FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES

School of Physical and Geographical Sciences

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE and SUSTAINABILITY at Keele 2016–2017 entry

Environmental Science and Sustainability at Keele Undergraduate Degree Programmes: BSc Environmental Science BSc Environment and Sustainability

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The Environment Introduction

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Understanding environmental problems such as climate change, food security, water resources, pollution and conservation, as well as their solutions, is now more important than ever as societies around the world attempt to tackle and mitigate these issues. Studying one of our environmental degrees will help you develop the understanding and skills to be part of the solution. Keele University has an international reputation for its research and teaching on environmental issues and our undergraduate courses are consistently ranked amongst the top in the country for Student Satisfaction in the National Student Survey.

and charities, local authorities, industry and research. Our degree programmes are professionally accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences and there are opportunities to undertake a work placement module or even extend your degree with a work placement year programme. Keele’s ‘Distinctive Keele Curriculum’ gives you lots of opportunity to broaden your skills and there are many additional activities available to you at Keele to help you and your CV stand out from the crowd. You can choose to Study Abroad, learn a new language, become a Keele Student Ambassador or contribute through our many ‘green’ societies and activities.

Our single honours degree programmes in Environmental Science, and Environment and Sustainability, alongside our dual honours degree programme in Environmental Science offer you great flexibility and choice and will prepare you for a wide range of both environmentallyfocussed and more generic careers, including careers in environmental consultancy and management, government regulatory bodies, non-governmental organisations

Not only this but Keele has a reputation as one of the country’s most ‘sustainable’ universities – so there’s lots for students to get involved in – see more on page 19.

Dr Zoe Robinson – Programme Director for Environment and Sustainability Dr Katie Szkornik – Programme Director for Environmental Science

We hope you find one of our environmental programmes to suit your interests. We look forward to welcoming you to Keele!

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Key Course Features: • An interdisciplinary approach to the study of local-to-global scale environment and sustainability issues

• Courses which are nationally recognised and fully accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences • Integrated local and overseas field course options at no extra cost • Unique opportunities to engage with environmental professionals and be part of Keele’s exciting sustainability vision • The opportunity to gain recognition from the Institute of Leadership and Management (iLM) through engagement with the Distinctive Keele Curriulum • Friendly, approachable, award-winning and inspiring staff with leading reputations in their research fields and a commitment to high-quality teaching

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Why Study the Environment? Without a functioning environment, we can’t have a functioning economy or society. For many of the major issues facing society today, solutions can only be achieved through a thorough understanding of environmental processes and the complex relationships between the environment and society, alongside an understanding of best management practices and the creativeness and vision to generate sustainable future solutions. Our environmental programmes cover highly topical and diverse themes such as ocean acidification, environmental politics and policy, water pollution, clean technology, soil conservation, resource depletion and degradation, biodiversity loss and extinctions, and global environmental change. All of our programmes are interdisciplinary in nature and draw on the expertise of environmental specialists working in the fields of environmental science, geoscience, life science, chemical science, politics and international relations, psychology, business management and health. All organisations, from private business to local government, increasingly need to engage with environment and sustainability issues, hence this is a major area of employment opportunities, both within the UK and overseas.

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Courses Available

Course Outline BSc Environment and Sustainability

At Keele we offer four different degree programmes related to the environment:

BSc Environment and Sustainability Our single honours degree programme in Environment and Sustainability is one of only a few programmes in the UK focussing on sustainability, and is genuinely interdisciplinary in scope. It aims to produce graduates who are able to cross the traditional natural science-social science divide. Students develop a broad and in-depth understanding of environmental and sustainabiltiy problems and become conversant with strategies for moving towards sustainability in many different contexts. Topics covered include greening business, clean

technology, environmental citizenship, environmental politics at local, national and UN levels, human impacts on the environment, and sustainable urban regeneration. Students also have multiple opportunities to become directly involved with Keele University’s broader sustainability vision, for example living in the ‘sustainable student bungalow’. This course is available as a 3-year single honours degree programme or as a 4-year ‘with work-placement year’ degree programme.

