Open University

BSc (Honours) in Environmental Science

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you’ll study two 60-credit modules.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study one 60-credit core environmental science module and 60 credits from your chosen route.
• In Stage 3, you’ll study 90 credits from your chosen route and complete a 30-credit project module

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)
• Science: concepts and practice (S112)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Core environmental science module

You'll study the following:

• Environmental science (SXF206)

Routes

Specialist environmental management route:

• Energy and sustainability (T213)
• Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)

Broad-based route: You'll choose 60 credits from:

• Earth science (S209)
• Environment: sharing a dynamic planet (DST206)
• Energy and sustainability (T213)
• Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)
• The biology of survival (S295)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

Routes

Specialist environmental management route

You'll study all three of the following:

• Environmental Management 2 (T319)
• Renewable energy (T313)
• Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)

Broad-based route

You'll choose 60 credits from:

• Environment: responding to change (SDT306)
• Evaluating contemporary science (S350)
• Renewable energy (T313)

You'll study the following:

• Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)

Project

You'll study the following:

• Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of this degree you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• Terms, classification systems, conventions, and units of measurement appropriate to environmental science, with a foundation in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and physics
• The underlying concepts and principles associated with environmental science, combine depth and breadth of study across disciplines and take account of current thinking
• Appropriate methods of acquiring, interpreting, and analysing scientific data and information
• The contribution of environmental science to informed debate about environmental issues
• An ability to recognise and evaluate different lines of evidence and appreciate the uncertainty, ambiguity, and limits of current scientific knowledge.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this degree you will be able to:

• Use and apply knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories relating to environmental science.
• Apply such scientific knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar situations, and to plan and carry out project work.
• Work with scientific data and information and comment on particular aspects of current research.
• Evaluate information from a range of sources and engage with some of the current developments in environmental science, including applications and the philosophical and ethical issues involved.
• Use conceptual models to understand, develop, and apply scientific principles.

Practical and professional skills

On completion of this degree you will be able to:

• Conduct practical and investigative work in a responsible, safe, and ethical manner, and be aware of risk assessment and relevant health and safety regulations.
• Initiate, design, conduct, and report on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data.
• Obtain, record, collate, and analyse data derived from laboratory and/or field investigations, and interpret and report their significance in light of underlying theory, practical issues, and relevant information from other sources.
• Plan your learning and become more adept at time management and organisational skills so that you can work independently in a way appropriate for continuing personal and professional development.

Key skills

On completion of this degree you will be able to:

• Locate, deal with, and respond to a variety of information sources (e.g., textual, numerical, graphical, and computer-based), including reviews and primary sources
• Communicate scientific information accurately and effectively using written, visual, and numerical forms in a style that suits the purpose and audience
• Cite and reference works in an appropriate manner
• Prepare, process, interpret, and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, including the use of statistics
• Appreciate issues of quantity and quality during the recording and analysis of data and design of experiments, including accuracy, precision, uncertainty, sampling, replication, and repeatability
• Use ICT to enhance your learning, data analysis, and communication of scientific information with others
• Work with others to explore aspects of environmental science
• Improve your learning and performance.

Skills for career development

As a graduate of the BSc (Honours) Environmental Science (Q52), you will have gained breadth and depth of understanding in scientific, technical and environmental issues. You’ll be able to think creatively; tackle multifaceted issues; and collect, analyse and interpret complex quantitative and qualitative data. You’ll also develop research, planning and fieldwork techniques as you take part in practical and project work.

You will also gain important transferable skills which will demonstrate your all-round ability and make you more employable. These include:

• Problem-Solving
• Digital Literacy
• Communication
• Self-Motivation
• Team Working.

Career relevance

The broad and specialist skills you will develop during this degree course will equip you to work in a variety of jobs. Environmental science skills are in demand from government and regulatory bodies, the private sector, consultancies and conservation organisations. Careers directly related to the degree include:

• Pollution Control
• Recycling
• Water Quality
• Resources
• Energy Management
• Sustainability
• Environmental Consultancy
• Ecology and Nature Conservation
• Environmental Education.

Other careers

The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is also relevant to a wide range of non-scientific contexts. Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector.  Science graduates with good communication and interpersonal skills are in particular demand. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.