential field course, in another country, in the final semester. The final field course will introduce students to a range of practical techniques applicable to their chosen route in the Associate Bachelor degree. Assessment Methods:

These learning outcomes are assessed by practical and fieldwork reports, poster, and oral presentation

11T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

T1 Communicate effectively, using both oral and writing skills. T2 Apply numeracy skills

T3 Use a range of IT skills and applications

T4 Contribute to the planning and management of team tasks

T5 Demonstrate self- management skills Teaching and Learning Methods:

The development of skills is undertaken in all modules. There is also a tutorial programme that concentrates on learning skills and communication. The programme has a first year module that concentrates on the learning and application of appropriate numeracy and IT skills.

Assessment Methods:

Numeracy and IT skills will be assessed through coursework and examinations. Other key skills will be assessed through coursework, individual and group presentations and in the tutorial programme

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11 PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP - Environmental Science Route

Please note:_{The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme.}

MODULE OUTCOMES TITLES CODE K 1 K 2 K 3 K 4 K 5 K 6 K 7 K 8 I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 P 1 P 2 P 3 P 4 P 5 T 1 T 2 T 3 T 4 T 5 Introduction to Environmental Biology ENS132C1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Introduction to Environmental Studies ENS133C1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Principles and Practices of Environmental Science

ENS131C1 X X X X X X X X X X

Earth Surface Processes ENS105C2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Mapping and Survey Techniques MAR101C2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Introductory Data Handling ENS134C2 X X X X X X X X X

Communities and Habitats ENS334C1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Environmental Investigations ENS333C1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Landforms and Landscapes GEO313C1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Environmental Field Techniques and Analysis

ENS303C2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Enterprise and Employability ENS328C2 X X X X X X X X X X

Business and the Environment GEO314C2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Environmental and Atmospheric Chemistry

ENS330C2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

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Aquaculture and Fisheries MAR303C2 X X X X X X X X X X

Environmental Planning GEO3XXC2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Development, Environment and Planning

GEO320C2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

11 PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP - Geography Route

Module Outcomes Title Code K 1 K 2 K 3 K 4 K 5 K 6 K 7 K 8 I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 P 1 P 2 P 3 P 4 P 5 T 1 T 2 T 3 T 4 T 5 Introduction to Environmental Biology ENS132C1 _X _X _{X X X X} _X _{X X X} _{X X X} _X Introduction to Environmental Studies ENS133C1 _{X X X X} _{X X X} _X _X _{X X X X} _X

Introduction to Human Geography GEO106C1 _X _X _X _X _X _{X X} _X _{X X X X} _X

Earth Surface Processes ENS105C2 _{X X X X X X X X X X X} _{X X} _{X X} _{X X} _X

Introductory Data Handling ENS134C2 _X _X _X _X _X _X _{X X} _X

Space and Place GEO103C2 _X _{X X X} _{X X} _{X X} _{X X X} _X _{X X X X} _X

Communities and Habitats ENS334C1 _{X X X} _{X X X X X X} _{X X X} _{X X X} _{X X X X X X}

Environmental Investigations ENS333C1 _X _{X X X X X X X X X X X X X X} _X _{X X X X X}

Landforms and Landscapes GEO313C1 _X _{X X X X X X X X X} _{X X X X} _{X X} _X _X

Geographical Research Methods GEO304C2 _{X X} _{X X} _{X X X X X} _{X X X X X X X}

Transport Geography GEO3XXC2

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Enterprise and Employability ENS328C2 _X _X _X _X _X _X _X _{X X X}

Business and the Environment GEO314C2 _X _{X X} _{X X} _X _{X X X} _X _{X X} _{X X X}

Environmental Planning GEO3XXC2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Development, Environment and Society

GEO320C2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

11 PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP - Marine Science Route

Module Outcomes Title Code K 1 K 2 K 3 K 4 K 5 K 6 K 7 K 8 I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 P 1 P 2 P 3 P 4 P 5 T 1 T 2 T 3 T 4 T 5 Introduction to Environmental Biology ENS132C1 _X _X _{X X X X} _X _{X X X} _{X X X} _X Introduction to Environmental Studies ENS133C1 _{X X X X} _{X X X} _X _X _{X X X X} _X Introduction to Marine Systems MAR100C1 _{X X} _X _{X X X X} _{X X X} _{X X} _{X X}

Earth Surface Processes ENS105C2 _{X X X X X X X X X X X} _{X X} _{X X} _{X X} _X