BSc Environmental Science Our single honours degree programme in Environmental Science provides you with an in-depth, scientific approach to the study of global-scale environmental problems, including climate change, water pollution, food security, energy resources, pollution and conservation. The course is interdisciplinary and draws on the expertise of scientists within the disciplines of life sciences, chemical sciences and geosciences to emphasise the role and importance of scientific understanding and practical skills in the analysis and

management of environmental problems. We place strong emphasis on the development of field and laboratory skills throughout the degree programme, with hands-on experience gained in using industry-standard equipment. No previous knowledge of environmental science is required and we also consider applications from students who have not taken a science subject at A-level. This course is available as a 3-year single honours degree programme or as a 4-year ‘with workplacement year’ degree programme.

BSc Environmental Science (Dual honours or Major/Minor) Our dual honours degree programme in Environmental Science provides students with the opportunity to broaden their interests by combining their studies with a second subject such as Biology, Physical Geography, Geography or Chemistry, or indeed one of the many other subject combinations available. The course focuses on the application of environmental science techniques and knowledge to address environmental issues such as climate change, water pollution, biodiversity loss and food security. We place strong

emphasis on developing the practical laboratory and fieldbased skills which enables students to develop a wide range of both subject-specific and transferrable skills to take into future employment. The course is firmly anchored in the natural sciences, but also includes optional modules from the social sciences. This programme is available as a 3-year dual honours or major/minor degree programme, or as a 4-year dual honours or major/minor ‘with work-placement year’ degree programme.

BA Environmental Studies (Dual honours or Major/Minor) This degree programme is run from the School of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy and offers a socialscience and humanities-based approach to the study of environmental issues. The course focuses on topics such as green political theory, environmental ethics, environmental movements and environmental policy-making at local, national, EU and UN levels. Students will develop an understanding of the complex nature of environmental problems and the various solutions that are embraced by governments, businesses, civil society organisations and citizens. Students will also be introduced to a range

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of theoretical perspectives and practical techniques for environmental analysis, in addition to learning how these have informed different types of environmental interventions at the global, international, national and local levels. This degree programme is available as a dual honours or major/minor degree programme. Students who are interested in the BA in Environmental Studies should contact [email protected]

We modify our programmes regularly in response to student feedback, external examiner feedback and accreditation body requirements. Typical modules are included in the list below: Year 1 Introduction to Environment and Sustainability Greening Business: Employability and Sustainability Introductory Geology for the Environmental Sciences The Politics of Sustainability Ecology and the Environment People and the Environment Plus two elective modules Year 2 Human Impacts on the Environment Research Skills in Environment and Sustainability Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Health and the Environment Work Placement Module Environmental Politics and Policy and/or International Relations of the Environment Plus two elective modules Year 3 Independent Research Project (30 credits) Environment and Sustainability Case Study Clean Technology Plus four option modules The first year is a broad-based introductory programme that provides a platform from which knowledge, understanding and skills are developed. During the first year, you will gain an understanding of different environmental problems and sustainability issues through both natural and social science perspectives. In addition, you will develop skills in the practical application of this understanding within different contexts, including how these issues are tackled within different business environments. A residential field course to the Centre for Alternative Technology, and to sites in North Wales is also included. In addition to the core modules you have a wide range of electives to choose from which have previously included: Environmental Ethics, Global Warming or a New Ice Age, Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Introductory Environmental Chemistry,

