Course overview
The module consolidates and reinforces basic environment and sustainability principles and concepts. Topics include: the structure of the Earth; the lithosphere and plate tectonics; geological processes and cycles; the atmosphere; the hydrosphere; energy; human populations and pollution.
Summer university
Start date: Starts Tuesday 2 July, Tuesdays and Thursdays for 4 weeks, 6-9pm
You can study up to 30 credits at Summer University and you can select up to three modules on the same application form. If you would like to add a module later, or change one of your choices, then please email summer.university@tees.ac.uk.
Age restriction
Due to the content and delivery of our Summer University courses, it is advised that applicants are aged 16+ at the time of enrolment. All applicants under the age of 18 at the time of enrolment must provide a completed parental consent form and those under 16 years of age are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. You can download the
parental consent form and send to
summer.university@tees.ac.uk after you submit your application.
See more Summer University courses
Where you study
Middlesbrough campus
Course details
What you study
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of some core concepts relevant to an understanding of the environment and sustainability to prepare for progressing onto a science or engineering course in Higher Education and/or to augment their existing studies.
Students will learn via a combination of lectures and seminars covering the following topics:
Introduction to Earth Science
· Formation and structure of the Earth
· Plate tectonics
The Lithosphere
· Geological processes and cycles
· Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock
· Soil and soil fertility
The Atmosphere
· Composition of planetary atmospheres in the solar system
· The structure of the Earth’s atmosphere
· The natural and anthropogenic greenhouse effect
· Ozone, oxygen and life
The Hydrosphere
· The origins of life
· The hydrological cycle
· Water resource management
Human Impacts
· Population, resources and resource depletion
· Humans in cities
· Sustainability Pollution case studies
How you are assessed
Students will be assessed by undertaking a written exam.
The examination will be 2 hours with 5 minutes of reading time. The examination will consist of a series of short answer questions that will cover the theoretical aspects of the module. Questions will require a mixture of factual recall and the demonstration of skills.
Students will be required to explain and describe key scientific concepts in Environment and Sustainability. Students will be required to apply appropriate methods to solve problems associated with Environment and Sustainability science.
The examination will provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their ability to communicate well in written language at a level appropriate to the module. Students will also be required to demonstrate numerical skills as they apply to problems in Environment and sustainability.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
International applicants must have an IELTS overall score of 5.5 or higher.
Age restriction
Due to the content and delivery of our Summer University courses, it is advised that applicants are aged 16+ at the time of enrolment. All applicants under the age of 18 at the time of enrolment must provide a completed parental consent form and those under 16 years of age are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. You can download the
parental consent form and send to
summer.university@tees.ac.uk after you submit your application.