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Sustainable Resource Mgmt: Policy & Practice (MSc)

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Course Overview

This novel course is a multidisciplinary approach to environmental sustainability devised by NUI Galway and the University of Limerick (UL). The course meets the needs of those graduates with continued interest in a sustainability-based taught MSc and responds to market demands for graduates with more applied knowledge of the environmental sector. The course aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience required to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably.

The 12-month long course comprises new modules taught only at postgraduate level and aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. The course will help develop government policy and economic recovery by producing top quality graduates who can contribute to a smart economy and hasten implementation of green technologies. Given the pressure on and competition for limited resources, the course applies an evidence based approach to developing solutions for all system users. Graduates will become technically fluent in selected environmental science theory, policy development, implementation and best practice.

Programme Objectives:

a. To integrate an international perspective to reflect new research findings and current practice in sustainable use of resources that can be applied within Ireland and elsewhere.
b. To provide research-led learning opportunities that will develop skills in identifying and evaluating solutions for real world problems.
c. To provide Irish expertise to meet legal obligations.

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

NUIG: Dr Caitriona Carlin, Dr Martin Feely, Dr Mike Gormally, Dr Ronan Hennessy, Dr Tiernan Henry, Dr Gesche Kindermann, Elaine O’Riordan, MSc, Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington, Dr Caroline Sullivan

UL: Professor Richard Moles, Dr Bernadette O’Regan, Dr Colin Fitzpatrick

Requirements and Assessment

Semesters One and Two entail formal scientific and policy coursework. The delivery format comprises lectures, problem-based learning, site visits and tutorials and private study. Students undertake group projects and prepare written reports, and oral presentations for continuous assessment. There are no exams.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

At least a Second Class Honours primary degree (Level 8—National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in an appropriate discipline, or a professional or other equivalent qualification recognised by both the University of Limerick and NUI Galway.

Appropriate disciplines include Environmental Sciences/Engineering or Geography/Biological Sciences/Ecology and Earth Sciences. Mature students with relevant experience are most welcome to apply. A strong personal statement demonstrating interest in the course is also essential as this will be considered as part of the application. Applicants may be required to attend for interview.


Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2018

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

15

Closing Date

Please refer here

Next start date

September 2018

NFQ level

Mode of study

Taught

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

PAC code

Not applicable

Course Outline

This programme brings together theory, policy and practice to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. This new course combines scene setting lectures by experts (including guest seminars), site visits and experiential learning to encourage students to adopt an informed, creative, innovatory and entrepreneurial approach to problem solving. As the course is structured around research in both institutions that is strongly linked to decision makers in industry and government organisations, it will develop graduates with necessary skills in identifying and evaluating solutions for real world problems.

Semesters 1 and 2 are devoted to formal scientific and policy coursework consisting primarily of lectures, problem-based learning, site visits and tutorials and private study. Students are expected to carry out group projects and to prepare written reports, oral and other presentations for continous assessment.

Semester 1 comprises 3 modules taught in NUI Galway (30 ECTS):

1. Ecosystem Assessment
2. Biodiversity and Conservation
3. Environmental Problems and Solutions

Semester 2 comprises 4 modules taught in UL (30 ECTS):

4. Material and Energy Flows
5. Urban Form and Transport
6. Urban Household Sustainability
7. Sustainable Lifecycle Engineering

Students undertake a research project at either institution during Semester 3 (30 ECTS).

Modules for 2015-16

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required EV602: Ecosystems Assessment


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module introduces students to ecosystem terminology and the key techniques used to assess ecosystems from a number of different perspectives i.e. geology, hydrology, soils, biodiversity, etc. As part of the assessment, students undertake a variety of fieldwork techniques used to appraise the status of plant & animal communities in Ireland. Emphasis is placed on relating the connections between these parameters with a view to producing an overall integrated ecosystem assessment procedure.

Learning Outcomes
  1. identify a range of habitats and associated ecosystems,
  2. inspect and assess a range of ecosystem types
  3. appraise and relate different parameters that comprise an ecosystem to construct an ecological audit of a site,
  4. plan and produce habitat management guidelines,
  5. evaluate ecosystem management strategies
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Ecological Census Techniques: A Handbook" by Sutherland, W.J.
    Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  2. "Handbook of Biodiversity Methods Survey, Evaluation and Monitoring" by Hill, D; Fasham, M. Tucker, G., Shewry, M., Shaw, P.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  3. "Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping" by Smith, G., O'Donoghue, P., O'Hora, K. & Delaney, E.
    Publisher: Heritage Council
  4. "Habitat Management for Conservation A Handbook of Techniques." by Ausden, M.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
The above information outlines module EV602: "Ecosystems Assessment" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EV603: Biodiversity & Conservation


