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

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1 UNVERSY OF ULSER ROGRAMME SECFCAON COURSE LE: Degree Studies LEASE NOE: his 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 007 and in the module handbooks. AWARD NSUON/BODY: UNVERSY OF ULSER EACHNG NSUON: UNVERSY OF ULSER LOCAON: COLERANE CAMUS ACCREDED BY: N/A FNAL AWARD: ASSOCAE BACHELOR DEGREE (ABD) 6 MODE OF AENDANCE: FULL-ME 7 SECALSMS: ENVRONMENAL SCENCE, GEOGRAHY, MARNE SCENCE 8 UCAS CODE: F80 C AB/ES COURSE CODES: FUC 9 DAE WREN/REVSED: 00/007 0 EDUCAONAL AMS OF HE COURSE he aims of the programme in Studies are: (a) o produce graduates with a basic understanding of the working of environmental systems, including the influence of humans and the pressures upon them (b) o equip graduates with knowledge and skills appropriate for employment in technical posts in the area of the environment. (c) o provide an alternative progression route into honours s in Science, Geography or Marine Science he objectives of the course are to: rovide 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 rovide students who wish to progress with a pathway into a top-up Honours programme B

2 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. n year, 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. ractical skills and transferable skills are also developed in these modules. ransferable skills are further developed through the st year tutorial programme. n year 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 Science, Geography or Marine Science. All three routes include a module on practical techniques and research methods in the chosen discipline. MAN LEARNNG OUCOMES he following reference points were used to inform the development of the programme and its learning outcomes: he 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 he course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. Successful students will be able to: NOWLEDGE AND UNDERSANDNG OF SUBJEC Understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies, including physical and biological processes and human interactions. Demonstrate knowledge of the Earth as a system Show understanding of some natural and human-induced environmental processes Show the relationship between the human and physical aspects of the environment Analyse and evaluate the application of scientific or social science information to environmental problems 6 Show understanding of a range of issues relating to the human, biological and/or physical environment, their investigation and management 7 Use the appropriate scientific language, concepts and classification systems 8 Demonstrate understanding of knowledge related to discipline to allow progression to Honours programme B

3 eaching and Learning Methods: eaching is through lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals and fieldwork. nowledge 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. his is given in the module outlines. nowledge is tested using written assignments such as essays, practical reports, project reports and examinations. he application of knowledge to new problems is assessed in the environmental investigation module and in the field course assessment. l NELLECUAL QUALES l Apply principles and concepts relevant to environmental studies l Critically synthesise and analyse information l Construct and test hypotheses l Apply environmental knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar problems l 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 eaching and Learning Methods: eaching is through lectures, seminars, practicals and fieldwork. Assessment Methods: Assessment is through essays, practical and fieldwork reports, oral presentations and examinations. ROFESSONAL/RACCAL SLLS lan, conduct and report on investigations Collect, record and analyse data in the field and laboratory Use appropriate measures to ensure health and safety in practical and field work Select appropriate data handling techniques and apply the necessary computational skills Select and apply appropriate techniques for studying environmental, geographical or marine problems eaching and Learning Methods: he practical outcomes are taught through laboratory and field work. ndividual and group projects in the second year build on the skills acquired in B

4 the first year. he initial data handling skills are taught in first year modules, and developed through application to a wider range of problems in the second year. ractical 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. he final field course will introduce students to a range of practical techniques applicable to their chosen route in the. Assessment Methods: hese learning outcomes are assessed by practical and fieldwork reports, poster, and oral presentation RANSFERABLE SLLS Communicate effectively, using both oral and writing skills. Apply numeracy skills Use a range of skills and applications Contribute to the planning and management of team tasks Demonstrate self- management skills eaching and Learning Methods: he development of skills is undertaken in all modules. here is also a tutorial programme that concentrates on learning skills and communication. he programme has a first year module that concentrates on the learning and application of appropriate numeracy and skills. Assessment Methods: Numeracy and 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 B

