BSc (Honours) Environmental Management and Technology: Standard pathway

Stage 1

You’ll begin your studies with a 60-credit compulsory module Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)Environment: journeys through a changing world::Our world is changing fast – we are experiencing pressure from climate change, growing demands for finite resources and the extinction of many plants and animals. Environment: journeys through a changing world introduces you to environmental studies and the issues arising from environmental change. It shows how people are seeking positive solutions to environmental challenges where you live, in the Arctic, Africa, the Amazon and China. It also develops the key skills and concepts needed to understand our changing world. You do not need any prior knowledge to study this key introductory Level 1 course, just an interest in the future of our planet.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q72-1,module,U116,,1 – a fascinating introduction to environmental studies and issues arising from environmental challenges in a range of different locations, including the Arctic, Africa, the Amazon and China. It also develops the key skills and concepts needed to understand our changing world.

Following this you’ll study Exploring science (S104)Exploring science::This key introductory Level 1 course is an ideal starting point for studying the natural sciences – astronomy and planetary science; biology; chemistry, earth and environmental science; and physics. Using a blend of text and online study materials, this wide-ranging course investigates the major scientific issues affecting human society in the twenty-first century. You will explore the fundamentals of modern science and develop important scientific concepts and skills to give you a solid foundation for studying science at a higher level. You should have some basic mathematical skills and knowledge of basic science concepts before you begin.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q72-1,module,S104,,1 (60 credits), a broad and absorbing introduction to science which provides underpinning knowledge in a range of subject areas, including:

• astronomy and planetary science
• biology and health sciences
• chemistry and analytical science
• Earth and environmental science
• physics.

This wide-ranging module investigates the major scientific issues affecting human society in the twenty-first century. You’ll explore the fundamentals of modern science and develop important scientific concepts and skills to give you a solid foundation for the modules you’ll study at Stages 2 and 3.

Stage 2

Stage 2 starts with an exploration of current and emerging energy technologies. Energy use is fundamental to human activity systems – helping to drive economic development and supporting the needs of rising populations. However, the environmental impact of using energy is substantial unless appropriate measures are taken. This 30-credit module – Energy and sustainability (T213)Energy and sustainability::Are fossil fuels running out? Can nuclear power, carbon capture and storage or renewable energy sources provide solutions to the problem of global warming? How can we provide clean, safe, sustainable energy supplies for the UK, and the world, despite increasing population levels and affluence? In this course you will look at the basic principles underlying the design and efficient use of energy and energy supply systems. Using a range of study materials and online activities, you will learn to use the appropriate scientific and mathematical techniques applied to energy related issues.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q72-1,module,T213,,1 – addresses the question: How can we provide access to and manage non-polluting, safe, sustainable energy supplies, despite rising population levels, increasing global economic development, and concerns about climate change and resource depletion?

Next, in Environmental management 1 (T219)Environmental management 1::Environmental management can be thought of as managing our relationship with the environment. For all of us, this relationship is under increasing pressure. Why is environmental management vital for our sustainability? What kind of environmental management do we need now? The aim of this course is to explore systemic answers to these and related questions by introducing ideas, approaches and techniques for environmental management at individual, organisational and community levels. Recognising that our understanding of human-environment relations is changing, the course combines conventional with innovative systems approaches to environmental management.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q72-1,module,T219,,1 (30 credits), you’ll focus on environmental management from a systems perspective. You’ll be introduced to important concepts such as notions of boundaries; modelling assumptions; and organisational practices – exploring core techniques and approaches such as sustainability assessments and life cycle analysis.

Finally, you’ll choose one of two 60-credit modules:

The first – Environmental science (S216)Environmental science::This broad course draws together biology, chemistry, Earth science and physics. You will develop a holistic approach encompassing the processes, links, interactions and feedback mechanisms that operate within different environments. Two multimedia interactive field trips feature in the course, in which you explore an area visually, observe habitats, gather data and analyse your observations. By the end of the course you will be able to ‘lead’ a group of students through a new virtual environment; make critical analyses of landforms, soils and water flows; identify habitats of flora and fauna; and comment on anthropogenic influences and their likely consequences.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q72-1,module,S216,,1 – investigates the whole of our environment – Earth, air, water and life – covering topics such as landforms, habitats, flora, fauna, the chemical and physical weathering of rocks, and extreme weather. You’ll use virtual field trips to observe habitats and gather data, strengthening the knowledge and scientific skills you acquired at Stage 1.

The second – Environment: sharing a dynamic planet (DST206)Environment: sharing a dynamic planet::Environmental issues pose challenges. What are the biophysical and social causes of environmental change? What exactly is an environmental issue and why are they often controversial and difficult to resolve? How can we make a difference? You will address all of these questions as you explore four key global environmental concerns – life, water, carbon, and food – through a rich and interactive set of study materials. As you do so, you will develop a distinctive way of thinking about environments and environmental issues that draws on the insights of both natural and social sciences to be at once intellectually innovative and practically relevant.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q72-1,module,DST206,,1 – examines how environmental change has varied over time and space during the Earth’s history; and explores the role of natural factors and human activity in environmental change. You’ll examine the scientific and political uncertainties surrounding major environmental issues, and gain a broad understanding of why such issues are often the source of social and political conflict. They include climate change, the provision of fresh water and sustainable agriculture.

Stage 3

You’ll begin Stage 3 with Renewable energy (T313)Renewable energy::What does a sustainable energy system look like? How might renewable energy provide a much greater proportion of our energy needs in the coming decades? Which technologies and designs for the various renewable energy sources will we rely on to help us decarbonise our energy systems and maintain a secure supply of affordable electricity and heat? In this course you’ll explore these questions by systematically reviewing the eight main renewable energy technologies. With the help of study guides, you will develop your ability to practically apply this knowledge – especially for solar thermal, solar photovoltaic and wind.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q72-1,module,T313,,1 (30 credits), which examines and evaluating evaluates various renewable energy systems and the actions required to manage them effectively. You’ll cover the strengths and weaknesses of renewable energy technologies, and examine what part they can play in future energy scenarios at national, regional and global levels. You’ll also consider the concomitant changes needed in policies and practices.

Your next 30-credit module - Environmental management 2 (T319) available from October 2014 - draws on and extends a range of creative approaches to environmental problem-solving which have been developed for teachers, students and practitioners. You’ll learn to think strategically and creatively about sustainable environmental management, adopt innovative advances in systems thinking, and apply them to topical areas of concern such as environmental sustainability; Green ICT; organisational change and learning; and professional practice.

Finally, in the 60-credit module Innovation: designing for a sustainable future (T307)Innovation: designing for a sustainable future::How do successful innovations emerge? How do designers, technologists, managers and end-users create and develop new ideas, designs and inventions? How are these translated into marketable products? This course examines these questions, but its concerns go beyond innovation just for commercial and competitive advantage. It also looks at whether and how innovation can be directed towards ensuring a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable future. You'll work on a project either individually or in a team that makes use of the ideas and methods taught in the course. This course is fully accessible even if you do not have a technical background.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q72-1,module,T307,,1, you’ll examine how designers, technologists, managers and end-users create and develop new ideas, designs and inventions and translate these into marketable products. You’ll look beyond issues of commercial and competitive advantage to whether innovation can be directed towards ensuring a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable future.

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.