Environmental Analysis and Assessment

The EAA Option is designed to train students from diverse scientific and technical backgrounds in assessment methods applicable to environmental contamination and pollution problems.

The emphasis throughout the course is on the use of quantitative environmental assessment methodologies, including:

• field sampling and laboratory analysis for direct determination of contaminant concentrations and distributions within environmental systems and;
• predictive computer modelling techniques to assess the risks and impacts associated with either real or hypothetical contamination scenarios.

To complement and enhance teaching of quantitative aspects of environmental assessment techniques, classical EIA and auditing methodologies are also an important course component.

Throughout the course, teaching stresses the need for all environmental assessment activities to be carried out within relevant national and international legislative frameworks. It is also important to develop an appreciation of the way in which new assessment requirements are driven by policy developments.

The ultimate aim of the course is to prepare students for employment in environmental consultancies and other occupational areas (such as local authorities, government departments and NGOs) in which, increasingly, quantitative environmental assessment skills are required.

 After completion of the course the students should be able to:

• understand in some detail the fundamental pathways and processes controlling the behaviour and fate of contaminants in environmental systems;
• design suitable field sampling strategies for the assessment of contaminant distributions in the near-surface atmosphere, surface and groundwaters and soils;
• suggest appropriate sampling and analytical methods for inorganic and organic contaminants in different environmental media and to liaise effectively with analysts and laboratories specialising in the analysis of individual contaminating substances;
• organise data sets obtained from field sampling and laboratory analytical studies and be able to configure these in a suitable format for higher level data analysis using a computer tool such as a Geographical Information System;
• apply suitable computer models to evaluate critical pathways and processes of contaminant transport in the environment or to perform simulations of future impacts of contaminant releases from a variety of sources;
• understand in detail the legal and policy framework within which quantitative environmental assessment activities are carried out and to apply EIA and auditing methodologies where appropriate.

The overriding objective of the Environmental Analysis and Assessment Option is to train students who will be effective team players in the often inter- and multidisciplinary environment of consultancies and related work places.
Specifically, the emphasis placed on the use of case studies involving role play, team work, meeting of deadlines and verbal presentations is intended to engender a pragmatic and real-world approach to problem solving in the general area of environmental assessment.

The emphasis throughout the Option is on the use of quantitative techniques of analysis for direct determination of contaminant concentrations and distributions within environmental systems as well as statistical and computer modelling techniques for analysis of data.

A thorough grounding in physical, chemical and biological processes of contaminant behaviour in the environment is provided as the basis for understanding the impacts of chemical contamination. This is strengthened by the introduction to, and use of, predictive modelling techniques for assessing risks and impacts associated with either real or hypothetical contamination scenarios.

The Option is divided into six modules, covering all the major areas of environmental concern, and there is a significant interdisciplinary element throughout, reflecting the philosophy of the MSc as a whole. They should not be considered as stand-alone, but should be seen as a closely integrated whole: 

Module Aims and Learning Outcomes

Environment and Health

• To give the student a foundation in science and policy basics to understand aspects of environmental management and technology and its impact on health.
• Be able to explain the main chemical and biological processes important in the physical environment, the parameters that define environmental quality and its effect on health.

 Air Pollution and Climate Change

• To familiarise students with how our incomplete but expanding scientific understanding of pollution is translated into policy and practice for Air Pollution & Climate Change management.
• Be able to integrate understanding of atmospheric chemistry and physics together with biological implications and pollution control technology, with the application of Air Pollution modelling and monitoring for review and assessment of air quality & climate.

Waste and Resource Management

• To provide students with an introduction to the legal, technical and practical issues involved in waste and resources management.
• Be able to appreciate the principal features of legislation and policy relating to waste management and appreciate from a technical point of view the primary waste and resource management problems in the UK and European Union today.

Environmental Decision Making and Tools

• To introduce students to some of the most important policy tools and techniques to assist them in decision-making.
• Be able to select and use certain management techniques and policy tools to support decision- making in environmental management and policy.

Integrated Land Management

• To provide students with an overview of problems, potential remedies and possible outcomes involved in holistic management of the environment.
• Be able to assess environmental problems and environmental relationships in order to propose holistic solutions that maximise overall benefits and minimise adverse impacts.

Environmental Pollution and Assessment

• To enhance students' understanding of the pollution pathways in the environment from source to receptor.
• Be able to describe water recycling technologies and assess the physical and chemical processes involved in the progress of pollutants from source to receptor.

The majority of the graduates enter environmental consultancy both in the UK and abroad usually within the risk assessment and contaminated land areas, but this is not an exhaustive list. A second path of graduates is to regulatory agencies/government bodies such as the Environment Agency of England & Wales and the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Other paths have included further study, the retail sector and banking. To date, the Option has had an excellent track record of employment with over 90% of graduates employed within 12 months of completing the MSc.

Students undertake two assessed pieces of coursework. One piece of coursework is undertaken in collaboration with the Water management and Health and the Global Environment options of the MSc, and provides a "real-world" case study of contaminated land and water on Hounslow Heath, near Heathrow Airport, in close collaboration with Hounslow London Borough Council.  The second coursework is a waste management project (VWMP) in collaboration with Veolia Waste Management Services Ltd. The key aim of the VWMP is to provide an opportunity for students to work on a typical waste management problem which could be given to consultants to gain experience of the process in which analysis, synthesis, and teamwork are required to produce a concise quality report and oral presentation. At the outset of the project visits to waste management facilties are organised so that students acquire a basic understanding of the real-world processes involved with the management of municipal wastes.

Finally, at the end of the option term the EAA students will spend a week on location at a city somewhere in the UK where again a series of daily visits will be organised to a variety of industrial facilities, plants, operations etc. The study tour. The aim of the tour is to:

• provide students with an opportunity to view the implementation of pollution control technologies, and thus to complement the lecture- and seminar-based teaching earlier in the option;
• provide students with an opportunity to discuss latest developments in pollution control policy and practice with individuals and organisations involved in their practical implementation.