5 ROGRAMME LEARNNG OUCOME MA - Science Route lease note: he matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. MODULE LES CODE ntroduction to Biology ntroduction to Studies rinciples and ractices of Science OUCOMES ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ENSC X X X X X X X X X X Earth Surface rocesses ENS0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Mapping and Survey echniques MAR0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ntroductory Data Handling ENSC X X X X X X X X X Communities and Habitats ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 7 nvestigations ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Landforms and Landscapes GEOC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Field echniques and Analysis ENS0C 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 ENS8C X X X X X X X X X X Business and the Environment GEOC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X and Atmospheric Chemistry ENS0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Marine and Freshwater Chemistry ENS9C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X B

6 Aquaculture and Fisheries MAR0C X X X X X X X X X X lanning GEOXXC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Development, Environment and lanning GEO0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ROGRAMME LEARNNG OUCOME MA - Geography Route lease note: he matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. Module Outcomes itle Code ntroduction to Biology ntroduction to Studies ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ntroduction to Human Geography GEO06C X X X X X X X X X X X X X Earth Surface rocesses ENS0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ntroductory Data Handling ENSC X X X X X X X X X Space and lace GEO0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Communities and Habitats ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X nvestigations ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Landforms and Landscapes GEOC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Geographical Research Methods GEO0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ransport Geography GEOXXC Economic Geography GEO0C X X X X X X X X X X 6 7 B 6

7 Enterprise and Employability ENS8C X X X X X X X X X X Business and the Environment GEOC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X lanning GEOXXC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Development, Environment and Society GEO0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ROGRAMME LEARNNG OUCOME MA - Marine Science Route lease note: he matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. Module Outcomes itle Code ntroduction to Biology ntroduction to Studies ntroduction to Marine Systems ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X MAR00C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Earth Surface rocesses ENS0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Mapping and Survey echniques MAR0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ntroductory Data Handling ENSC X X X X X X X X X Communities and Habitats ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X nvestigations ENSC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Landforms and Landscapes GEOC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 7 B 7

8 Marine Field School MAR0C 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 and Atmospheric Chemistry Marine and Freshwater Chemistry ENS0C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ENS9C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Aquaculture and Fisheries MAR0C X X X X X X X X X X B 8

9 SRUCURE AND REQUREMENS FOR HE AWARD he course offers a two-year programme leading to the in Studies. 0 credits at Level A/ (maximum of 0 credits at Level A) must be completed in the first year and 0 credits at Level in the second year. here are choices within the programme that allow students to pursue interests in Science, Geography or Marine Science. his will allow students to progress to the Honours programme in their chosen specialty and complete that in three further semesters. his top-up can be done by taking the st semester, nd year of the Honours programme, immediately following graduation from the, 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. Studies Sciences route Year Module itle Credit Level Credit oints Module Status Awards ntroduction to Biology ntroduction to Studies rinciples and ractices of Science Earth Surface rocesses ntroductory Data Handling Mapping and Survey echniques 0 COMULSORY A 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY Year, Semester Module itle Credit Level Credit oints Module Status Awards Landforms and Landscapes Communities and Habitats nvestigations 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY B 9

10 Year, Semester From the optional modules students must combine either the one 0 credits point module with two 0 credits point modules or choose all four 0 credits point modules. Module itle Credit Level Credit oints Module Status Awards Field echniques and Analysis Aquaculture and Fisheries and Atmospheric Chemistry Marine and Freshwater Chemistry Enterprise and Employability Business and the Environment lanning Development, Environment and Society 0 COMULSORY 0 OONAL 0 OONAL 0 OONAL 0 OONAL 0 OONAL 0 OONAL 0 OONAL Geography route Year Module itle Credit Level Credit oints Module Status Awards ntroduction to Biology ntroduction to Studies ntroduction to Human Geography Earth Surface rocesses ntroductory Data Handling Space and lace 0 COMULSORY A 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY B 0

