NES3201 : Environmental Impact Assessment
NES3201 : Environmental Impact Assessment
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Elisa Lopez-Capel
- Lecturer: Dr Martin Cooke
- 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 | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
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).
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to:
* understand the practice and procedures for environmental impact assessment.
* be familiar with the contents normally expected from professional environmental impact assessment and with
alternative methods of gathering and presenting this information
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to:
* deploy their knowledge and skills to critically appraise an EIA report.
* deploy their knowledge and skills to collect data in the field for assessment of a mock development proposal.
* write a technical report in the form of an Environmental Statement.
* work effectively individually and within a team to define problems, devise and evaluate possible solutions and
solve familiar and unfamiliar problems.
* evaluate performance as an individual and team member, identify and work towards individual and collective
targets.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | group work EIA technical report (50%) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Preparation for digital Exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Weekly Lecture (in person) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | EIA case study seminar reading and exercises (0%) formative |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | exercises and discussion on EIA in practice (case studies) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 3 | 5:00 | 15:00 | field trips on environmental assessment in practice (preparation of group report, sem 2) |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | group work activities (e.g. group meetings and discussions) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | 2hr exam tutorial semester 1 (practice digital Exam) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | sem2 4 2hr drop in tutorials to support group report writing (including discussions with practitioners) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 11 | 4:00 | 44:00 | Directed research and reading on module topics and practice linked to lectures and seminars |
| Total | 200:00 |
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).
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 50 | PC exam. A paper copy of the exam will be available, if needed |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 50 | Group 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | Scoping 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.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES3201's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES3201's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.