The Urban Environment
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS2114 | Biosciences | 2 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- BIOS2114
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The majority of people now live in urban areas and the combined impact of cities worldwide is an important cause of global environmental changes. Urban environments are places of intensive energy and water use and waste generation.
Students will examine the consequences of interactions between climate change, the urban heat island effect, and air pollution. Case studies from around the world will illustrate the impact of extreme events such as flooding, drought, and heatwaves.
The module will focus on air quality, water and waste management and explore past, present and possible future responses to those challenges including the role of green infrastructure in supporting sustainable living in urban environments.
Students will learn about the range of environmental issues associated with cities including the health consequences associated with reduced air and water quality.
Target Students
BSc/MSci Environmental Science, BSc/MSci Environmental Biology, Bsc/Msci Natural Science Students.
Classes
- One 3-hour practicum
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour computing each week for 2 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (1-hour): ExamSys with a mixture of MCQ and text box questions
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to provide students with an overview of the global trends and causes of urbanisation and addresses the environmental challenges inherent to sustainable and resilient cities. It provides an opportunity for students to explore the planning and policy required to create greener environments and clean air. Students will gain insights into the range of career paths associated with urban environmental management.Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module students will:
1. Have an understanding of the key concepts of urbanisation and the associated effects.
2. Show an understanding of the sources of water and air pollution in different environments.
3. Understand the important elements and effects of flooding in the environment.
4. Have an awareness of the planning required to create greener environments and clean air.
5. Gain a greater awareness of careers in the environmental management sector.
6. Be able to use source apportionment models to analyse data and interpret air pollution sources.
7. Gain experience in problem solving, numeracy, sampling and interpreting measured data critically.