or you can learn a language, or take any other free elective run by the University In the second year a more in depth understanding of specific environmental and sustainability disciplines is gained, including a more detailed examination of corporate social responsibility, the links between health and the environment, the politics and international relations of the environment and the scientific study of human impacts on the environment. A work placement is also carried out, where you learn workplace and professional skills. In addition, you will continue to develop practical-based research skills to help prepare you for your third year independent research project. The second year also includes a residential field course to the Lake District or Bordeaux (see ‘Field Courses’), providing exciting opportunities to study environment and sustainability issues in the ‘real world’. In addition to the core modules you have a wide range of electives to choose from which have previously included (amongst others): Practical Physical Geography, Geoscience and Society, Sustainable Chemistry, Regional Landsystems, Living Together: Behaviour, Co-operation and Conflict. The third year facilitates greater specialisation in your areas of interest. With support from a research project advisor, you will undertake an independent research dissertation worth two modules, tailored to your individual research interests. You will also conduct a group-based research project on a topical area of environment and sustainability research, and an interdisciplinary investigation on aspects of different environmental and renewable technologies. In addition, you have a broad range of taught modules to choose from, spanning topics which have previously included Applied Geographic Information Systems, Natural Hazards, Water Resources, Conservation Biology, Global Environmental Change, Environmental Politics in the US, Environmental Crimes, Happiness and Wellbeing. The above can also be taken as a 4-year, ‘with work-placement year’ degree programme (see p. 14).

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Course Outline BSc Environmental Science We modify our programmes regularly in response to student feedback, external examiner feedback and accreditation body requirements. Typical modules are included in the list below’: Year 1

Year 2 Year 3

Environmental Science Skills Introductory Geology for the Environmental Sciences Fundamentals of Physical Geography Introductory Environmental Chemistry Ecology and the Environment Greening Business: Employability and Sustainability Plus two elective modules Human Impacts on the Environment Sustainable Chemistry Integrated Environmental Field Studies Geoscience and Society Environmental Analytical Methods Living Together: Behaviors, Co-operation and Conflict Plus two elective modules Independent Research Project (30 credits) Contemporary Topics in Environmental Science Plus five elective modules

The first year of this single honours programme provides you with a sound basis and understanding of the core sciences underpinning the field of environmental science (Geology, Chemistry, Biology) and of the environmental issues faced by the world today. You will have the opportunity to put these skills into practice through a residential field course to North Wales, UK. In addition to the core modules, students choose two elective modules from a list which currently includes: People and the Environment, Global Warming, Entrepreneurship or a modern language. In the second year, you will develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and of the analytical and investigative skills demanded of today’s environmental scientists. Residential

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D.W. Emley

field courses (current choices include the Bordeaux region of France and the English Lake District) provide you with ‘real world’ and ‘hands-on’ experience of a range of topical environmental problems. Alongside the core modules students choose two option modules from a broad range available within the disciplines of life sciences, chemical sciences and geosciences. Optional modules currently include: an environmentally-focussed Work Placement module, Health and the Environment, Dynamic Geographies, Research and Analytical Skills, Regional Landsystems, Reconstructing Past Environments. The third year provides you with the opportunity of either increased specialism in your particular areas of environmental interest, or the flexibility to retain a broad coverage of environmental skills and issues. You will carry out a compulsory independent research project, tailored to individual research interests and with potential to engage and work with environmental professionals. You will also take the core module Contemporary Topics in Environmental Science which provides students with in-depth coverage of two highly topical, contemporary topics in environmental science. Specific topics covered will be rotated but examples include ecotoxicology and chemical risk assessment, environmental monitoring and regulation, Nutrient cycles, fluxes and management, food security, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. In addition to the core modules, you will choose five option modules from the broad range available. Examples of option modules have previously included Conservation Biology, Clean Technology, Natural Hazards, Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Trees in their Environment, Global Environmental Change, Water Resources, and Applied Insect Ecology. The above can also be taken as a 4-year, ‘with work placement’ year degree programme (see p. 14).

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Course Outline BSc Environmental Science (Dual honours or Major/Minor) We modify our programmes regularly in response to student feedback, external examiner feedback and accreditation body requirements. Typical modules are included in the list below: Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Environmental Science Skills Introductory Geology for the Environmental Sciences Introductory Environmental Chemistry* Ecology and the Environment Plus four modules from your other subject Human Impacts on the Environment Integrated Environmental Field Studies Environmental Analytical Methods Optional module x 1 Plus four modules from your other subject Independent Research Project**

