ACE3080 : Environmental Impact Assessment

  • Module Leader(s): Mr John Gowing
  • Owning School: Agriculture, Food & Rural Development
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0

Aims

To teach a systematic approach to environmental impact assessment as a component of the development planning processes. The module provides guidance in the preparation of environmental impact assessment and in the evaluation of environmental impact statement prepared by others. It also provides practice in team working and in preparation of a technical report.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment
2. Screening & scoping procedures
3. Baseline assessment techniques
4. Impact prediction
5. Impact evaluation
6. Mitigation techniques
7. Strategic environmental assessment
8. Stakeholder analysis
9. Seminar discussions on case studies
10. Seminar discussions on team working and peer assessment

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Academic Staff Contact Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion136:0036:000:00Preparation of EIA report
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:000:00revision and completion of Semester 2 examination
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture181:0018:0018:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading124:0024:000:00Review selected articles and case studies
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching62:0012:0012:00seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops61:006:006:00Guidance on preparation of EIA report
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork33:009:009:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity63:0018:000:00reflection on group work
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity64:0024:000:00Group activity for EIA report preparation
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity32:006:000:00Preparation and follow up for field trips
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study181:3027:000:00Writing up lecture notes and related reading
Total200:0045:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Student contact time comprises a combination of lectures, small group teaching and field classes. Lectures deliver information on principles of EIA. Small group teaching provides practice through interactive activities which develop understanding and skills. Team leadership and facilitation skills are introduced in a small teaching group at the beginning of the module with some reminder and consolidation of teamworking skills. The group work throughout the module then allows the practice and further development and self-assessment of these skills. Field classes provide practice in different aspects of environmental assessment required for the group project.

Assessment Methods

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1202A50N/A
Exam Resits
Description Length When Set Percentage Resit Available Off Campus Comment
Written Examination120A100N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Case study2M50Report on group project with a peer assessment
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Examination tests knowledge and understanding across the full module content. Breadth is assessed through part 1 which contains true/false and short answer questions. Depth is assessed through part 2 in which students answer one essay question.

Group project tests critical ability, insight and written presentation. Work in a group reflects professional practice and reduces the writing burden. Peer assessment is used to discriminate individual contributions. The report evaluating the group project will require each student to provide a written report providing a reflective assessment of the team working during the project in the light of the literature.

Reading Lists

Timetable

Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.