Course Catalogue

The programme aims to deepen understanding of the relevant scientific, engineering and management principles, and to develop the students' ability to apply these principles to design, analysis, operation and management within the fields of water, energy and the environment. The programme aims to build upon the existing work and life experiences of each graduate student on the basis that an understanding of the environment is best achieved and developed within the students' known situation. Acknowledging that the ability to communicate effectively with professionals across a broad range of relevant subject areas is fundamental to the environmental discipline, the programme builds upon the varied academic and employment background of its students to broaden the knowledge of each student. The programme aims for each student to achieve both an holistic understanding of the broad range of environmental processes, and an aptitude for critical evaluation of detail in their chosen specialisms. The specific aims of the programme are: 1. To develop and extend students' exposure to the current and emerging theories and practices of the management of water, energy and the environment. 2. To provide opportunities for individual student-centred study in order to develop analytical, critical and problem solving skills appropriate to developing the use of innovative products and taking responsibility for complex systems. 3. To develop the students' skill sets in communication and interpersonal skills to both technical and non-technical audiences and individuals. 4. To develop student skills to become autonomous learners. 5. Develop the students' capacity to design, carry out, and analyse research. 6. Develop the students' capacity to manage their own development.

Acquisition of knowledge is achieved mainly through lectures, seminars and problem solving sessions. Students are expected and encouraged to take an active role in their learning through debates, discussions and student led presentations. Site visits and laboratory sessions supplement these. Students are encouraged to attend professional body talks and visits. The assessments are designed as part of the learning process, and both individual and group feedback on the assignments adds to their knowledge base. Assessment of the knowledge base is through a combination of written examinations, assignments, presentations and the dissertation. Intellectual skills are developed through interactive seminars and lectures of the taught modules, and through case studies and assignments. These skills are further developed in the dissertation module, which is supplemented by the teaching of these skills in the Research Methodology module. The skills of critical evaluation are an integral part of most assessments, and feedback on these assessments is an integral part of the learning process. Intellectual skills are assessed through a combination of written examinations, assignments, and the dissertation report. Professional skills are developed throughout the programme mainly through class discussion, interactive seminars, the dissertation, and professional body activities. The assessment of professional skills is mainly through assignments and presentations, but it is also assessed to a lesser degree in the written examinations. Transferable skills are taught throughout the programme, in all learning activities. Transferable skills are assessed throughout the range of assessment methods (written examinations, assignments, oral presentations and the dissertation).

To put the students' learning into appropriate vocational contexts project modules are based on real challenges faced by industry. Research modules are often centred around particular industrial challenges and their appropriate mitigation.