Mapping and Survey Techniques

MAR101C2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Introductory Data Handling ENS134C2 _X _X _X _X _X _X _{X X} _X

Communities and Habitats ENS334C1 _{X X X} _{X X X X X X} _{X X X} _{X X X} _{X X X X X X}

Environmental Investigations ENS333C1 _X _{X X X X X X X X X X X X X X} _X _{X X X X X}

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Marine Field School MAR302C2 _{X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X} Environmental and

Atmospheric Chemistry

ENS330C2 _{X X} _{X X X X X X X X} _{X X} _{X X} _X

Marine and Freshwater Chemistry

ENS329C2 _{X X X} _{X X X X X X X X} _X _X _X _{X X X} _X

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12 STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD

The course offers a two-year programme leading to the Associate Bachelor degree in Environmental Studies. 120 credits at Level A/1 (maximum of 30 credits at Level A) must be completed in the first year and 120 credits at Level 2 in the second year. There are choices within the programme that allow students to pursue interests in Environmental Science, Geography or Marine Science. This will allow students to progress to the Honours degree programme in their chosen specialty and complete that degree in three further semesters. This top-up degree can be done by taking the 1st semester, 2nd year of the Honours programme, immediately following graduation from the Associate Bachelor degree, and then proceeding to the final year and studying the semesters in the reverse order. Students must successfully complete all modules to obtain the award.

Associate Bachelor Environmental Studies Environmental Sciences route

Year 1

Module Title Credit Level Credit Points Module Status Awards

Introduction to Environmental Biology

1 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor

degree Introduction to

Environmental Studies

A 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor

degree Principles and

Practices of Environmental Science

degree Earth Surface

Processes

1

20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor

degree Introductory

Data Handling 1 20 COMPULSORY

Associate Bachelor degree

Mapping and Survey Techniques

degree

Year 2, Semester 1

Landforms and Landscapes 2 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Communities and Habitats 2 20

COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor

degree Environmental

Investigations 2 20 COMPULSORY

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Year 2, Semester 2

From the optional modules students must combine either the one 20 credits point module with two 10 credits point modules or choose all four 10 credits point modules.

Module Title Credit Level Credit Points Module Status Awards

Environmental Field Techniques and Analysis 2 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Aquaculture

and Fisheries 2 20 OPTIONAL

Associate Bachelor degree Environmental and Atmospheric Chemistry 2 10 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Marine and Freshwater Chemistry 2 10 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Enterprise and Employability 2 10 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Business and the Environment 2 10 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Environmental Planning 2 20 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Development, Environment and Society 2 20 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Geography route Year 1

Introduction to Environmental Biology 1 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Introduction to Environmental Studies A 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Introduction to Human Geography 1 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Earth Surface Processes 1

degree Introductory

Associate Bachelor degree Space and Place 1 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree

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Year 2, Semester 1

degree Environmental Investigations 2 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Year 2, Semester 2

Geographical Research Methods 2 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Transport Geography 2 20 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Economic Geography 2 20 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Business and the Environment 2 10 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Enterprise and Employability 2 10 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Environmental Planning 2 20 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree Development, Environment and Society 2 20 OPTIONAL Associate Bachelor degree

Marine Science route Year 1

Introduction to Environmental Biology 1 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Introduction to Environmental Studies A 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Introduction to Marine Systems 1 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Earth Surface Processes 1

degree Introductory

Associate Bachelor degree Mapping and Survey Techniques 1 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree

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Year 2, Semester 1

degree Environmental Investigations 2 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Year 2, Semester 2

Marine Field School 2 20 COMPULSORY Associate Bachelor degree Environmental and Atmospheric Chemistry

degree Marine and

Freshwater Chemistry

degree Aquaculture

and Fisheries 2 20 COMPULSORY

13 SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING

Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways:

• Access for students to the Course/Subject Director and academic staff for

consultation in relation to academic and pastoral issues

• First year skills tutorials • Studies advisor system

• Additional module specific tutorials

• Formative feedback provided for assignments

• Opportunity for feedback on academic progress at end of each semester • Comprehensive induction process in all years

• Student programme handbook and module handbook information

• Student representation at student staff consultative committee meetings (SU

training)

• School committees for teaching, learning and assessment; student support and

learning resources

• Use of school Open Resource Centre

• Guidance and information on health and safety related matters

• Facilities, training and assistance offered by the Information Services Department

(library and IT computer services)

• Student Support Department provides services such as accommodation, health,

counselling and guidance, childcare, finance and special needs where appropriate

• Personal development planning and use of Personal Development system • Use of Senior Student Tutors to mentor peers

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• The Careers Development Centre in conjunction with the course team provides

careers advice and preparation for industrial placement/year abroad

• Sport and Recreation Department provides sporting and recreational activities

and facilities

• International Office provides support and guidance for international students • Student’s Union provides advice, support and guidance on student matters such

as welfare and finance

• Chaplaincy provides advice, support and guidance.