* This module is replaced by an elective module for students combining Environmental Science and Chemistry **DH students normally take a 15-credit independent research project, plus three option modules in Environmental Science and four modules in a second subject. Major route students normally take a 30-credit independent research project plus six option modules in Environmental Science. The first year of this dual honours programme provides you with a sound basis and understanding of the core sciences underpinning the field of environmental science (Geology, Chemistry, Biology) and of the environmental issues faced by the world today. You will have the opportunity to put these skills into practice through a residential field course to North Wales, UK.

investigative skills demanded of today’s environmental scientists. Residential field courses (current choices include the Bordeaux region of France and the English Lake District) provide you with ‘real world’ and ‘hands-on’ experience of a range of topical environmental problems. In the second year, you will take the following core modules: Human Impacts on the Environment, Environmental Analytical Methods and Integrated Environmental Field Studies. Alongside the core modules you will choose one option module from a broad range available within the disciplines of life sciences, chemical sciences and geosciences and a range of environmental areas. Optional modules include an environmentally-focussed Work Placement module, Health and the Environment, Geoscience and Society, Environmental Politics, and Regional Landsystems. The third year facilitates greater specialisation in your areas of interest. With support from a research project advisor, you will carry out an independent research dissertation tailored to your individual research interests from a range of option modules which has previously included: Contemporary Topics in Environmental Science, Clean Technology, Conservation Biology, Natural Hazards, Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Trees in their Environment, Global Environmental Change, Water Resources, and Applied Insect Ecology. The above can also be taken as a 4-year, ‘with work placement’ year degree programme (see p. 14).

In the second year you develop deeper understanding of environmental issues and of the analytical and

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We offer our first and second year field courses at no extra cost to students (typically including North Wales, and Bordeaux or the Lake District field courses)

Field Courses Field courses are a fundamental part of our environmental degree programmes and our programmes include integrated local area and overseas field courses at no extra cost to students. Field courses provide excellent opportunities to learn, develop and practise skills in survey design, plant and invertebrate identification, water quality assessment, soil assessment, sample collection and preservation methods, as well as social science research techniques. Our field courses also facilitate interaction between students and environmental experts outside of the university. One-day field trips and outdoor field work are integral to several modules across all of our environmental programmes, while residential field courses are held in the first and second year. These field courses provide students with ‘real-world’, handson experience of a range of topical environmental problems as well as providing important training and practice in carrying out research projects, in preparation for the final year independent research project. North Wales - Snowdonia and Parys Mountain, Anglesey In Year-1 all students participate in a residential field course to North Wales, UK. Here you will develop field and laboratory investigation skills across different aspects of environmental science, including ecology, hydrology, geology and geochemistry. Field investigations are conducted at two very different locations; Cwm Idwal, in the Snowdonia National Park, and Parys Mountain, a former copper mine site of great historical importance on Anglesey that is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). You will create sketch maps, identify rock types and plant species, conduct soil and water quality assessments and examine aquatic invertebrates that inhabit the lakes and rivers. The field course concludes with a small, student-led research project. Students on the Environment and Sustainability programme also attend a weekend residential field course to the Centre for Alternative Technology, in Mid-Wales, which covers aspects of renewable technology and sustainable living, as well as applying learning about the natural environment to the geology, geomorphology and ecology of the surrounding environment.

Bordeaux, France

Lake District, UK

Students conduct multiple investigations into the ecology, biological diversity, water quality and soil properties of this beautiful region of France. Field sites include a subterranean limestone cavern and a sustainably managed vineyard where experimental trials are underway to assess the effects of different management strategies on landscape ecology. The course facilitates hands-on experience with additional techniques and new pieces of equipment, and provides students with training and experience in the initiation, design and execution of field-based research projects. Terrestrial invertebrate trapping, aquatic invertebrate assessments, vegetation and soil surveys and water chemistry assessments are all featured in the course. Optional evening activities include moth trapping and identification and bat watching.

