BSc (Hons) Environmental Science with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth

This module will introduce learners to some of the major global environmental challenges facing society today and how science has a role in tackling them. It will help enable learners to adapt to the Higher Education Learning Environment by the development of a more independent, reflective and self-managed approach to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Tests

This module introduces learners to the study of physical and environmental science. It covers the very small scale from atoms to large scale global systems. This module teaches the fundamental concepts and analysis methods for chemical, environmental and earth system sciences. No prior knowledge is assumed. Emphasis is placed on building understanding of core principles and confidence in essential practical techniques.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations

This module builds on the core ideas introduced in its partner module in the first semester (FYM002), introducing a range of additional physical, earth and environmental concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in earth, environmental and chemical sciences.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations

This module will introduce the learners to group work. As part of a group, they will investigate one of the global environmental challenges facing society today. Each global environmental challenge will be investigated through its impact(s) in and around SW England. The learners will be guided in their investigation and present their findings at an end of year conference. This will be followed by an individual reflection upon the group work process.

Assessment: 50% Practicals 50% Tests

Join us on a journey to discover Earth's essential natural resources, such as minerals, soils and water. Through engaging laboratory experiments and insightful data analysis, you will explore geochemical cycles and processes to gain a deep understanding of the linkages between Earth systems and our changing climate.

Assessment: 70% Remotely delivered assessments 30% Tests

Explore Earth's ecosystems in this hands-on, interdisciplinary module! Dive into ecology, biodiversity, and conservation through fieldwork and case studies. Learn taxa identification, habitat dynamics, and key ecological processes. Build real-world skills to tackle global challenges and kickstart your career in environmental science and management.

Assessment: 70% Coursework 30% Tests

Discover the essential tools, strategies and concepts you'll need to tackle the biggest environmental challenges. Learn from industry experts and explore how our modern economy drives these challenges. Study how laws, governance, corporate responsibility, and sustainable practices are being used in imaginative ways to protect our planet. This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be a future-fit leader.

Assessment: 70% Coursework 30% Tests

Explore the biggest challenges facing our planet today and discover how data analysis and visualisation can drive real-world solutions. You will be introduced to data analysis, GIS, and cartographic techniques through engaging, hands-on examples. You will develop essential skills while tackling pressing issues. You will receive personalised support from your tutor to help you excel at university-level study.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Tests

Explore critical global sustainability challenges and solutions at local, national and international scales. Learn about core sustainability principles and their application to energy, biodiversity, land management, marine, travel, and personal behaviour. Sustainability sector experts share their experience, and students develop knowledge and teamwork skills through a tutor-supported group research project.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practicals

Tackle the biggest challenges to sustainability with modern analytical technologies. Master fundamental techniques, delving into theoretical concepts and real-world applications, empowering you to select the right tool for any environmental challenge. Dynamically blending theory and hands-on exercises, this module sharpens your critical thinking as you transform chemical samples into actionable environmental intelligence.

Assessment: 50% Practicals 50% Examinations

This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.

Further your understanding of the ways of thinking and practicing characteristic of your degree and apply new skills through the development of an independent research project. You'll develop key employability skills and tackle team challenges based on real workplace scenarios. Be empowered to take part in original research with one-to-one advice on a topic of your choice to prepare for your dissertation.

Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Practicals

Enhance your subject understanding by putting your research skills into action and immersing yourself in fieldwork. Explore real-world challenges in dynamic landscapes and engage with diverse communities in a range of exciting destinations. Work in a team to design and lead your own project, gaining practical experience that underpins your degree programme and advances your professional development.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practicals

Science isn't finished until it's communicated. Learn about some of the crucial challenges we face in communicating scientific data and ideas to create change in society. You will not just discover how to communicate to different groups - including policymakers, children, media organisations and science deniers - but you will also produce innovative multimedia communication pieces too.

Assessment: 100% Coursework

What does it mean to be an environmental specialist? In this module you'll explore the different ways of investigating the environment and learn about the ideas that shape environmental research. With a strong focus on practical skills, problem-solving and professional reporting you'll explore how your learning connects to your own research activities on fieldwork and in your dissertation, and to your future career path.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Remotely delivered assessments

Can you trust your data? Master collecting representative and reliable data through case studies applying fundamental theoretical concepts. In workshops, unpick robust approaches to sampling, processing, and analysis. Learn to design robust experiments, identify errors, and deliver trustworthy results that meet professional standards. Preparing you for your final year project and future career.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practicals

Dive into the exciting world of GIS with this hands-on module. You'll master the theory, methods, and spatial literacy needed to analyse real-world geographic data. Through interactive lectures and practical sessions, you'll explore geospatial data handling and cutting-edge spatial analysis and visualisation techniques. Develop valuable skills through project work, gaining the experience to tackle real-world challenges.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Tests

Expand your knowledge and critical thinking skills in key areas of environmental science and management, using insights from economics and environmental governance to explore solutions to real life problems affecting life supporting resources such as water, air, energy or food.

Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Practicals

UK nature conservation is evolving, embracing cutting-edge ideas like ecosystem services, rewilding and nature-based solutions. You'll study restoration management best practice, such as beaver reintroductions and temperate rainforest restoration. Get hands on experience of marine animal and plant identification and study animal adaptation to intertidal environments, gaining skills to make an impact in conservation.

Assessment: 50% Remotely delivered assessments 50% Tests

Explore how human activities, from fisheries to energy extraction, affect marine ecosystems. You'll study pollution, biodiversity loss and management strategies used to mitigate impacts. Through case studies and evaluation of conservation tools, this module builds your ability to assess and manage human pressures on marine environments.

Assessment: 100% Coursework

Enhance your research capabilities through professional level scientific diving. Suitable for students with the HSE SCUBA qualification, this module trains you in underwater photography, surveying and sampling techniques. You'll plan and execute multidisciplinary dive projects, developing skills used in research, industry and environmental monitoring.

Assessment: 100% Coursework

What drives our weather and shapes our climate? Dive into the physics of the atmosphere, from thermodynamics to global circulation. You will analyse real meteorological and satellite data to understand weather systems and forecasting. By mastering these physical principles, you will uncover the scientific evidence behind climate variability and the critical role of meteorology in a sustainable future.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Remotely delivered assessments