11 Year, Semester Module itle Credit Level Credit oints Module Status Awards Landforms and Landscapes Communities and Habitats nvestigations 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY Year, Semester Module itle Credit Level Credit oints Module Status Awards Geographical Research Methods ransport Geography Economic Geography Business and the Environment Enterprise and Employability lanning Development, Environment and Society 0 COMULSORY 0 OONAL 0 OONAL 0 OONAL 0 OONAL 0 OONAL 0 OONAL Marine Science route Year Module itle Credit Level Credit oints Module Status Awards ntroduction to Biology ntroduction to Studies ntroduction to Marine Systems Earth Surface rocesses ntroductory Data Handling Mapping and Survey echniques 0 COMULSORY A 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY B

12 Year, Semester Module itle Credit Level Credit oints Module Status Awards Landforms and Landscapes Communities and Habitats nvestigations 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY Year, Semester Module itle Credit Level Credit oints Module Status Awards Marine Field School and Atmospheric Chemistry Marine and Freshwater Chemistry Aquaculture and Fisheries 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY 0 COMULSORY SUOR FOR SUDENS AND HER LEARNNG 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 nformation Services Department (library and computer services) Student Support Department provides services such as accommodation, health, counselling and guidance, childcare, finance and special needs where appropriate ersonal development planning and use of ersonal Development system Use of Senior Student utors to mentor peers B

13 he 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 nternational 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. CRERA FOR ADMSSON 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 (AEL). he 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 rish Leaving Certificate with passes in one science subject at the Higher level. A level A minimum of 80 UCAS ariff oints to include grade D in a science subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics or hysics. rish Leaving Certificate 80 UCAS ariff oints to include DDDD and including one science subject from the list above EVALUANG AND MROVNG HE QUALY AND SANDARD OF LEARNNG AND EACHNG 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. Views of graduates in the National Student Survey B

14 Views of employers (External Advisory anel) Views of external examiners Student erformance 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 eaching and Learning, and eaching 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. n addition, this committee is responsible for regulating faculty codes of practice relating to course management and delivery. he 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 GCHE) and are also encouraged to apply for Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Staff appraisal, which is carried out on a -year cycle with attention given to the development needs of the individual staff member. n addition, there are University/Faculty/School strategies for teaching and learning. 6 REGULAON OF SANDARDS Assessment rules General course regulations are in accordance with the current University of Ulster Charter, Statutes Ordinances and Regulations ass mark for course, modules and individual assessments = 0% he following shall be minimum percentages used in determining the overall gradings of ABD students: ass with commendation 60% ass 0% he award of a ass 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 0% of the credit points for the award. External examiners here is one external examiner for the course. External examiners are academic subject or professional experts appointed from outside the University. heir key functions are to contribute to the assurance of the standards of the award and the fair treatment of students. hey are involved in the moderation and approval of assessments and the moderation of the marking undertaken by internal examiners B

15 7 NDCAORS OF QUALY RELANG O EACHNG AND LEARNNG eaching staff within the school, are encouraged to become accredited Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. Newly appointed members of staff complete the ostgraduate Certificate in Higher Education ractice (GCHE). wo members of staff have received the University s Distinguished eaching Award (99/000) and one member of staff was highly commended in the University s Distinguished eaching Fellowship awards scheme 00. Students eligible for NCEN (Northern reland Centre for Entrepreneurship) certification on completion of Enterprise and Employability module. Outcomes from National Student Survey - positive Outcomes from QAA Subject Review: 996 Studies rated Excellent Outcomes from nstitutional Audit: 00 Successful and demonstrating broad confidence in University and subject area. Outcomes of Research Assessment Exercise: 00 b External funding for teaching and learning initiatives: FDL hase project on SA (Student rogression and ransfer) - 89,000; FDL hase project on SAR (Student ransition and Retention)- 0,000. B