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EK5804: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04


Course Overview

Lectures and seminars provide background information about the origins and development of EIA, and how EIAs are implemented in the UK and elsewhere. Visiting speakers and a field visit provide practitioner perspectives on the role of EIA in development decisions.

Workshop sessions focus on case studies to provide insight into issues that arise and provide an opportunity to develop transferable 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.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Philip Smith

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

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 the EIA process – its background, stages and steps – and to be able to select, use and evaluate suitable techniques.

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

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

A group presentation or report on selected aspects of an EIA case study

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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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%). You will receive a grade with constituent rubric component scores and written feedback.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Report: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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