The aim of the Option is to provide graduates with the skills to enter a wide range of environmental careers, with particular emphasis on environmental consultancy and regulatory job markets. The Option is designed to train students in analysis and assessment methods applicable to environmental contamination problems. Methods applied under the broad title of environmental impact assessment (EIA) have traditionally been qualitatively-based, although there is now a move towards the use of more quantitative environmental assessment techniques.
The Environmental Analysis and Assessment (EAA) Option comprises lectures plus two practical case studies, each with a different technical emphasis. There is a split of the marking between the case studies and the final exam, based on the course material.
A large number of the lectures are from consultants, the regulators and industry professionals, many from alumni of the Option, providing the student with first-hand contact with live issues as well as the cha nce to discuss job opport unities with potential employers.
The Option lectures are supported by a number of site visits plus a five-day study tour to provide practical underpinning of the Option material.
Further information
The EAA Option is designed to train students from diverse scientific and technical backgrounds in assessment methods applicable to environmental contamination and pollution problems.
The emphasis throughout the course is on the use of quantitative environmental assessment methodologies, including:
- field sampling and laboratory analysis for direct determination of contaminant concentrations and distributions within environmental systems and;
- predictive computer modelling techniques to assess the risks and impacts associated with either real or hypothetical contamination scenarios.
To complement and enhance teaching of quantitative aspects of environmental assessment techniques, classical EIA and auditing methodologies are also an important course component.
Throughout the course, teaching stresses the need for all environmental assessment activities to be carried out within relevant national and international legislative frameworks. It is also important to develop an appreciation of the way in which new assessment requirements are driven by policy developments.
The ultimate aim of the course is to prepare students for employment in environmental consultancies and other occupational areas (such as local authorities, government departments and NGOs) in which, increasingly, quantitative environmental assessment skills are required.
After completion of the course the students should be able to:
- understand in some detail the fundamental pathways and processes controlling the behaviour and fate of contaminants in environmental systems;
- design suitable field sampling strategies for the assessment of contaminant distributions in the near-surface atmosphere, surface and groundwaters and soils;
- suggest appropriate sampling and analytical methods for inorganic and organic contaminants in different environmental media and to liaise effectively with analysts and laboratories specialising in the analysis of individual contaminating substances;
- organise data sets obtained from field sampling and laboratory analytical studies and be able to configure these in a suitable format for higher level data analysis using a computer tool such as a Geographical Information System;
- apply suitable computer models to evaluate critical pathways and processes of contaminant transport in the environment or to perform simulations of future impacts of contaminant releases from a variety of sources;
- understand in detail the legal and policy framework within which quantitative environmental assessment activities are carried out and to apply EIA and auditing methodologies where appropriate.
The overriding objective of the Environmental Analysis and Assessment Option is to train students who will be effective team players in the often inter- and multidisciplinary environment of consultancies and related work places.
Specifically, the emphasis placed on the use of case studies involving role play, team work, meeting of deadlines and verbal presentations is intended to engender a pragmatic and real-world approach to problem solving in the general area of environmental assessment.