Distributed learning using the Blackboard virtual learning environment
A 2/3-day workshop (based at the University) prior to undertaking the module
You will attend a workshop at which you will be introduced to the module content and themes, and learning resources. Over subsequent weeks, you will work through course material that provides a structure for reading key texts and papers, and specifying tasks that must be completed. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your designated learning group.

1. Describe and discuss the interlinkage of the main principles which underpin the earth's natural cycles and discuss ways of measuring pollution and assessing the environmental consequences of pollution [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry]
2. State the principal sources of industrial pollutants, their characteristics and their effects on various media [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Problem Solving, Application]
3. Explain the basis and debate the merits of key biological, physical and chemical technologies that are used to control releases to atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial environments [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving, , Communication, Application, Reflection]
4. Identify and critically assess the instruments that are available to achieve a change in attitudes to, and the quality of, the environment, and the role that these instruments play (e.g. information, financial and legislative instruments and voluntary measures) [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Application, Reflection]
5. Describe the relationships between UK, EU and international environmental law, civil and criminal environmental law and the regulators [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry]
6. Define the legislative and regulatory framework that exists in the UK with respect to the management of solid, liquid and atmospheric waste, and critically discuss the role of the appropriate UK regulators (e.g. Environment Agency (EA), Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) etc.) in the management of solid, liquid and atmospheric waste [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Reflection]
7. Clearly explain what constitutes contaminated land and describe the legislative implications [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry Application, Communication]
8. Explain and evaluate what is meant by producer responsibility and the operation and implication of the UK packaging waste regulations [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Problem Solving, Application
9. Describe what is meant by the term 'nuisance' and rationalise the relevant instruments that are available to identify and control nuisance [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Application]
10. Explain how planning law embraces environmental considerations [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Analysis, Application, Communication]
11. Discuss the legislative framework covering the storage and disposal of radioactive materials in the UK and the nature and implications of the legislation covering storage and movement of hazardous materials and special waste in the UK [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Application, Reflection]
12. Develop high-level skills covering the retrieval, accumulation, interpretation, collation and reporting of web-based and paper-based environmental information and data - together with extensive development of team-working, reflective learning and task/project management skills [S/U Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving, Communication, Application, Reflection]

This module will provide an understanding of the term "pollution", the ways in which organisations can contribute to global pollution and the legislative and regulatory framework in which this takes place. It will also cover the mechanisms by which the EU and the UK environmental directives/laws/regulations are developed, and offer an overview of UK national legislation covering the environment - including a study of the organisations that are responsible for controlling and regulating discharges and emissions. It will give you an understanding of the basis of the overall regulatory process, together with compliance requirements and the consequences/penalties for failure, and an appreciation of the influence of laws and regulators' activities on companies' environmental policies, management systems (including ISO 14001 and EMAS) and operations. It will also provide an understanding of the basis for the design of sampling programmes, environmental modelling and the interpretation and critical appraisal of environmental data

A ASSIGNMENT weighted at 30%.
A ASSIGNMENT - SECOND ASSIGNMENT weighted at 30%.
A ASSIGNMENT - THIRD ASSIGNMENT weighted at 40%.
@

2x written assignment @ 30% each (~1500 words each)
[Outcomes 1-5,12]
[Outcomes 6,7,10,12]
1 written assignment @ 40% (~2500 words)
[Outcomes 1 - 12]

Pass criteria
Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the subject matter, evidence of reading beyond the VLE study guide together with good use of relevant examples. Tasks competently completed.
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook: Sect. 8.7

Merit criteria
A very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality, evidencing well-focussed observations and the addressing of all of the obvious key questions. Evidence of sound reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7

Distinction criteria
Originality and creativity in response. Accurate and thorough understanding of the subject matter, evidence of wide reading beyond the VLE study guide, excellent use of relevant examples. Tasks thoroughly and comprehensively completed.
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7

Course textbooks and learning materials - as supplied
Suitable computer that is able to access the WWW, the University server and Blackboard
Library facilities as necessary

Business and the Environment
Ed. Richard Welford and Richard Starkey. Earthscan. 1996

Clean and Competitive
Rupert Howes, Jim Skea and Bob Whelan. Earthscan. 1997

Croner's Environmental Management - Policy and Procedures
Croner Publications Ltd.