The MSc in Environmental Analysis of Terrestrial Systems is a new course that aims to develop theoretical and practical awareness at an advanced level of the strengths, weaknesses and appropriate usage of field, laboratory and numerical methods in environmental analysis. These methods are relevant to both 'blue skies' and applied environmental research.
The range of techniques and approaches builds on the research strengths of the Department, especially in the Sediment Systems research cluster, which has eight members of staff working on themes such as: aeolian processes and environments; luminescence dating; characterization of sedimentary environments; dust and aerosol production and transport mechanisms; satellite and airborne remote sensing and field spectroscopy applications; glacial geomorphology; analysis and evaluation of DEMs and their role in environmental models; biogeochemistry in cold regions and in drylands; glacier hydrology and geochemistry; volcanic and anthropic emissions into the atmosphere; glacier and ice-sheet modelling; hillslope processes and soil erosion; modelling of runoff and erosion processes; land degradation; geoarchaeology; field and laboratory experimental approaches; and Visualisation and Spatial Analysis using GIS. The Department also has a Climate and Cryosphere research cluster with an international reputation, and carries out important work in the field of environment and development.
The hands-on nature of the course is designed to provide advanced training in scientific research methods with an emphasis on their application in environmental analysis. As well as providing training in generic research skills including project design and management, oral and written communication and the use of information technology, the course aims to develop a specialised substantive and research knowledge in a selected field of physical geography or environmental science. In particular we expect the course to be an ideal way of converting more general environmental knowledge from undergraduate courses into a specific set of skills that will pave the way for carrying out PhD research.
We anticipate that graduates will go on to employment in the environmental sector, and the course benefits from a consultative board with members from relevant organizations in public, private and voluntary sectors. Work placements with these and other organizations will be possible as part of the course. It is also expected that graduates will go on to PhD research in geography and the environmental sciences in general.
The MSc in Environmental Analysis of Terrestrial Systems is open to students on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students are registered for one full year (ie October – September). Part-time students complete their studies over two years. Other pathways are open, leading to Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate qualifications, as outlined below.
The MSc in Environmental Analysis of Terrestrial Systems comprises three elements that make up 180 credits of study
GEO6601 Sources to Sinks field class (15 credits)
The course provides an introduction to sedimentary environments based around a three-day local field class. The course will illustrate key concepts and introduce field-based techniques of environmental analysis. It will also introduce course teachers and participants to each other and develop team-working skills.
GEO6602 Research Design in Analysis of Terrestrial Systems (15 credits)
The unit aims to provide an introduction to conducting research in environmental analysis. The objectives are: (a) to provide an understanding of the sources of research problems and how specific student research topics fit into broader agendas; (b) to provide an understanding of "scientific method" and its different components, including the roles of fieldwork, laboratory experiments and modelling; (c) to provide an introduction to planning a research project, including literature search, fieldwork, laboratory work, data analysis, error analysis and written and graphical presentation; (d) to prepare students for writing a research proposal.
GEO6603 Environmental Process Fluxes (15 credits)
An overview of process-based approaches to sediment (Earth-Surface) systems. A detailed introduction to conceptual and practical issues in hardware modelling, field experiments and field monitoring will be presented and practical skills developed in these areas.
GEO6604 Geochemical techniques (15 credits)
A field- and laboratory-based approach to geochemistry, with an emphasis on the linkage of theory to applied applications. State-of-the-art techniques in water and soil chemistry will be presented and put into practice using the Departments laboratory facilities.
GEO6605 Unlocking the Sedimentary Archive (15 credits)
A field- and laboratory-based approach to the characterization of sediments and the use of sediments for dating. The module will introduce a range of techniques, including physical properties of sediments (e.g. composition, particle size, shape, mineralogy, magnetic susceptibility, structures) and geochronological (e.g. luminescence, uranium series, Lead-210, Cs-137, palaeomagnetism, radiocarbon).
GEO6606 Spatial Techniques in Environmental Analysis (15 credits)
The course will provide instruction in advanced approaches to remote sensing, Geographical Information Systems and modelling methodologies for data collection, integration and interpretation of complex environmental systems.
GEO6607 Guided Project (15 credits)
Students are integrated into an existing research project within the Department and given guidance on the structure and aims of the project, before being set specific analytical tasks appropriate to the project, in order to develop research design and implementation skills.
GEO6608 Current Issues in Environmental Analysis (15 credits)
The unit will provide exposure to advanced research and applied work in environmental analysis by means of research seminars and presentations by practitioners.
GEO6666 Dissertation (60 credits)
This unit aims to enable students to develop their research, methodological and writing skills by independently designing and conducting a theoretically informed empirical research project. This will involve bibliographic searches, the use of qualitative and/or quantitative research techniques, handling and analysing data and writing up findings.
Students enrolled in the Diploma in Environmental Analysis of Terrestrial Systems course take 120 credits (modules GEO6601 - GEO6608).
The Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Analysis of Terrestrial Systems is made up of 60 credits taken from modules GEO6601 - GEO6608.
Students wishing to take these courses in a flexible way are encouraged to contact the course convenor.