14 CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

Applicants must satisfy the University’s general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. See prospectus entry.

Applicants should normally possess GCSE passes at grade C or equivalent in Mathematics and a subject testing the command of English, and GCE ‘A’ level pass in one science subject or the Irish Leaving Certificate with passes in one science subject at the Higher level.

A level

A minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff Points to include grade D in a science subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics or Physics.

Irish Leaving Certificate

80 UCAS Tariff Points to include DDDD and including one science subject from the list above

15 EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF LEARNING AND TEACHING

Quality and standards are evaluated and improved through consideration of:

• Views of students as expressed through regular staff/student consultation, and

the University student questionnaire on teaching performance.

• Lecturers being encouraged to seek student feedback on the content and

delivery of modules via an evaluation questionnaire, a free response method or a module forum.

• Lecturers being encouraged to participate in peer observation

• A review of the module by the teaching team. Statistical information, student

feedback, content, delivery, assessment methods, resources and proposed enhancements are considered.

• Student feedback being discussed via course committee, with matters of concern

highlighted for action, as part of the annual subject monitoring process.

• Students being given opportunity to be represented at course committee, school

and faculty board meetings.

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• Views of employers (External Advisory Panel) • Views of external examiners

• Student Performance data and career progression • Curriculum planning and enhancement review days

• University processes for initial approval, periodic re-approval and annual

monitoring.

• School and faculty level activity in Teaching and Learning, and Teaching

Enhancement committees, which are responsible for co-ordinating developments and initiatives relating to innovative methods for delivery, technology mediated learning, as well as general resource issues. In addition, this committee is responsible for regulating faculty codes of practice relating to course management and delivery.

• The activities of Staff Development Unit, which provides specific

training/development for staff. Specifically, all new staff members (opportunity is also provided for existing staff) have to pursue a formal teaching qualification (the PGCHEP) and are also encouraged to apply for Fellowship of the Higher

Education Academy.

• Staff appraisal, which is carried out on a 2-year cycle with attention given to the

development needs of the individual staff member.

In addition, there are University/Faculty/School strategies for teaching and learning. 16 REGULATION OF STANDARDS

Assessment rules

General course regulations are in accordance with the current University of Ulster “Charter, Statutes Ordinances and Regulations 2007-2008”.

• Pass mark for course, modules and individual assessments = 40%

The following shall be minimum percentages used in determining the overall gradings of ABD students:

Pass with commendation 60% Pass 40%

The award of a Pass with commendation will be recommended to a student who achieves an overall mark of at least 60%, provided that a module mark of at least 60% has been achieved in modules which constitute at least 50% of the credit points for the award.

External examiners

There is one external examiner for the course. External examiners are academic subject or professional experts appointed from outside the University. Their key functions are to contribute to the assurance of the standards of the award and the fair treatment of students. They are involved in the moderation and approval of assessments and the moderation of the marking undertaken by internal examiners

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17 INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO TEACHING AND LEARNING

• Teaching staff within the school, are encouraged to become accredited Fellows

of the Higher Education Academy. Newly appointed members of staff complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (PGCHEP).

• Two members of staff have received the University’s Distinguished Teaching

Award (1991/2000) and one member of staff was highly commended in the University’s Distinguished Teaching Fellowship awards scheme – 2005.

• Students eligible for NICENT (Northern Ireland Centre for Entrepreneurship)

certification on completion of Enterprise and Employability module.

• Outcomes from National Student Survey - positive

• Outcomes from QAA Subject Review: 1996 Environmental Studies rated

Excellent

• Outcomes from Institutional Audit: 2005 – Successful and demonstrating ‘broad

confidence’ in University and subject area.

• Outcomes of Research Assessment Exercise: 2001 – 3b

• External funding for teaching and learning initiatives: FDTL Phase 3 project on

SPAT (Student Progression and Transfer) - £289,000; FDTL Phase 4 project on STAR (Student Transition and Retention)- £250,000.