Introductory description

This module allows students to investigate the range of perspectives on Sustainable Development from the field of Environmental Studies.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Introduction: The Natural Environment, Human Values and Conceptual Interpretation
2. Constructing Knowledge of the Environment: Philosophy and Evidence
3. Introduction to Ecological Principles and Processes
4. Ecology and Biodiversity for Sustainable Development
5. Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: International best practice for global change?
6. Elementary Sustainability: Biogeochemical Flows and Intergenerational Justice
7. The Sustainability Trump Card? Climate Change and Ocean Acidification
8. "Water, water everywhere... [concentrated and reserved for the global elite]"
9. Land-System Change: Loss of the natural world and its implications Speed Bumps and Sustainability? Chemical pollution & atmospheric aerosol loading

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• By the end of the module, students should be able to:1. Explain the main reasons for concern about the health of our planet today, along with the causes, extent, relation to human activities, and impacts of anthropogenic activities over time 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of scientific knowledge in the consideration of environmental sustainability 3. Critically appraise discourses of environmental decline and sustainability from an interdisciplinary perspective 4. Demonstrate an understanding of key scientific/ academic concepts, frameworks and theories used in relation to environmental sustainability 5. Critically evaluate governance opportunities for greater global environmental sustainability 6. Undertake academically rigorous research into environmental problems to produce policy and practice relevant proposals 7. Persuade environmental decision makers about the merits of evidence based policy and practice proposals in written and oral mediums

Research element

The module requires students to undertake academically rigorous research into environmental problems to produce policy and practice relevant proposals

Interdisciplinary

The module offers learning opportunities focused on the foundational natural science of pressing environmental problems, as well as social science knowledge and analytical skills focused on environmental governance opportunities, their critical analysis, creative development and promotion.

Subject specific skills

Ability to:
critically assess and analyse real-world, pressing environmental sustainability issues;
apply established frameworks and methodologies for analysing the impact(s) of a behaviour or process;
work together to create new knowledge; employ leadership for sustainable development by challenging assumptions and negotiating alternatives to unsustainable current practices;
develop rigorously researched alternative environmental governance;
advocate for new governance approaches in the written and oral medium

Transferable skills

Written communication skills
Oral communication skills
Working with others
Problem solving
Information technology
Numeracy
Research across various disciplines
Peer review