Prized for its National Park status and high conservation value, this spectacular region of the UK is the setting for an Environment and Sustainability themed field course. Land use and management issues, partnership working and stakeholder engagement, renewable energy and sustainable development, eco-tourism benefits vs impacts and other related topics all typically feature in this inter-disciplinary field course. You will gain hands-on experience and skills with survey techniques, research project design, vegetation identification, aquatic invertebrate identification and water quality assessment. You will visit a range of key sites under differing land uses, and interact with experts from environmental organisations, learning about the different stakeholders involved in sustainably managing such a region.

In Year-2, students choose one residential field course. Our current options include the Bordeaux region of France and the English Lake District, UK.

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Work Placement Opportunities and Employability Ensuring the employability of our graduates is a major focus of the Distinctive Keele Curriculum and in a competitive job market, understanding how the professional work place functions, along with well-developed employability skills, are key to a graduate securing employment. In addition to the work placement module in the second year, which is a core module for Environment and Sustainability students and an optional module for Environmental Science students, all students have the option to undertake an environmentally-focussed work-based learning placement between the second and final year of their degree programme. Students spend a minimum of six months on placement. They are supported in finding a suitable placement and are given training in generic and subject-specific employability skills. Examples of work placements that students have recently undertaken include: working with local councils and environmental consultancies, biodiversity and conservation work with local Park Rangers, investigating waste issues with Alstom, and working with water companies such as Thames Water and Severn Trent Water. Here’s what some of our recent students have had to say about their work experiences: “The placement I undertook at Alstom Grid was the most valuable experience I have gained since being at Keele University. It helped me to understand what I want to do after Keele, gave me an invaluable reference to use whilst applying for graduate jobs, and I even got a paid internship out of it. I definitely gained many employability skills, such as report writing and communication skills, but it also helped to develop me as a person by increasing my confidence”. BSc Environment and Sustainability student (2014) “I undertook my work placement at the Devon Association of Renewable Energy (DARE), a small Renewable energy consultancy in Devon. I worked there for around three months during the summer and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I accompanied staff on a number of site visits, meeting with clients and performing biomass viability surveys. I also gained a wealth of contacts in the renewables sector by networking with clients and partners of the company.” BSc Applied Environmental Science student (2014)

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Our Environmental degree programmes also offer the added value of accreditation by the Institute of Leadership and Management (iLM) for students who complete a reflective portfolio on their studies and experiences during their time at Keele, as part of the Distinctive Keele Curriculum (DKC). The DKC develops students’ intellectual, personal and professional capabilities through both subject-specific and generic workshops and activities. All Environmental students attend a number of ‘bespoke’ workshop sessions which cover key skills and career and professional planning (e.g., time management, dealing with stress, writing styles, people skills, team work). Through engagement with these sessions, and completion of a reflective portfolio, students have the opportunity to gain a professional qualification from the iLM. The Institution of Environmental Sciences has recently praised the ‘innovative approaches to career and professional planning and work-based learning’ that we offer within our environmental degree programmes at Keele.

Student Research Projects All of our Environmental degrees feature an independent research project as a key component of the final year. In consultation with an academic member of staff (a research mentor and advisor), students devise and complete a research project that generates new data on an important environmental or wider sustainability topic that is of particular interest to them. Many students use this as an opportunity to engage and work with environmental professionals for example, the University’s Environmental Manager. Examples of projects undertaken by students on our environment programmes include: • Bat roost potential surveys on the Trentham Estate, Staffordshire • Identifying links between degree choice and students’ views on climate change • Adult exposure to heavy metals from the consumption of root vegetables • The benefits of care farming for the unemployed: Mental health and psychological wellbeing • Perceptions of sustainability by National Governments in terms of the common fisheries policy of the European Union • Investigating how pharmaceuticals in the environment affect heavy metal uptake in vegetation In recent years academic staff teaching the environmental courses have been highly successful in gaining external funding from the Nuffield Foundation, The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund to support undergraduate research projects over the summer and provide our students with first-hand, ‘real world’ research experience. Feedback from students provides evidence that they find these extremely valuable experiences and pivotal in terms of their professional development and choice of career:

“I really enjoyed the time on the summer studentship, with the mixture of laboratory work and field work. This enabled me to work as part of a team, as well as getting on with the task at hand independently. I am also excited at the fact that the project I worked on will be published in a paper or two in the next year. It has also helped me develop my laboratory and research skills, and would potentially help me in the future to get a job in this sector”. Student funded by the Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund (2013) “The entire experience was an incredibly rewarding one, providing me with a rich insight into the world of scientific research. It has allowed me to gain valuable experience with a wide variety of analytical techniques, which I’m sure will prove useful in both further education or in the workplace. My time working on the project has opened my eyes to potential themes of further study and a future career in environmental research” Student funded by the Nuffield Foundation and the Royal Society of Chemistry (2014).

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Study Abroad

Environmental Research at Keele

All students on our environmental programmes have the opportunity to spend a semester of their second year studying at one of our partner universities around the world. We have selected our partner universities to ensure that they have modules available that complement our courses at Keele and students are given help and advice in selecting their preferred institution and preparing themselves for studying abroad.

Keele has an active Environmental research community, with staff and students contributing to varied and highly inter-disciplinary research activity and outputs. When not teaching classes, staff members lead their own research projects, write journal papers and books, develop funding grant applications, provide consultancy advice and engage in other scholarly pursuits. Our research feeds directly into our teaching, ensuring students benefit from up-to-date knowledge and expertise. In the most recent national Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment, 97% of Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences publications from Keele were considered to be ‘recognized internationally’, ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world leading’.

We have partner institutions where students on our environmental programmes have studied in North America, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, South Africa and Australia amongst others. In non-native English speaking countires, teaching is in English, although students are encouraged to learn the local language to benefit even more from their time abroad. Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity, enabling students to experience living in a different culture, to learn from environmental experts in different parts of the world, and to experience the diversity of environmental and sustainability issues internationally, all in the safe and supportive environment of one of our partner universities. “Studying abroad in Canada was one of the best experiences I have had. It gave me the opportunity to experience a different culture whilst making some excellent friends. I am a more confident and outgoing person because of my time abroad and I have come back with great grades and fantastic memories.” Environment and Sustainability student studying at Brock University Canada “Studying abroad in Sweden has given me another perspective on the state of the world and the problems we are facing. This new perspective will help me in both my studies and in finding a meaningful occupation for my postuniversity life.” Environment and Sustainability student

“Being part of the study abroad programme is definitely one of the best decisions I made during my time studying at Keele. It was a fantastic opportunity to see parts of America I probably wouldn’t have had the occasion to visit under normal circumstances, and experience a different culture. Furthermore, thanks to the flexibility of my course tutors at Keele I was able to explore areas of my subject that wouldn’t have been available to me in the UK.” Applied Environmental Science student studying at Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA

Environmental Sustainability

Glacial and permafrost environments

Dr Zoe Robinson has been involved with a wide range of sustainability research from fuel poverty, to energy reduction through community knowledge networks to education for sustainable development.

Dr Zoe Robinson plus other members of the School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, conduct extensive research into glacial and permafrost environments including, understanding glacier and permafrost interactions, glacial influences on groundwater and surface water hydrology, and the reconstruction of glaciated landscapes.

Reconstructing past environments Dr Katie Szkornik, Dr Alix Cage and Dr Keziah Stott examine microfossils (bivalves, foraminifera, diatoms) in water, sediment and salt-marshes to reconstruct past conditions in marine environments and reveal how climate and sea levels have changed over time. Nutrient fluxes, gas exchange, contaminant behaviour and ecotoxicology in soil and water

Forest Ecology, Biosecurity Dr Sarah Taylor and Dr Peter Thomas research many aspects of forest ecology and management, including biosecurity issues related to invasive species and how forests respond to fires and other stresses. Modelling of forest succession and development is also an avenue of their research.

Dr Sami Ullah and Dr Ian Oliver conduct research into nutrient and contaminant movements within and between soil and water systems and how these impact on terrestrial and aquatic species. Novel methods for land remediation and restoration are an important focus. Environmental Geophysics Dr Nigel Cassidy develops and applies engineering and geophysical techniques for the characterisation, investigation and remediation of environmental, geological, hydrological, archaeological, forensic and geotechnical problems.