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module explores the design and implementation of effective and sustainable biodiversity policy. Students will gain competencies in critiquing the role of nature conservation legislation as a driver of effective policy while taking cognisance of the role of stakeholders in implementing good practice. Special reference will be made to the need to develop better linkages between emerging research, policy makers and practitioners to inform evidence based policy and practice.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify the factors that influence the design of sustainable and effective policy
  2. Assess the impact of integrating policies and legislation on landscape ecosystems
  3. Critique effective planning policies, conditions and obligations
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Habitat Management for Conservation. A Handbook of Techniques." by Ausden, M.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press.
  2. "Managing habitats for conservation." by Sutherland, W. & Hill, D.
    Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  3. "The conservation handbook." by Sutherland, W.
    Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell.
  4. "Wetlands of Ireland. Distribution, Ecology, Uses and Economic Value." by Otte, M.
    Publisher: University College Dublin Press.
The above information outlines module EV603: "Biodiversity & Conservation" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EV6101: The Environment and Human Health


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module explores the relationships between environment, biodiversity and health. Students become competent in assessing key aspects of environmental quality. Students evaluate linkages between emerging research, policy makers and practitioners at international and European levels to inform evidence based policy and practice in relation to health and environment.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Assess the key aspects of environmental quality and interactions between environment, health and wellbeing
  2. Critically appraise existing evidence in relation to benefits to health from the environment
  3. Evaluate the provision of green spaces and benefits to health
  4. Critique the effectiveness of governmental policies and legislation to benefit human health and wellbeing in relation to the environment.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Forests, Tree and Human Health." by Editors: Nilsson, K., Sangster, M., Gallis, C., Hartig, T., de Vries, S., Seeland, K., Schipperijn, J. (Eds.)
    ISBN: ISBN 978-90-4.
    Publisher: Springer
The above information outlines module EV6101: "The Environment and Human Health" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EV604: Environmental problems & Solutions


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module utilises case studies to focus on environmental problems and their solutions. It explores best practice in the use of mitigation strategies to ameliorate environmental damage. Special reference will be made to the complexities in solving environmental problems (e.g. social, economic & cultural factors and environmental policy drivers). Particular emphasis will be placed on enhancing student competences to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Differentiate between good and poor environmental practice relating to a range of developments.
  2. Evaluate appropriate mitigation strategies for specific developments.
  3. Design sustainable solutions to environmental problems
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Effective Judicial Protection and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive in Ireland (Modern Studies in European Law)." by Ryall, A.
    Publisher: Hart Publishing.
The above information outlines module EV604: "Environmental problems & Solutions" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required UL_ER6002: Material & Energy Flows (UL)


Semester 2 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module UL_ER6002: "Material & Energy Flows (UL)" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required UL_ER6003: Research Project (UL)


Semester 2 | Credits: 30

This module is undertaken by the student during the summer (trimester 3). The student carries out an individual research project from a list provided by co-ordinators. The student will write up the research according to the requirements of an appropriate journal or as a manual.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply appropriate laboratory and field methodologies skills to the project
  2. Develop expertise in experimental design and planning skills
  3. Acquire good practice in data recording skills
  4. Become skilled at suitable scientific data analyses evaluate, examine and understand research area
  5. Synthesise current thinking and apply it to the research project
  6. Write a scientific paper based on research project according to appropriate journal
  7. Present oral and written scientific presentations.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (58%)
  • Research (42%)
The above information outlines module UL_ER6003: "Research Project (UL)" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required UL_ER6012: Urban Form & Transport (UL)


Semester 2 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module UL_ER6012: "Urban Form & Transport (UL)" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required UL_ER6022: Urban Household Sustainability (UL)


Semester 2 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module UL_ER6022: "Urban Household Sustainability (UL)" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required UL_ER6032: Sustainable Life Cycle Engineering (UL)


Semester 2 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module UL_ER6032: "Sustainable Life Cycle Engineering (UL)" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Opportunities exist within the green economy as governments, NGOs and corporations must work to meet environmental targets set under international obligations. Graduates work in the following areas: industry-based environmental management, environmental analysis, environmental consultancy, agri-environmental advice, waste management policy, environmental quality control, consultancy-based climate change research, or as researchers, or for non-governmental conservation organisations and local authorities.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€

Fees: Tuition

€

Fees: Student levy

€

Fees: Non EU

€
Apply online via UL's online application system

Find out More

Programme Co-ordinator:

Dr. Caitriona Carlin,
Rm 206,
Applied Ecology Unit,
Centre for Environmental Science,
School of Natural Sciences,
NUI Galway.
T +353 91 493 863
E caitriona.carlin@nuigalway.ie

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