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Environmental Science and Social Policy Dip

Fact File

Course Code: DENVSP

Course Title: Environmental Science and Social Policy

College: Science, Engineering and Food Science, Adult Continuing Education

Environmental Science and Social Policy

Duration: 2 years

Teaching Mode: Part-Time

Blended Learning.  

UCC -  one evening per week from September to May with some Saturdays, study on campus, from home or both using the live recorded lectures and notes which will be available online

Cahersiveen  -  Study in Cahersiveen using online live recorded lectures, notes and 8 Saturdays throughout the year in Cahersiveen.

 

Qualifications: Dip

NFQ Level: Level 7

NFQ Award Type: Special Purpose

Costs: €1,250 per academic year for UCC €990 per academic year in Cahirsiveen

Entry Requirements: The programme will be taken part-time over a two-year period.Candidates must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application and have Leaving Certificate (or equivalent qualification)/FETAC Level 5 qualification. Candidates who do not have Leaving Certificate or FETAC Level 5 but are over 21 years of age and have a minimum of 2 years relevant experience may be deemed suitable, subject to the approval of the ACE Committee. Candidates may be called for an interview. On successful completion of the second year of the course, participants will be awarded a Diploma in Environmental Science and Social Policy. English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score.

Closing Date: TBC

Next Intake: September 2018 (TBC)

Overview

Venues:
UCC
Cahirciveen

The Diploma in Environmental Science and Social Policy offers an interdisciplinary approach to the environment and issues related, either directly or indirectly, to our use of it. The course is designed to give you a broad knowledge and experience of the key concepts of environmental science, sustainable development, social policy and economics that shape the world we live in.

Course Details

Click on any module code for a detailed module description.

Module are as follows:

Year 1 Modules:

  • AD1871: Environments for Living Organisms (5 credits)
    Ecology: niche, competition, tolerance, energy flow, nutrient cycling; Biomes; Biodiversity, Ocean Ecosystem and Atmosphere.
  • AD1872: The Physical Environment (10 credits)
    Earth system, Geology (rock types, minerals), Palaeontology & Earth history, structural geology, geomorphology, geohazards. Practical work - recognition of rock samples, Field trip - Geology of the Burren.
  • AD1873: Environmental Systems and Resources (10 credits)
    Groundwater; alternative energy supplies and its economics; nuclear energy; Hazardous and non-hazardous waste, types of waste treatment technologies (landfill, recycling, MBT, incineration, anaerobic digestion, aerobic composting, pyrolsis, gasification); case studies. Relevant environmental legislation.
  • AD1874: Development and the Environment (5 credits)
    Introduction to economic concepts, trade, border policies, introductino to sociology, Social Psychology and Philosophy.

Year 2 Modules:

  • AD2850: Social Policy and the Environment (5 credits)
    Introduction to Social Policy; Sustainable Energy; housing, poverty; transport and planning; Introduction of the principles of conflict.
  • AD2851: Analysing and Managing Environmental Change (10 credits)
    Environmental Monitoring, Land-water-air Contamination; Environmental Quality Standards; Risk assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Environmental Mitigation.
  • AD2852: Introduction to Environmental Policies (10 credits)
    Energy legislation, REFIT and Government policy regarding renewables; statutory procedures for alternative energy (planning applications, EIS, power purchase agreements); Energy audits and energy regulations; Environmental Legislation; Waste legislation and waste management policies (European, National), regional/county waste management planning, Environmental Health and Safety. Principles of sustainabillity.
  • AD2853: Health and Human Needs (5 credits)
    Energy rating of buildings, radon, genetically modified agricultural products; European and Irish legislation regarding effluent treatment systems; Organic gardening; AIDS.

Course Practicalities

An additional €150 is payable to cover the cost of two field trips

Assessment

End of module examinations, assignments, oral presentations.

Who Teaches This Course

Lecturers on this course are drawn from a broad spectrum of disciplines and include academics, regulators, environmental scientists, economists, social scientists, energy sector professional, planners and policy makers.

Further Contact Information

Belinda Gascoigne
e: belinda.gascoigne@ucc.ie

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