PORTFOLIO (100%)
Students are required to submit a portfolio which consists of 3 pieces of work:
1. Research Exercise (1500 words) (which will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 4, 5, & 6) - 30%
2. Written Assignment - Essay (2,500 words) (which will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, & 6) - 35%
3. Written Assignment - Case Study (2,500 words) (which will assess Learning Outcomes 3, 4, 5, & 6) - 35%

The overall pass mark for the module is 40%. Marks less than 35% for any of the individual exercises cannot be compensated.

Hughes, D. (2002) Environmental Law, (Butterworths, 4th edition, 2002)
Detailed Further Reading is contained in module study guide.

Access to appropriate texts, legislation and case law
Module study guide
Computing facilities will be needed to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases.
Specialist software (Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw)

WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS (LECTURES):
In these sessions students will be introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject, and be provided with an outline of the relevant legal principles and cases. Handouts and teaching materials will supplement the sessions. During some of the sessions interactive workshops will take place to develop problem-solving and critical reading skills.

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS (TUTORIALS):
These will be preceded by a period of independent student-centred learning. The module study guide contains indicative reading and IT exercises for each session, together with subjects for discussion and case studies. The purpose of the small group sessions is to help students assess their understanding of the topic, to develop analytical skills, and to learn how to apply knowledge and principles to factual situations. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to enhance knowledge and understanding in the tutorial setting, for example, team working and pyramid exercises. These are fully explained at the appropriate place in the study guide.

DIRECTED STUDY AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING:
This will consist of preparation for the work to be undertaken in small group sessions, workshops and assessment. Students will be provided with guidance in their module study guide. The guidance will consist of reference to essential and further reading, IT exercises (utilising the Web and Westlaw), and tutorial/workshop preparation activities. At Level 3, the independent learning activities encourage students to develop a critical understanding of the role of law in the control
and prevention of environmentally hazardous and polluting activities. In particular, the learning activities encourage students to focus upon the issues and skills assessed in the written portfolio.

Environmental law is a specialised body of law developed in response to environmental problems created by society. Environmental law is an interdisciplinary topic necessitating philosophical, political, scientific and economic considerations. This module seeks to examine the changing nature of environmental issues and the law, drawing upon a wide range of perspectives to encourage an innovative investigation of the subject.

Issues covered include:
* Historical development of environmental law (domestic, international and European)
* Environmental policy & environmental ethics
* Regulation and enforcement of pollution controls
* Human rights and the role of the courts (including Human Rights Act 1998)
* Environmental litigation
* Planning and environmental controls
* Conservation
* Integrated and air pollution controls
* Statutory nuisance
* Waste management law
* Contaminated land
* Water pollution