Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05
Structured sessions provide background information about the origins and development of EIA, and how the process is implemented in the UK and elsewhere. Visiting speakers provide practitioner perspectives on the role of EIA in development decisions.
Workshop sessions focus on case studies providing insights into the issues that arise, as well as providing an opportunity to develop transferrable skills valued by employers, such as team-working, time-management, presentation and critical appraisal.
Through an EIA report you investigate a proposed development in depth to identify likely environmental effects, judge their significance, and propose how they should be assessed and mitigated.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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Course Description
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 and others so as to minimise adverse environmental effects, while allowing economic activities to continue. High-level policies and principles have been expressed in international commitments to ‘sustainable development’, which are translated into more detailed national and sub-national legislation and guidance.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been developed as a critical component of the approach to achieving sustainable development. EIA originated in the United States of America and was subsequently adopted into the legislative frameworks of other countries, including member states of the European Union. It is therefore important to understand, apply and evaluate the EIA process.
The aim of the course is to provide training in policies, 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.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
• explain the origins and development of EIA, including key policy drivers and statutes;
• describe the different stages of the EIA process, the types of activity involved, and main participants;
• explain the environmental effects of a selection of development types, taking account of the scientific evidence base;
• critically review impact identification, impact analysis, and proposed mitigation measures in case studies;
• describe the typical content and structure of EIA reports;
• explain the role of EIA in the development planning consent process;
• discuss the role of EIA in contributing to sustainable development, including its strengths and weaknesses;
• contribute effectively to the preparation and delivery of group presentations.
Employability information
In this course you will develop skills to enhance your 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; an appreciation of the concepts of enterprise and societal regulation of business activities.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Coursework (100%), comprising a group presentation or report on selected aspects of an EIA case study, with group mark adjusted by peer assessment (30%) and an abbreviated version of an EIA Scoping Report (70%). |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
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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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