Teaching and assessment for Environmental Sustainability MA (Hons)

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design

Teaching

Our flexible MA structure means that for the first two years you can combine Environmental Sustainability with other subjects that interest you, such as Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, Politics and careers development.

Teaching methods include

lectures
seminars
small group tutorials
practical projects
workshops
guest seminars and talks from practitioners from various disciplines

At Levels 3 and 4 you will have fewer lectures and will learn from tutorials, seminars, local field and laboratory work, and workshops.

Your fieldwork will take place in both physical and social environments. We make use of Dundee city itself and other nearby locations and landscapes for local day trips. We also take you further afield into the Scottish Highlands, Spain, or Iceland for week-long residential field trips.

Assessment

Your learning will be assessed through a combination of traditional exams and submitted coursework.

Specialist analytical and communication skills critical to environmental sustainability professional careers are assessed at Levels 2, 3, and 4.

Methods of assessment include:

individual reports
group reports
critical essays
presentations

At Level 4 you will apply the knowledge and expertise you have learned by writing a dissertation on a topic of your own choice.

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

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Module code: EV11001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module provides an overview of core topics related to the physical environment. This will cover these topics in both theory and practice.

It examines processes operating within the lithosphere and hydrosphere. There will be a particular focus on geology and geomorphology.

The latter part of the module addresses environmental physics and key forms of energy.

The Physical Environment full module details

Module code: EV12002 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module provides an overview of key processes that drive life on Earth. This will cover concepts such as:

the atmosphere and climate processes
the influence of oceans
the diversity and functioning of the biosphere

Environments For Life full module details

Module code: UP12003 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Gain an awareness and understanding of the various factors that influence the character of the countryside. Learn about the different roles needed in planning and management plus possible interventions for the conservation and enhancement of the countryside.

Countryside Planning and Management full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: GE11001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

Introduction to Geography Part 1: The Unequal World full module details

Module code: UP11004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

Develop an understanding of the origins and development of the planning system in the UK.

Investigate and apply innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.

Develop site analysis techniques and the application of digital map-making skills used in practice.

Planning for Sustainable Places full module details

Module code: UP12004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module explores how urban places develop, covering complex political, social, economic, aesthetic, and technological factors that contribute to the development and evolution of urban areas. You will learn to analyse, articulate, and explain place identity, which is the distinct characteristics that define a place and differentiate it from others.

Reading Urban Places full module details

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

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Module code: EV21001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

The module focuses on three main themes: (1) geological resources; (2) soil science; and (3) satellite remote sensing.

This allows you to examine deep time to modern processes, to understand the Earth as a system, to examine resource use and extraction, and how we monitor Earth systems.

Earth Systems and Resources full module details

Module code: EV22002 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module develops core knowledge and skills for Environmental Science. There is a focus on three main themes:

environmental chemistry
ecology and population biology
renewable energy

Earth System Function and Measurement full module details

Module code: UP22003 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Explore the role of politics, environmentalism and activism, the barriers and opportunities for effective solutions to the environmental crisis. This module meets both Institute of Environmental Management Institute (IEMA) and Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) learning outcomes.

Shaping the Environment: Politics, Environmentalism and Activism full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: GE21001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

Dynamic Human Worlds: Society, Culture, Economy full module details

Module code: UP21004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the influence of changing political ideologies, and the interpretation of various theoretical dimensions that explain the different interrelationships between the state, society and the market in shaping of cities.

Shaping Cities: Politics, Theory and Practice full module details

Module code: UP22004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Understand the key theories regarding the relationship between human behaviour and place. Considering the physical and social environment and role of placemaking for improved community and individual wellbeing outcomes. Learn the techniques and methods used to evaluate the human experience of place, and the ethical issues involved.

People and Places full module details

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

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Module code: GE32020 Credits: 15 Semester: Semester 2

Applying Theory to Research and Practice full module details

Module code: GE32021 Credits: 15 Semester: Semester 1

Through this module, you will develop your confidence in working with data. You will gain the knowledge needed to decode information.

You will cover a range of statistical techniques. These will allow you to understand patterns and present insights from the data we are working with.

Data Handling and Statistics full module details

Module code: GE32025 Credits: 15 Semester: Semester 2

This module provides the opportunity to undertake fieldwork in a new environment and to develop skills in field research.

You will design, undertake, and write-up a piece of research.

You will acquire the skills and confidence needed for your 4th year research dissertation.

Advanced Field Research (Physical Environments) full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: EV31004 Credits: 30 Semester: Semester 1

This module examines the distribution of organisms across different geographical areas. It also looks at the reasons behind spatial variations in biodiversity.

It also explores the mechanisms by which organisms move and adapt. You will learn how life will respond to ongoing environmental change.

Biogeography full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: EN42030 Credits: 30 Semester: Semester 1

This is a practitioner-taught creative writing module.

In this module we ask what it means to write creatively about the environment, realising how creative writing (poetry, prose, dramatic, and innovative/hybrid forms) might relate to current debates about the environment.

Writing the Environment full module details

Module code: UP41003 Credits: 30 Semester: Semester 1

You will develop an understanding of the modern issues faced by built environment professionals at a local, regional and global scale. Through a guest lecture series you will have contact with professionals in practice and explore their roles and responsibilities.

Contemporary Debates and Professionalism full module details

Module code: UP41005 Credits: 60 Semester: Both Semester 1 and 2

This module supports the in-depth study of a topic within your area of specialism, within a output that is either a traditional dissertation format or a major design-led research project.

Independent Research Study full module details

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