Environmental Science and Data MSc

This module aims to equip you with the practical skills and conceptual understanding needed to work with geospatial data using Python - one of the most widely used programming languages in environmental science, data analytics, and spatial research. It provides an applied, project-based learning environment in which you are able to gain hands-on experience in geospatial data processing, analysis, and visualisation, all within the context of understanding environmental issues.

You will have time to learn how to manipulate and analyse spatial data, automating workflows using open-source Python libraries. The module will progress through core Python and geospatial concepts through to real-world scenarios addressing environmental and socio-spatial issues. Teaching includes interactive lectures, coding sessions, and guided projects, with no prior programming experience required. The module aims to equip you with essential geospatial data science skills for environmental modelling and spatial decision-making tailored for future employability.

This module provides students with knowledge, insight and awareness into specific current issues in Polar and Alpine Science. This is achieved through the medium of attendance at research presentations by experts in appropriate fields and discussion of cutting-edge research topics and papers

Applied Environmental Monitoring aims to equip you with the practical skills needed to observe, measure, and analyse our environment across a range of spatial and temporal scales, and ultimately understand the implications of monitoring outcomes. Drawing on laboratory techniques, field instrumentation, and remote sensing technologies, this module provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the methods used to monitor key components of our environment.

Practical activities form a core part of the module. You will gain hands-on experience with environmental instrumentation in both field and laboratory settings. Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on understanding the strengths and limitations of different monitoring techniques, as well as on integrating data from multiple sources to develop a comprehensive view of environmental systems.

Through a combination of lectures and practical sessions, you will be able to build your capacity to evaluate and apply monitoring strategies to real-world environmental questions. By the end of the module, you will be prepared to contribute to data-driven environmental research, assessment, and decision-making in both academic, industrial, policy and applied contexts.

The module will (a) provide an understanding of the sources of research problems and how specific student research topics fit into broader agendas. It will; (b) provide an understanding of 'scientific method' and its different components (including the roles of fieldwork, laboratory experiments and modelling). It will; (c) provide an introduction to planning a research project, (including literature search, data analysis, written and graphical presentation); with a view to (d) to preparing students for writing a research proposal.

Machine learning is a rapidly growing technique for data analysis across a wide range of applications. Indeed, with the development of widely available open-source software packages, and the rapidly increasing volume of datasets made possible by technological advancements, more and more scientists are utilising machine learning algorithms in their research. This module provides you with a fundamental understanding of some of the most common algorithms currently utilised for analysis of geoscientific data. It will show you how to apply these algorithms to real-world datasets, using the Python programming language and its suite of freely-available software packages.

You will be supported to develop a strong understanding of scientific computer programming (and Python specifically) and how machine learning may be utilised to help solve real-world research problems - extremely valuable skills for a range of careers paths.

This module gives students a critical understanding of the science behind historical and recent environmental change. The module covers the core debates in environmental change, the science behind these changes, methods for detecting environmental change, and the impacts of these changes, and projected future changes.

This module introduces the application of spatial tools and data to the study of the environment. In doing so, the module explores a range of topics including the theory and applications of remote sensing, image analysis, terrain analysis, hydrology, ecological mapping, and green/blue infrastructure. The module is taught through a series of lectures, computer-based workshops and fieldwork where primary and secondary data are used to offer insights into environmental applications of GIS in practice. 

This module aims to provide students with a strong understanding of the social and physical science of climate change with relevance to international development. This understanding is then applied to consider the challenge of living with climate change in the Global South. The module is taught through seminars and lectures. Lectures introduce and impart factual knowledge while seminars allow discussion and an emphasis on applying key concepts to practical situations. Together these structure students' learning, and provide an environment in which they can develop their skills in researching, presenting and debating arguments drawn from the wide ranging literature on climate change.

Food Security and Food Justice are areas of increasing importance at local, national, transnational and global scales. Political and non-political agents at multiple scales have recognised that Global Hunger and Food Security (of which Food Justice is a primary component) is a key challenge requiring urgent interdisciplinary investigation and problem solving. There remains limited agreement as to how best to approach these issues. This module provides students with a background to the problems encompassed within the food security/food justice nexus by drawing on academic and policy debates that focus on both the macro as well as the micro impacts. By looking across food systems, the module also critically evaluates different strategies for mitigating the impacts of food insecurity and injustice. In addition to academic, knowledge and critical thinking skills, the module will help students to develop the following attributes: Communication, Networking, Collaboration, Influencing, Inclusivity, Defining Purpose, and Growth Mindset.

This unit is aimed at students who already have a good degree of knowledge in GIS. The module aims to develop in students a high degree of competence in relation to advanced spatial analysis, understanding spatial approaches to problem solving, and the theories and precepts which underlie software applications in GIS. The module is taught in a series of inter-related computer workshops focusing on real-world data and problem scenarios. The assessment for this module is based on a multiple choice exam and a 2,000 word advanced methods report.

Climate change is one of the most significant and urgent challenges of the 21st century. Cities generate over 70% of the world's CO2 and consume 60% of global energy, they will therefore play an important part in mitigating the extent of climate change and in adapting to the effects of the climate crisis and its impacts on societies and the global environment. This unit will explore the drivers of climate change and their implications for urban systems, critically considering how urban professionals can respond to these challenges in ways that promote just and sustainable transitions.

This module offers you the opportunity to undertake a substantial, independent research project that reflects your academic interests and professional aspirations. The Advanced Research Project enables you to explore complex global issues within a chosen topic spanning climate change, natural hazards, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution and beyond.

You will carry out an original research project, supported by expert supervision and, where relevant, engagement with ongoing research projects. The project may involve independent work or collaboration as part of a larger institutional research programme, allowing you to experience the real-world dynamics of academic research while developing your own contribution to the field.

The module is structured to guide you through the full research cycle. Beginning with topic selection you will progress through methodological design, data collection and analysis, and the production of a high-quality dissertation. Projects will draw on a range of methods, integrating science, data analysis, and critical insight into the societal impacts of environmental science.

This module not only strengthens your academic and analytical capabilities (independent problem solving, oral and written communication, data generation, manipulation and analysis), but also prepares you for future careers in research, policy or consultancy. For students looking to make an impact in addressing geographical or environmental issues, this Research Project module provides you with a platform to apply knowledge, test ideas, and contribute meaningfully to providing solutions to issues identified.