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Keele’s Sustainability Vision Sustainability lies at the very heart of Keele’s ethos. One of the University’s six strategic aims is ‘to promote environmental sustainability in all that we do.’ Hence for students on our environmental programmes they not only learn about environmental and sustainability issues but also live the experience, and have the opportunity to get involved in many new and exciting environmental and sustainability initiatives on the University campus and in local communities. Some of the recent initiatives and opportunities are outlined below: Sustainability Hub. At the entrance of the University is Keele’s Sustainability Hub, a recent sustainable refurbishment of a derelict farm building, which acts as an exemplar of sustainable technologies and a hub for business, schools and community outreach. Many of our students have volunteered and carried out work placements at the Hub. Sustainable Student Bungalow. In 2009 four students on the Environment and Sustainability programme lobbied the university to be able to turn a small property on the University campus into an exemplar of sustainable student living. Every year sees four new students linked to our environmental programmes living in the bungalow, and leading new initiatives such as food growing and communal cooking, to live more sustainably and share this with the wider student community. Student Eats. In addition to food growing at the bungalow, Keele has an allotment area of raised beds, part of which is managed by a student-led organisation affiliated to the National Union of Students, called Student Eats. Students grow their own produce throughout the year, to use for themselves and to sell to other students.

“I realised in my last role what a unique position Keele is in with its sustainability agenda and how other institutes regard Keele as leading the way – something I’d always agree with!” BSc Environment and Sustainability Graduate, 2012

Veg box. Students on our environmental programmes, have taken matters into their own hands to increase the provision of local and organic vegetables on campus, by setting up and running a Veg Box scheme for the whole university, inspired by initiatives that they have seen while on international visits to other universities. Green volunteering. There are many opportunities for students to gain valuable environment and sustainabilityrelated work experience through volunteering on a wide range of different projects ranging from taking part in the University’s annual Green Week, to learning the skills of auditing in order to audit various sustainability schemes operated by the university, to volunteering on conservation projects, or helping with our environmental education work in schools. Many of our student volunteers, have gone on to get paid work within the university based on their volunteering experience, or have secured jobs externally as a result of this experience.

of rare trees, including a National Cherry Tree Collection of over 240 flowering cherries. For students interested in natural history and wildlife there are many opportunities to explore their hobby and interests in the grounds, or take part in conservation work parties. On the campus grounds many different species have been identified including 137 birds, 160 trees, 250 flowers, 26 butterflies, and 500 moth species! Work placement opportunities. All of our environmental programmes include the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of the degree. This draws on Keele’s extensive background of working with companies in the local area on sustainability-related projects, and includes opportunities to work directly with the environmental professionals working at Keele. International sustainability summer schools. Students from our environmental programmes have been invited to take part in a summer school at the prestigious Tongji University in Shanghai, China this has provided an amazing opportunity to learn about sustainability issues from a very different perspective. World Student Environmental Summit. In recent years Keele University has funded students on our environment programmes to attend the annual World Student Environmental Summit. In recent years these have taken place in Germany, South Africa and Australia. Inspired by their experiences at these networks, Keele environmental students have successfully applied for Keele to host the next summit in 2016, providing amazing opportunities for students to get involved in the organisation of a major international student conference. Renewable energy campus developments. As part of Keele’s sustainability ambitions, Keele is leading the UK’s first Smart Energy Network Demonstrator site. The Smart Energy Network will utilise a mixed energy supply and demand environment providing the facility for the evaluation of new and evolving energy technologies, meaning that students are living and learning in an environment at the forefront of renewable energy and energy management technologies. Keele University Sustainable Research Network. Regular research seminars are held about diverse sustainability topics from disciplines spanning computer science to philosophy. All environmental students are encouraged to attend. In order to really understand the wealth of opportunities at Keele, and appreciate our beautiful campus environment make sure you come and visit us and talk to our students at one of our open days!

