Modules

The course is comprised of modules covering environmental and sustainability themes along with cross disciplinary subjects in fieldwork, personal development and project management. Each module is worth either 10 or 20 credits (although the final year research project is weighted at 40 credits) and each academic year of the course carries a weighting of 120 credits. Each module has a web page on our Virtual Learning Environment. Here tutors upload material such as presentations, videos, and links to key sources for independent study. Material used in face to face teaching is uploaded in advance of classes, so that students can prepare and subsequently follow up to reinforce their understanding. Many modules also include practical work in the university laboratories, on the university farm, or at locations (e.g. nature reserves) nearby. Each year includes at least one residential field course as detailed below. The first year of the course comprises ‘Core’ modules (meaning all students study the same subjects): · Fundamentals of the Physical Environment (20) · Contemporary Issues in Sustainability (20) · Ecological Principles (20) · Introduction to Wildlife Conservation (20) · Environmental Survey and Field Skills (including two residential field courses) (20) · Skills for the Natural Scientist (10) · Communicating Science in a Digital World (10) The second year of the course builds on the themes introduced in the first year. There are two optional modules (students must select one) and also an elective module. For the elective, students can pick a specialist module delivered by the Environmental Sustainability Wildlife team or any other elective module offered across the university. Second year modules are: · Research Methods (20) · Environmental Quality and Development (20) · Climate Change and Sustainability Indicators (20) · Practical Research Skills (including a residential field course in Europe) (20) · Professional Development for the Natural Scientist (10) · Elective – Urban Ecology and Green Infrastructure (or any other elective) (10) Plus one of two optional modules: · Brownfield Reclamation and Flood Management (20) · Woodland Management (20) The third year of the course is spent on placement with an employer. Students then return to re-join their peers for the final year of the course. A key aspect of the final year is the individual research project where students get to investigate a topic of personal interest. This might involve the collection, analysis and interpretation of data from field surveys, designed pilots or a questionnaire, to answer research questions which they have developed with support of their project supervisor. There are two pairs of optional modules, including a module focussing on forestry that builds on the second year module on woodland management. Students select one optional module from each pair. Final year modules are: · Honours Research Dissertation (40) · Environmental Assessment (20) · Low Carbon Transitions (20) · Integrative Project Management (including a residential field course in the UK) (20) Plus one module from each of these pairs: · Advanced Geographical Information Systems (10) or Contemporary Forestry (10) · Countryside and Environmental Projects (10) or International Field Course in Natural Resource Management (10)

Assessment method

The course uses a range of assessment methods, including written material and verbal presentations. Written work takes many forms, such as traditional reports, essays and literature reviews, but also writing in a style appropriate for popular magazine articles, social media posts, advisory and briefing notes, consultancy reports, and business and site management plans. The emphasis throughout the course is on authentic assessment, which means that work must be prepared in styles and formats that are relevant to the work place. The majority of assessments are coursework. Where ‘examination-style’ assessments are used, these are Timed Open Book Assessments where students produce work to a short deadline (e.g. 24 hours) with access to support materials, rather than being closeted in a traditional invigilated examination room for several hours. All modules include opportunities for formative assessment, for example where tutors provide constructive feedback on students’ draft work before the final version is submitted for marking. Other innovative ways of formative feedback include peer to peer support, mini pitches of ideas, quizzes to cement learning and gradual development of key skills such as presentations. Harper Adams University has a thriving Learning and Teaching department with best practice techniques shared at numerous in-house events where innovative methods for teaching and learning are critiqued and developed. Students submit their work online. Marking and provision of feedback is also carried out online. Students can submit work, and access feedback, while off-campus. During the placement year, students’ progress is assessed through a review process involving the student, employer and academic tutor, designed to identify their Continuing Professional Development needs. The students must also produce two pieces of work tailored to their individual roles and assessed by their academic placement tutor, combined with an assessment of their overall performance completed by the employer. The Honours Research Dissertation is a student’s opportunity to pursue their interest in research and develop a project within the themes of their course. The dissertation is the jewel in the crown of the Honours degree, providing cross disciplinary experience as well as applying experimental and statistical skills developed throughout the degree. During the project the student is supported by their individual supervisor through regular online and/or face to face meetings.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Chartered Surveyors, Royal Institution of