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EV4802: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (2022-2023)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:20


Course Overview

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.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Lenka Mbadugha

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

  • Either Programme Level 4 or Programme Level 5
  • One of BSc Biology or BSc Conservation Biology or BSc Zoology or BSc Animal Ecology or BSc Marine Biology or Bachelor Of Science In Animal Behaviour And Welfare or BSc Animal Behaviour or BSc Behavioural Biology or MSci Biological Sciences or BSc Biological Sciences (Honours) or BSc Plant and Soil Sciences or Bachelor Of Science In Environmental And Forest Management or BSc Ecology or BSc Wildlife Management or BSc Forestry or BSc Forest Sciences or BSc Environmental Science
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

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. 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.


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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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%).

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

Resubmission of failed elements

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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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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