Environmental Impact Assessment
| Module title | Environmental Impact Assessment |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEPM014 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Pawel Sierocinski (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
A comprehensive understanding of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is essential for ensuring that projects are environmentally sound, legally compliant, socially responsible, and sustainable in the long term.
In this module, you will learn about the purpose of impact assessment, relevant frameworks, and guidelines at both national and international levels. The module covers key procedures and methodologies, including screening, scoping, impact analysis, mitigation measures, and reporting. You will also explore techniques for identifying and predicting environmental impacts using both quantitative and qualitative methods, with practical insights through collaboration with industry.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and to introduce them to the frameworks and methodologies used in EIA. It seeks to develop students' abilities to critically analyse and interpret data related to environmental impacts, facilitating their learning through interactive workshops and engagement with industry experts. Additionally, the module prepares students for careers in environmental consultancy, policymaking, and resource management.
No prior knowledge or specific pre-requisite/co-requisite modules are required, making it suitable for both specialist and non-specialist students. This module is highly recommended for interdisciplinary pathways, particularly those related to environmental science, engineering, and policymaking.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Discuss key concepts and principles of Environmental Impact Assessment
- 2. Apply appropriate methodologies for assessing the environmental impacts
- 3. Evaluate the commercial implications of environmental impact assessments
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of different techniques and regulatory approaches
- 5. Integrate interdisciplinary knowledge to solve complex environmental problems
- 6. Apply self-direction and initiative in managing complex projects
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Communicate technical information effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
- 8. Collaborate effectively within a team to develop comprehensive reports
- 9. Engage with industry professionals and stakeholders to develop networking skills
Syllabus plan
The module will cover the following topics:
• Introduction to assessing environmental impact
• Legislation and frameworks governing environmental impact
• Methodologies and techniques for monitoring environmental impact, including data collection and analysis
• Case studies on the impact of industrial activities
• Workshops on report preparation and presentation
• Guest lectures from industry professionals on current practices and challenges in the field
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 130 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 20 | Lectures/workshops/seminars with discussion |
| Guided Independent Study | 130 | Reading, research and assessment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop/seminar preparation and presentation | 10-minute presentation | 1,4,5,7,9 | Verbal |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposal and Methodology Design | 40 | 1,500 words | 2,4,5,6 | Referral/deferral period |
| Case Study Analysis | 60 | 2,500 words | 1,3,7,8,9 | Referral/deferral period |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proposal and Methodology Design | Report 1,500 words | 2,4,5,6 | Referral/deferral period |
| Case Study Analysis | Report 2,500 words | 1,3,7,8,9 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to sit a further examination. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
• Rosales, J. (2021). Environmental Impact Assessment. Delve Publishing.
• Hundloe, T. J. A. (Torstein J. A. (2021). Environmental Impact Assessment: Incorporating Sustainability Principles. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Morris, P., & Therivel, R. (2009). Methods of environmental impact assessment (3rd ed.). Routledge.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 17/06/2024 |
| Last revision date | 09/04/2025 |
