Welcome to Newquay University Centre, Cornwall College and to the BSc (Hons) Environmental Resource Management (level 6 top-up). Whether you are a returning student or new to the campus, you are about to join a passionate, forward-thinking community of people who want to make a change to our natural world - and where better to do this than in a stunning Cornish location. Whether it's swept moors, warm beaches or ancient forests - Cornwall has it all, right on your doorstep. At the Newquay campus, we don't just preach, we DO... and we will get you involved along the way... whether it's staff research projects, habitat management, wildlife surveys or campaigning to make a difference.
We, now more than ever, are seeing the consequences of human actions on the natural world. From global heat waves and droughts, to the emergence of new zoonotic diseases and mass coral bleaching.
Through a combination of lectures, workshops, practical sessions and field trips, you will learn the skills and knowledge to aid in managing the planet's natural resources in a more sustainable manner.
In the induction week, you will meet the team, the rooms where you will be taught and see some of the local area, however if you have any questions please ask!
The modules on this course were designed with the UN Sustainable Development Goals in mind. Our vision is to create graduates who can help contribute towards and sustainable and fair world for the environment, for people and for the future.
Over the course of the year, you will study the following:
Climate Crisis and Solutions
(20 Credits)
It is widely accepted that we are living during a Climate crisis, and the causes of this are well known. This module does not dwell on the causes but instead on the SOLUTIONS. You will investigate the link between biodiversity loss and the rise in temperature, but also how restoring biodiversity (such as blue or green carbon sinks) can potentially lower global temperatures and mitigate some of the effects we see. We will also look into the technological solutions, including renewable energy systems. Whichever route, it will take ‘out-of-the-box’ solutions to cool our planet and still provide habitat to 8 billion humans.
Green Strategy and Sustainable Economics
(20 Credits)
This module aims to show students that economic growth can be achieved in an environmentally and sustainable world and that one does not outweigh the other – both are connected towards a secure global environment. You will explore whether there is an advantage for companies and charities to go green (or to be seen to be green!) and be ethical. Can circular economies survive? Can zero waste products be achieved? We will be looking at examples of each.
Environmental Investigation
(20 Credits)
Rachel Carson’s book ‘Silent Spring’ brought environmental pollution (especially those not easily seen with the naked eye) into the public forum. Now we set minimum and maximum thresholds to safeguard both human and wildlife. In this module, through lab and field surveys, you will gain practical experience in sampling the environment to determine any anthropogenic impacts and make informed decisions towards better environmental management. Whether it is organic or inorganic pollutants in the soil, water or air, there are standardised methods and technology to help with any investigation. This module will also look at the role of DNA in monitoring wildlife and invasive species.
Environmental Impact Assessment with GIS
(20 credits)
Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) have been around for 30 years, first from America and Canada and then adopted by the EU community and Britain. They are an integral element in ensuring any large-scale and potentially harmful developments are scrutinised for the impacts they could have. These impacts are not just environmental, but also archaeological, social or ecological. To help model the impacts, baseline data is gathered, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help make informed decisions to mitigate any adverse impacts. We will look at the legislation and policy involved.
Environmental System Modelling (20 Credits)
This module will teach students how to model and predict a range of environmental conditions using a range of software and open-source data packages. With these packages, and the use of R and QGIS, you can model local climate conditions, river catchments and nutrient enrichment as well as human and wildlife populations.
Action Research Project
(20 Credits)
This module will be your chance to investigate a particular issue in your local environment, find out what the impacts are and most importantly, the solutions. You will produce a short scientific report and get a chance to talk about your findings to your peers.
Kit and Resources
For this course, the following are recommended:
Laptop - a decent laptop is a necessity for this course. A tablet or iPad will not have the processing power for the programmes needed for coursework (such as QGIS or R). The learning resource centre does have laptops that you can borrow however, it is best to have your own. It is also worth ensuring that your accommodation has WiFi capabilities. A headset with a microphone is also required, as there may be the occasional lessons taught online.
Wellington/walking boots - these are required for field trips, as well as old clothes that you don't mind getting muddy, ripped, etc.
Everything else you need for your course is provided and available in the Learning Resource Centre, including a range of books and journals. A reading list for the course by module is provided in a separate Word document.
This link will take you to the download page for QGIS if you want to download in preparation for your course. Choose the right download package for your laptop (Microsoft or Mac).
Reading List
Recommendations for Reading, Watching and Listening Over the Summer
The Earthshot Prize is a global challenge to find, support and celebrate those who turn bold ideas into real solutions to repair our planet. The Earthshot Prize is the most prestigious global environmental prize in history, designed to incentivise change and help repair our planet.
Explore the frontiers of science! New Scientist is one of the world’s most popular weekly science and technology publications. Their website, app, and print editions cover international news from a scientific standpoint, and ask the big-picture questions about life, the universe and what it means to be human.
Imagine what might be possible. The Prince of Wales celebrates simple, ambitious ideas to repair our planet - and the changemakers offering hope for nature and humanity.
With a million species at risk of extinction, David Attenborough explores how this crisis of biodiversity has consequences for us all, including putting us at greater risk of pandemic diseases.
BBC Radio Four, in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society, presents 39 ideas to relieve the stress that climate change is exerting on the planet.
Calculate your carbon footprint. Our world is in crisis - from climate change to the pollution in our oceans and devastation of our forests. It's up to all of us to fix it. Take your first step with our UK-based environmental footprint calculator.
Help researchers gather important data online. The Zooniverse is the world's largest and most popular platform for people-powered research. This research is made possible by volunteers—millions of people around the world who come together to assist professional researchers. Our goal is to enable research that would not be possible, or practical, otherwise.