Module Catalogue

NES3201 : Environmental Impact Assessment

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Elisa Lopez-Capel
  • Lecturer: Dr Helen Adamson
  • Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

To introduce 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 preparation of a technical report (Environmental Statement).

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 EIA case studies.
10.Seminar discussions on EIA in practice in line with government policy, and preparation of technical report (Environmental Statement).

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00group work EIA technical report (50%)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Preparation for digital Exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture111:0011:00Weekly Lecture (in person)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion42:008:00EIA case study seminar reading and exercises (0%) formative
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops62:0012:00exercises and discussion on EIA in practice (case studies)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork35:0015:00field trips on environmental assessment in practice (preparation of group report, sem 2)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery42:008:00sem2 4 2hr drop in tutorials to support group report writing (including discussions with practitioners)
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity401:0040:00group work activities (e.g. group meetings and discussions)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery12:002:002hr exam tutorial semester 1 (practice digital Exam)
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study114:0044:00Directed research and reading on module topics and practice linked to lectures and seminars
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Student contact time comprises a combination of lectures, seminars and field classes. Lectures deliver information on principles of EIA. Seminars (workshops) provides practice through interactive activities which develop understanding and skills. Team leadership, team work and facilitation skills are introduced in a seminar at the beginning of the group work activity in semester 2. The group work 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 technical report (Environmental Statement).

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination901A50PC exam. A paper copy of the exam will be available, if needed
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report2M50Group EIA Report. Group case study (including group peer assessment). 2000 words max per student.
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Report2MScoping report. Group case study up to 500 words max per student.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The Digital Exam 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.

The scoping group report will require students to provide a written report identifying the environmental impact of the case study.

Group project (ES technical report on a case study) 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.

Reading Lists

Timetable