Applied Environmental Science

Are you passionate about understanding the processes that shape all aspects of our natural environment? Would you like to spend a year of your studies in a supported industry placement, learning the practical applications of environmental science in real-time?

Join our 5-year MSci Environmental Science, with amazing opportunities to pursue your specific interests via our Environmental Biology pathway, and spend 1 year working alongside industry professionals, developing invaluable expertise, adding to your CV, and improving your career prospects as you prepare for employment.

You won’t find a better classroom in which to study than the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. With outstanding locations such as the newly inscribed Flow Country World Heritage Site (the first peatland World Heritage Site), Cairngorms National Park, and many more, we have, undeniably, one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’, all set in the spectacular natural habitat of the Scottish Highlands.

Develop core scientific and analytical skills through your course work, with access to specialist and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities across the university network. During each year of study you will have the opportunity to choose modules with lab and field residentials at a variety of locations throughout the region, including an international field trip in year 2. These modules are a key part of the course, allowing you to develop your lab and field skills while working in some of the most outstanding habitats in Scotland and Iceland.

For a 4-year study option without the 1-year industry placement, please see our BSc (Hons) Environmental Science.

Special features

◾ Located in one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’ between the Cairngorms National Park and Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage site

◾ Have access to a course packed with field and lab activities at each level of study in Scottish locations and abroad.

◾ Have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience by spending a year working in industry

◾ Opportunities to exit with one of the following pathways:

• MSci Applied Environmental Biology

• MSci Applied Environmental Science

Module outline

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Fundamental chemistry

• Introduction to biology

• Introduction to environmental science

• Introduction to global environmental issues

• Laboratory skills and practice

• Scientific research and careers

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Applied chemistry in environmental systems

• Aquatic environments

• Environmental processes

• GIS for Scientists

• Practical skills in field ecology

You will also pick one of the following options:

• Environmental conservation

• Sustainable development approaches in an international context

Year 3 - BSc

Environmental Biology pathway
You will study the following core modules:

• Applied genetics and genomics

• Assessing environmental impacts of development

• Climate science

• Environmental monitoring

• Introduction to data science modelling

• Peatland ecology

Environmental Science pathway
You will study the following core modules:

• Assessing environmental impacts of development

• Climate science

• Environmental monitoring

• Introduction to data science modelling

• Peatland ecology

You will also pick one of the following options:

• Forests for people: policy and practice

• Remote sensing

Year 4 - BSc(Hons)

Environmental Biology pathway
You will study the following core modules:

• Animal behaviour

• Conservation of biodiversity

• Dissertation

• Environmental science in practice

You will also pick one of the following options:

• Agroecology and regeneration food systems*

• Applied marine ecology

• Investigating human impacts on freshwater ecosystems

• Natural hazards and mitigation*

• People, plants and animals*

Environmental Science pathway
You will study the following core modules:

• Advanced monitoring skills

• Dissertation

• Environmental science in practice

• Sustainable energy and waste minimisation

You will also pick one of the following options:

• Agroecology and regeneration food systems*

• Animal behaviour

• Applied marine ecology

• Climate and marine resource modelling

• Investigating human impacts on freshwater ecosystems

• Natural hazards and mitigation*

• People, plants and animals*

*Not available to international students requiring a visa to study in the UK

Year 5 - MSci

You will study the following core module:

• Work placement module

This outline reflects the modules as currently delivered and is subject to change.