Most of the issues that you willÊ study at the courses, are fundamentally ecological in nature and hence the course has a very strong focus on ecological theory, application and management. Topics on biological conservation, ecological monitoring, habitat management and restoration, environmental law, ecological economics, ecological impact assessment, as well as assessment of environmental quality, are all included.
First year
You will develop your understanding of biodiversity and how ecosystems function and how we can use resources more sustainably. YouÕll also develop your research skills such as data analysis, surveying and map work and using geographic information systems.
A week long residential field course, currently held in the English Lake District, forms a central part of your first year studies.Ê
Second year
Following your first year exams you will attend a one week ecology field course at our Bayfordbury field station that underpins your compulsory ecology module.ÊOn this course you will have national and internationally renowned ecologists providing training in areas such as botanical surveys, amphibian and reptile, small mammal and aquatic ecology surveys.Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê
YouÕll visit the Swiss Alps at the start of your second year, developing your research skills. You will also spend time developing your knowledge of how our environment can be understood as changing, with the topic areas of ecology and environmental quality forming a central part of your studies. Areas of optional study include rural development, geospatial information and earth surface processes.
Final year
Your individual research project will be a key focus in your final year. This is complemented by core modules focused on habitat management and monitoring; biological conservation and solving environmental problems. Areas of optional study include natural hazards, development and tourism, outdoor recreation and education, and geospatial information.
Why choose this course?
The Environmental Management and Ecology (Hons) course, offered by University of Hertfordshire, is designed to develop a wide range of management and ecological skills and to give students practical field experience, with an option of a work placement or a year of study abroad.
Our students have the distinct advantage of our Bayfordbury field station with laboratory facilities and a wide range of habitats (woodlands, grassland,Êlakes,Êponds,Êrivers,Êparkland, glasshouses plus an apiary). This provides students with the amenities in which to conduct surveys and carry out research in addition to gaining practical conservation skills with the management of the site.
The course equips you to learn how we can tackle some of the worldÕs biggest issues including:
- Habitat degradation and destruction
- Biodiversity loss
- Climate change
- Scarcity of water
- Environmental pollution
What job can I get?
Our graduates have found successful careers within local government, town and country planning, recreational and habitat management, environmental resources management, teaching and in private environmental consultancies. Some join more general graduate recruitment schemes while others stay at the University for postgraduate study.
