BSc (Hons) Environmental Science with Foundation Year

This module provides you with an overview of key concepts in cell biology and physiology, including the chemical basis of the biosciences. Throughout the module you will gain an understanding of the basic concepts of cell biology and chemistry for the natural sciences, as well as the basic concepts of physiology and homeostasis, with reference to specific physiological processes and examples of module content in nature.

This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of evolution, behaviour, and anatomy, and explores how anatomical structures and behaviours contribute to survival and reproduction.

This module provides you with a broad overview of the diverse range of disciplines comprising ecology and environmental science including an understanding of adaptations of organisms to their environments, community ecology, the earth’s natural systems. You will study the global environment and characterisation of the Earth’s main biomes.

This module provides a multi-disciplinary approach to learning about the past, present, and future environmental conditions that shape the natural world, including human life.

Students will first explore Earth’s ancient environments, the development of life and become acquainted with the concept of evolution.

The bulk of the module will focus on contemporary issues and challenges. It will cover various impacts on ecosystems and students will examine the concept of sustainability. They will get an overview of current technological tools advancing scientific investigations across various disciplines, including the use of DNA in modern science. Current challenges for both human and animal populations will be explored, with emphasis on potential solutions and management scenarios

Finally, students will reflect on the potential scientific challenges that may arise as the world changes.

This module will provide students with an understanding of, and practical skills in, the methods employed by geographers and environmental scientists to collect, analyse, and present research data. Students will develop an understanding of scientific research design and methodology, and gain experience in a range of relevant data collection and analysis techniques via fieldwork and other practical sessions. The module will also encourage consideration of personal, academic, and professional development and future career aspirations.

This module will provide you with an introduction to the Earth from a geographical perspective. It will develop your knowledge and understanding of the processes that shape the natural environment, and how various global systems are interlinked. It will equip you with the theoretical, observational and practical skills required to analyse the earth system, its components and landscapes.

This module introduces a range of natural, anthropogenic and cascading hazards, and their associated risks to society as well proposed or established mitigation strategies.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the core principles of ecology and their application to contemporary environmental and climate challenges across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Students will gain a deep understanding of how ecological systems operate, how species interact with each other and their environment, and the ways in which human activities are influencing these systems. Emphasis is placed on local terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems, providing opportunities for hands-on learning. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, fieldwork, and laboratory practical’s, students will develop practical skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as the ability to evaluate human impacts on ecosystems and communicate scientific findings effectively. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical investigation, the module equips students with a strong foundation in ecological concepts and analytical skills, preparing them for further study and careers in environmental science, conservation, and climate policy. 

In this module you will examine different standardised methods used for ecological censuses and surveys in the UK. Field experience is provided, and different sampling techniques are dealt with in depth during lectures and during fieldwork, with the aim of explaining the quantitative framework on which they are based in addition to providing practical experience of their execution in the field. You will also learn how to digitise spatial data and produce maps using GIS which you will then use to analyse spatial data on habitat and vegetation features.

The aim of this module is to facilitate your understanding and evaluation of processes in global environments through a range of lectures/workshops and an associated international field class examining, recording, interpreting and evaluating field evidence in a range of natural and anthropogenic landscapes. It will also provide an opportunity to identify the diversity of risks and issues as well as culture in the wider international context. You will be able to develop an understanding of spatial and temporal variation and themes around sustainability across geographical and environmental studies.

Students will develop a level understanding of how to capture, store, analyse, and visualise spatial data which will allow them to undertake higher level modules and dissertations using GIS . Students will acquire subject and employment skills linked to professional and career development. This practical based module uses industry standard software to develop highly sought-after skills in GIS.

Students will develop their understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes that drive the transport of environmental pollutants through terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Teaching will be delivered through lectures, laboratory and computer-based practical’s and three field trips. Teaching will focus on the development of applied environmental monitoring, data analysis and reporting skills required by industry. Assessments will test students’ understanding of terrestrial and aquatic systems

This module is an advanced course in general ecology and wildlife management and seeks to draw linkages between populations, communities and biogeochemical cycles. This is placed within the context of applied wildlife and ecosystem management by using a mix of case studies, workshops, and fieldtrips.

This module introduces students to the diversity, ecology and adaptations of aquatic organisms within a range of marine and freshwater environments. The physical, chemical, and biological processes that structure marine and freshwater ecosystems will be explored alongside human threats.

Local habitats are studied through fieldwork and laboratory sessions whilst global examples may be incorporated within lectures and workshops to illustrate biodiversity, productivity, and ecosystem dynamics

This module aims to provide you with a clear understanding of several key issues facing the world, including geographical, biological, ecological, economic, and social threats. You will have the opportunity to analyse a wide variety of quantitate and qualitative data to develop an understanding of the localisation of these issues.

This module provides an integrated understanding of the Earth’s changing climate system. It examines the physical science basis of climate change, its environmental and societal consequences, and the global and local responses to it. The course emphasises both scientific analysis and policy-relevant interpretation of climate change data and projections.

The aim of this module is to facilitate your understanding and evaluation of processes in global environments through a range of lectures/workshops and an associated international field class examining, recording, interpreting and evaluating field evidence in a range of natural and anthropogenic landscapes. It will also provide an opportunity to identify the diversity of risks and issues as well as culture in the wider international context. You will be able to develop an understanding of spatial and temporal variation and themes around sustainability across geographical and environmental studies.

This module introduces you to conservation practice and management through largely field based activities on sites of conservation protection or importance. The module is developed to work alongside conservation practice organisation. You will gain knowledge on development and implementation of conservation management plans, protected area designation and other conservation practices such as habitat restoration and agri-environment schemes.

This module will enable you to carry out an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.

This module aims to provide you with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement your programme at LJMU.

The Dissertation provides you with the experience of investigating a research topic under the guidance of an academic tutor.

This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge and applied practical skills to a work-related project.

This module enables you to examine a diverse range of important contemporary research topics linked to ecology. These will be placed in a broader context by examining conflicting issues and ideas arising from ecological considerations.

This module enables you to examine a diverse range of important contemporary research topics linked to conservation biology

This module explores the relationship between human culture and environmental conservation through the natural heritage concept. Integrated conservation schemes and projects are investigated to find out the extent to which sustainable use of natural resources at local and regional levels and community involvement in conservation programmes can help to better achieve long-term environmental conservation goals.

The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in previous lecture-based modules to a new geographical setting, by carrying out detailed data-collection. You will critically evaluate the importance of field-based observations and analyses within the context of the wider literature and develop a wide range of transferable skills in measurement technique, research design, effective communication and group work.

Within this module, students will develop a critical and nuanced understanding of the tensions, challenges and trade-offs involved in transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. The impacts of contemporary energy systems and low-carbon alternatives on people, societies and place will be assessed through a systematic approach. Students will be challenged to develop their own evidence-based perspectives and proposals on how equitable, inclusive and effective low-carbon futures can be achieved.

This module provides relevant, stimulating and career-orientated experiential learning to encourage you to develop transferable skills relevant to the work environment and to foster initiative and independence of thought.

The aim of this module is to provide you with a critical understanding of different environmental modelling techniques and to develop skills in the selection and application of appropriate models to investigate a range of environmental phenomena.

Within this module, you will examine, interpret and evaluate the evidence for Quaternary environmental change using appropriate proxy techniques and dating methods.