Arboretum and biodiversity. Keele University sits within an impressive 617 acre campus including extensive woodlands, and lake systems, while also housing an impressive arboretum

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Our Graduates

Further Study

All organisations, from private business to local government, increasingly need to engage with environmental issues; hence this is a major area of employment opportunities both in the UK and overseas. Our environmental degree programmes will prepare graduates for a broad range of environmentally-focussed and non-environmentally-related careers, including careers in non-governmental organisations, charities, local and regional government, environmental management and environmental regulatory bodies and industry.

For students interested in continuing with their studies in the area of Environmental Science and Sustainability, Keele offers two postgraduate programmes which are highly relevant to our graduates

Here’s what some of our recent graduates have said about their time at Keele: “Studying Environment and Sustainability at Keele was one of the best decisions that I have ever made…. Keele has the ambition and the forward thinking to facilitate students who want to push boundaries.” BSc Environment and Sustainability Graduate 2012 “The Applied Environmental Science degree at Keele has developed both my knowledge and understanding of environmental science, but has also helped develop my communication and organisation skills and team work. The skills I gained during my studies at Keele have been fundamental in getting my current job. During my time at Keele I gained experience in writing environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and I now write EIAs every day! I’m now working as a Junior Environmental Consultant at RPS energy and my role involves writing EIA’s on the potential impacts of offshore petroleum activities. Applied Environmental Science is a great degree as it is very relevant to today’s society.” BSc Applied Environmental Science Graduate 2013

“My interest in environmental science and my enjoyment of the Applied Environmental Science (AES) course at Keele has led me onto further study. I have now started the MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology course at Keele, expanding further on the valuable knowledge and skills I’ve gained from studying AES across an interesting range of subjects including Global Warming and Climate Change, Sustainability Research, Green Technologies, Environmental Politics, Geoscience Resources, Natural Hazards and Renewable Energies.” BSc Applied Environmental Science Graduate 2013 “The extra-curricular sustainability opportunities are incredible and have given me insight, skills and experience I wouldn’t otherwise had.” BSc Environment and Sustainability Graduate 2012

MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology The MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology is designed to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of environmental challenges whilst giving the opportunity to specialise in several sustainability themes related to geosciences, energy generation, biological science, green information technology, environmental policy and politics, and project management. The course is taught by a team of environmental specialists working in the fields of environmental technologies, biological sciences, chemical science and environmental policy and politics. The course has led graduates into a diverse range of careers from local government, environmental consultancies and charities to research and is particularly relevant to those students who may be interested in a career in environmental science, policy or planning. For more information please see: www.keele.ac.uk/ pgtcourses/environmental sustainabilityandgreentechnology

MSc Geoscience Research Keele’s MSc Geoscience Research will provide students with an excellent start to a career, either in research, academia or a Geoscience-related work setting. It consists of six modules spread over three semesters, including an extensive research project, and covers topics such as applied and environmental geophysics, igneous petrology, volcanology, Quaternary environments, palaeoclimates, palaeoceanography, biogeochemistry, landscape ecology, sedimentology, palaeontology, renewable and alternative energy, and petroleum geoscience. A distinct feature of this Masters programme is the opportunity for UK students to carry out their MSc project at one of several European, North American and Asian partner institutions, although UK students can also choose to carry out their research project at Keele University (or a host institution in the UK). For more information please see: www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/ geoscienceresearch

“The course has inspired me to learn more than I thought I would at University and as a result I exceeded my own expectations.... the extra-curricular opportunities and responsibilities as well were incredible” BSc Environment and Sustainability Graduate, 2013

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Further Information If you have any questions please contact us for further information. Contact: Dr Katie Szkornik ([email protected]) or Dr Zoe Robinson ([email protected]) School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, The WIlliam Smith Building, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, U.K. Tel: 01782 733615 Email: [email protected] School Office telephone: (+44) 01782 733615 Website: www.keele.ac.uk/environment

Correct at time of printing: June 2016 It is important that you read the information at www.keele.ac.uk/terms which explains how and why we might need to make changes to the educational services that we provide. 22