The Environmental Science and Technology degree provides the scientific foundations in the first year and then develops these principles into practical applications. Environmental science is interdisciplinary and this is reflected in the balance of geology, chemistry and biology based subjects taught. Mathematics is also important, enabling students to quantify problems. The course includes substantial fieldwork, case studies and projects, allowing theory to be matched and compared with practice. The programme starts with the fundamentals of science required in biology , chemistry and geology .
Students start learning quantitative analysis through applications in mechanics and surveying .
An overview of environmental issues is covered in pollution studies, which also introduces topics studied in greater detail later in the course. The application of environmental science in practice is considered in treatment technologies and waste management . The first year also includes the core skills of mathematics , computing and communication . The second year sees the science taken to a higher level in the fields of biology and ecology , environmental chemistry and mineral analysis , a range of geology courses, soils science , radiation studies and hydrology . The responsibility and management aspects are included in environmental management , conservation and heritage and finance and management accounting .