Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as an integral component of development planning processes. Students will apply systematic approaches to EIA (PC1 – A) through an in-depth investigation of planning frameworks and regulatory requirements. The module develops the ability to critically analyse and evaluate environmental information (PC2 – D+A) and equips students with the skills to implement EIA methods and techniques (PC3 – D+A), including data collection, interpretation, and evaluation (PC4 – A).
Students will gain experience in preparing a professional Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (PC5 – D+A) using appropriate academic and technical language, and will collaborate effectively within teams (PC8 – A) to produce a group report. Through seminars with industry professionals and stakeholders, students will explore current and future EIA practices and career opportunities (PC9 – A), developing professional awareness and employability skills. Additionally, by working collaboratively on a real-world EIA project, students will solve complex problems and propose mitigation strategies (PC10 – A), demonstrating advanced analytical and decision-making

Outline Of Syllabus

1.Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Overview of EIA principles, purpose, and regulatory context.
2.Screening & Scoping Procedures: Determining project significance and defining assessment boundaries.
3.Baseline Assessment Technique: . Methods for collecting and analysing environmental data.
4.Impact Prediction: Tools and models for forecasting environmental impacts.
5.Impact Evaluation: Assessing significance and cumulative effects.
6.Mitigation Techniques: Strategies to minimize adverse impacts and enhance positive outcomes.
7.Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): Broader policy and plan-level assessments.
8.Stakeholder Analysis: Identifying and engaging stakeholders in the EIA process.
9.Seminars: EIA Case Studies: This includes past and current EIA projects across sectors (infrastructure, renewable energy, housing; and critical discussion of lessons learned and best practices.
10.Seminars: EIA in Practice & Industry Engagement, where invited speakers from environmental consultancies, renewable energy projects, and key stakeholders discuss current and future EIA practices, policy trends, and career opportunities in the sector.
11.Preparation of Technical Report (Environmental Impact Statement). Collaborative group work adopting professional standards and academic language.
12.Field Trips: Site Visit 1: Proposed development site for group EIA exercise and data collection; and Site Visit 2: Completed development (e.g., housing project or renewable energy installation) for evaluation and discussion of real-world outcomes .

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

PC1 Knowledge Application (assessed): Explain and apply the principles, practices and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) within development planning; prepare a professional-quality Environmental Impact Statement (EIS); and engage with industry professionals and stakeholders to understand current and future EIA practices and career opportunities, reflecting on professional standards and ethical considerations.

Intended Skill Outcomes

PC2 Information Literacy (developed and assessed):
Find, interpret, evaluate, and correctly reference sources (e.g., baseline studies, EISs, policy documents); demonstrate understanding of regulatory frameworks; critically appraise third-party Environmental Impact Statements.
PC3 Practical/Technical Skills (developed and assessed):
Implement EIA methods and techniques including screening, scoping, baseline data collection, impact prediction, and mitigation planning; collect field data for assessment of a mock development proposal.
PC4 Data Literacy (assessed):
Apply data evaluation techniques to implement EIA processes effectively; critically analyse and evaluate Environmental Impact Statements prepared by others.
PC5 Communication (developed and assessed):
Prepare a professional-quality EIS using appropriate academic and technical language supported by evidence-based analysis; communicate EIA processes, mitigation measures, and outcomes clearly and concisely.
PC8 Collaboration (assessed):
Collaborate effectively to produce a group EIA report, demonstrating project management, communication, and problem-solving skills; recognise the importance of shared success in group projects.
PC9 Professional Practice & Reflection ( assessed ):
Engage with industry professionals and stakeholders to understand evolving EIA practices and career opportunities; apply professional skills and career management behaviours in the preparation of a semi professional EIA report; evaluate performance individually and as a team; reflect on professional interactions and development.
PC10 Integrated Problem Solving (assessed):
Tackle complex environmental problems through EIA, propose mitigation strategies, and contribute to effective group problem solving in project work.

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 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.

General Notes

N/A