What will I learn on this module?
This module provides a practical experience in field techniques, data analysis and standard methodologies required for environmental science in field settings that explore a variety of habitats and management strategies in Cumbria.
Topics on this module include:
- Ecosystem services and environmental change
- Human impacts on the environment
- Carbon management
- Standard survey methodologies
- Plant and animal identification
- Ecological data analysis and presentation
How will I learn on this module?
You will encounter a variety of fieldwork approaches to studying the environment as you develop your technical skills as part of a residential fieldtrip. This component of the module will introduce you to conservation and management concerns of the UK countryside. You will also design and present how you would approach solving a local environmental problem. These tasks are designed to give you employable skills in approaching problem-solving and public communication. The fieldtrip will be supported by introductory lectures and pre-fieldwork background reading.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
On the fieldtrip you will learn safe working practices in the field and get plenty of opportunity for discussing matters related to the module with staff. Staff will be on hand to provide formative feedback as you identify a local environmental problem and develop an approach to its solution.
Where appropriate, learning materials are made available through eLP. All reading material is made available electronically through reading lists. Teaching staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students meaning you can approach them anytime during normal office hours, or via email, to answer questions, receive feedback and support your learning on the module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: Review a range of key environmental issues, at global and local scales
• MLO 2: Discuss the value of life on earth, economically, culturally and ecologically, and assess its current threats to biodiversity
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 3: Use and apply standard ecological survey methods to collect ecological field data
• MLO 4: Demonstrate safe working practices in the field situations
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):.
• MLO 5: Develop a positive and professional attitude towards teamwork in the field.
How will I be assessed?
Group presentation (50%): During the Semester 2 residential field trip, you will identify a local environmental problem and suggest how this might be solved. You will present your project proposal in the field. Staff are on hand to offer feedback on the development of your project and presentations (MLO 1,2,3,4, 5)
Individual herbarium collection (50%): In developing your field identification skills, you will collect and describe a plant specimen in accordance with professional standards (MLO 3,4,5)
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module immerses you in Environmental Science residential fieldwork. As a grand finale to your first year, you spend a week in the Lake District putting into practice skills and concepts you have been developing throughout the first year.
Course info
UCAS Code F751
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Geography and Environmental Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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