Last modified: 29 Jan 2024 10:46
The course provides background information about the origins and development of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, and its implementation in the UK and elsewhere. It also highlights the significance of impacts associated with selected developments addressed in detail in seminars. The lectures and seminars are supported by workshop sessions focusing on case studies and providing insights into the issues that arise during the EIA. The course also provides an opportunity to develop transferrable skills valued by employers, such as team-working, time-management, communication of science, and critical appraisal. Throughout the course you will work with genuine EIA materials utilised during different stages of the EIA process, to identify likely environmental effects, judge their significance, and propose how they should be assessed and mitigated.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
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| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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Human activities affect the natural and human environment in a multitude of ways, varying in characteristics of effect, magnitude, spatial extent and timescale. In recent decades, concern about environmental damage in different parts of the world has led to public pressure on governments to regulate developers.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been developed to minimise adverse environmental effects, while allowing economic activities to continue. It is a critical component of the approach to achieving sustainable development. It is therefore important to understand, apply and evaluate the EIA process.
The aim of the course is to provide training in principles, methods and application of EIA in the United Kingdom, European Union and elsewhere in the world. The course also aims to foster balanced judgement of the strengths and weaknesses of EIA. The practical components of the course develop skills to enhance employability; in particular, collection, appraisal and dispassionate analysis of evidence; working independently and as part of a team; effective communication in written and oral forms; as well as appreciation of the concepts of enterprise and societal regulation of business activities.
By the end of the course, you should be able to describe the different stages of the EIA process, the types of activity involved, and main participants. You will also be able to deepen expertise on environmental effects of selected development types, taking account of the scientific evidence base, as well as critically review impact identification, impact analysis, and proposed mitigation measures in case studies.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Includes peer review of group work with IPAC. IPAC score varies 25% of group grade. |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Resubmission of failed element if overall grade is a fail |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Factual | Remember | ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide. |
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