BSc (Honours) in Environmental Science (Environmental Management) Open University

This interdisciplinary course combines aspects of biology, ecology, geography, chemistry, technology, management and social science to help you understand environmental situations from all perspectives. This course will develop the scientific and technical knowledge and skills required to investigate ecosystems; understand fundamental environmental patterns and processes, and address local and global environmental issues. You’ll study the problems we face in understanding our natural environment and living sustainably.

Key features of the course

• Investigates the complexities of the natural environment and our different relationships with it
• Explores the problems we face in living sustainably
• Develops your scientific, interpretive and creative thinking skills
• Includes practical fieldwork, which you’ll undertake during two residential schools
• Accredited by The Institution of Environmental Sciences and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BSc (Honours) Environmental Science uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

• studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
• using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
• using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
• undertaking practical work (including two compulsory UK residential schools) and using an online laboratory
• working with specialist reading material such as scientific journals
• using specialist software
• working in a group with other students
• finding external/third party material online
• continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
• using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
• engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree
• some modules may require you to attend a residential school.

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll start Stage 1 with two 60-credit introductory modules – one with a focus on the environment and one with a focus on science.
• Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study two 30-credits modules and one 60-credit module.
• Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll study three 30-credit modules and conclude your degree with a 30-credit project module.