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The course focuses on teaching the students the principles and practice of environmental management within the contexts of environmental impact assessment and biodiversity management and the contribution of empirical and case study scientific research, as well as fostering advanced knowledge and skills in the manipulation and analysis of spatial environmental data.
The aim is to teach how environmental management tools, such as impact assessment, site conservation planning and environmental management systems, together with the data, tools and techniques of GIS, are applied in making knowledge-based decisions on managing the environment. This is considered in context of environmental legislative/policy frameworks within which industry, government and voluntary bodies work.
Career options top
The majority of students on the courses are already working in industry or public services.
Key skills which will be developed are:
* Biodiversity management plans and site restoration design
* Ecological monitoring
* Environmental management systems
* Environmental impact assessment
* Research analysis and data interpretation techniques
* Management, processing, analysis, interpretation and presentation of geo-spatial data
* Operation and use of Geographic Information Systems
A. Environmental Management WITH Geographic Information Systems
Modules in this programmes are available on a two year rotational basis so the order in which they are studied is dependent upon when a student enters the programme. The five taught modules which constitute the postgraduate diploma are taken over two years (4 semesters). The MSc Research Project is the final element of the programme and this is commenced once a student has completed the postgraduate diploma.
Principles of GIS (15 Credits)
This module introduces the theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems, and is intended to provide an understanding of the breadth of potential GIS applications and to equip students with the key concepts and skills required relating to the input, management, manipulation, analysis and output of spatial data. Lecture based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked practical exercises which allow students to develop competence in ESRIs ArcGIS package. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS.
Spatial Data Management (15 credits)
This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in EGM711 to provide GIS students with further experience in the acquisition and management of spatial data. Methods for generating and collecting digital spatial data from primary and secondary sources are considered, with lecture and practical sessions looking at digitising, geo-registration, GPS data collection and accessing and using secondary sources (particularly Population Census data). The module also incorporates practice in data handling and statistical analysis. Development of GIS software skills focuses primarily on ArcGIS.
Biodiversity Management (30 credits)
This module covers the key techniques used to achieve effective biodiversity management within the context of site and landscape-scale vegetation ecology. It exemplifies how these techniques are applied to farmed landscapes, nature reserves and industrial sites. The module aims to show how a planned approach to biodiversity management can achieve effective conservation and restoration objectives.
Pollution Monitoring (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor pollution of the environment. The key topics covered are sample collection, chemical and biological methods of analysis, analytical quality control, toxicity tests, data analysis, assessing compliance and critical loads.
Environmental Impact Assessment (30 credits)
This module introduces the concepts and requirements of environmental impact assessment, the methodology of planning and carrying out an environmental audit and the use of environmental management systems.
MSc Research Project
Plus (Masters only)
MSc Research Project (60 credits)
To obtain an MSc qualification, students are required to complete advanced study under supervision within a specialised area. The project module aims to extend the experience of the student in the practice of scientific investigation and to develop the intellectual skills of recognising and using subject specific theories, concepts, and principles, analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, collecting and interpreting several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses and applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems. The student, by making an original contribution to their field, develops the skills of postgraduate, independent research, commensurate with an MSc.
B. Environmental Management AND Geographic Information Systems
The six taught modules which constitute the postgraduate diploma are taken over two years (4 semesters). The MSc Research Project is the final element of the programme and this is commenced once a student has completed the postgraduate diploma.
Principles of GIS (15 Credits)
This module introduces the theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems, and is intended to provide an understanding of the breadth of potential GIS applications and to equip students with the key concepts and skills required relating to the input, management, manipulation, analysis and output of spatial data. Lecture based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked practical exercises which allow students to develop competence in Esris ArcGIS package. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS.
Spatial Data Management (15 credits)
This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in EGM711 to provide GIS students with further experience in the acquisition and management of spatial data. Methods for generating and collecting digital spatial data from primary and secondary sources are considered, with lecture and practical sessions looking at digitising, geo-registration, GPS data collection and accessing and using secondary sources (particularly Population Census data). The module also incorporates practice in data handling and statistical analysis. Development of GIS software skills focuses primarily on ArcGIS.
Biodiversity Management (30 credits)
This module covers the key techniques used to achieve effective biodiversity management within the context of site and landscape-scale vegetation ecology. It exemplifies how these techniques are applied to farmed landscapes, nature reserves and industrial sites. The module aims to show how a planned approach to biodiversity management can achieve effective conservation and restoration objectives.
Pollution Monitoring (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor pollution of the environment. The key topics covered are sample collection, chemical and biological methods of analysis, analytical quality control, toxicity tests, data analysis, assessing compliance and critical loads.
Spatial Data Analysis (15 credits)
This module, which builds on the overview of GIS analysis gained in modules EGM711 and EGM712, is intended to introduce students to concepts of explicitly spatial statistical analysis and associated concepts such as autocorrelation and the impact of scale and aggregation on area-based analysis. It also aims to give students the opportunity to expand their experience and abilities in problem-solving in the context of environmental modelling. Further practical experience is developed of ArcGIS, ArcGIS extensions and other relevant software.
GIS for Environmental Management (15 credits)
GIS has been established as a powerful environmental planning tool given the inherent geographical nature of environmental systems and the impacts on them. This optional module builds on the breadth of knowledge developed earlier in the course in relation to spatial analysis, providing theoretical background and practical skills relevant to environmental modelling and management, with an emphasis on independent learning. The research focus of this module helps prepare students for undertaking the Masters project.
Plus (Masters only)
MSc Research Project (60 credits)
To obtain an MSc qualification, students are required to complete advanced study under supervision within a specialised area. The project module aims to extend the experience of the student in the practice of scientific investigation and to develop the intellectual skills of recognising and using subject specific theories, concepts, and principles, analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, collecting and interpreting several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses and applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems. The student, by making an original contribution to their field, develops the skills of postgraduate, independent research, commensurate with an MSc.
Postgraduate students typically fund their own tuition fees and living costs. Some students may receive support from their employers. Grants and loans for postgraduate study are limited but might be available depending on your circumstances.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.
The Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) is a charitable organisation which promotes and raises public awareness of environmental science by supporting professional scientists and academics working in this crucial arena. As a seminal environmental sciences organisation, founded in 1971, the Institution is consulted by the Government and other interested parties on environmental issues. The Institution has strong ties with Higher Education and promotes and supports environmental science and sustainable development in universities and colleges both nationally and internationally.
Ulster is a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engaement. We make a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland and play a key role in attracting inward investment. Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation and technology and knowledge transfer.
Take a look at our courses and youll see how were preparing students for tomorrows world today.
* We have a positive impact on the economy and community in Northern Ireland and employ over 3000 staff with an annual turnover of more than £200 million.
* Technology and knowledge transfer and commercial exploitation of ideas are promoted by our Office of Innovation through a range of initiatives and ongoing research and consultancy with business and industry.
* We are a major contributor to the Research and Development capacity within Northern Ireland and we support local business and industry. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise confirmed the strength and quality of our research and the advances that we are continually making.
* We make a leading contribution to lifelong learning (via eLearning), widening access to education for all - enhancing the region's knowledge base.
* Partnerships have been forged with other educational providers locally, nationally and internationally and we have a network of strategic partnerships throughout the world.
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