Postgraduate Handbook 2026-2027
Module GEOL40415: Environmental Impact Assessment and Management
Department: Earth Sciences
GEOL40415: Environmental Impact Assessment and Management
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 4 | 15 | Available in 2026/2027 | Durham |
Tied To
- MSc Environmental Sustainability: (programme not found)
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its role in sustainable development. The module will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct and manage EIAs effectively.
Content
- Introduction to EIA:
- o Definition and purpose of EIA
- o Legal and policy frameworks for EIA
- o Case studies of successful and unsuccessful EIAs
- Scoping:
- o Identifying the scope of an EIA
- o Stakeholder engagement and consultation
- o Defining the baseline conditions
- Baselining:
- o Data collection and analysis
- o Baseline assessment of environmental parameters
- o Identifying potential impacts
- Impact Assessment:
- o Predicting and assessing potential impacts
- o Using various assessment techniques (e.g., matrices, checklists, modelling)
- o Evaluating the significance of impacts
- Mitigation:
- o Developing mitigation measures
- o Assessing the effectiveness of mitigation measures
- o Incorporating mitigation measures into project design
- Communication:
- o Preparing and presenting EIA reports
- o Engaging with stakeholders
- o Public participation and consultation
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Understand the principles and methodologies of EIA.
- Be able to conduct a comprehensive EIA.
- Have knowledge of environmental legislation and regulations related to EIA.
- Understand the social and economic impacts of development projects.
- Be familiar with various EIA assessment techniques.
Subject-specific Skills
- Ability to collect and analyse environmental data.
- Skill in predicting and assessing potential impacts.
- Capacity to develop effective mitigation measures.
- Ability to communicate EIA findings effectively.
- Skill in engaging with stakeholders.
Key Skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Research and analysis.
- Communication and presentation.
- Ethical decision-making.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- This module will be delivered through a series of flexible 2 hour wokshops comprising both lectures and practicals, supported by surgeries.
- The practicals form an important component of the module allowing "hands on" learning and experience.
- Summative assessment is made up of a class test and a mini-project.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workshops | 10 | Weekly | 2 hours | 20 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 130 | ||||
| Total | 150 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summative Assessment | 100% | In-Year Test | 1 hour | 50% | |
| Project | 50% |
Formative Assessment
The formative assessment consists of classroom-based exercises on specific data topics of relevant to the learning outcomes of the modules. Oral feedback will be given on a group and/or individual basis as appropriate.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.