Safety, Health and Environment

This module provides key skills and knowledge to pursue academic research at the postgraduate and professional level, looking at big issues in environmental sciences. The module also introduces ethics and bioethics and will aim to enhance students critical thinking.

This module examines the relevance and relative merits of the different tools and approaches available to the business community in assessing and improving its health, safety, and environmental performance and addressing the sustainability agenda. You will explore through case study and field work the of the business community to the internal and external drivers of health, safety and environmental performance and corporate social responsibility. You will be trained to undertake audits and will have the opportunity to undertake audits of business processes through collaboration with business partners.

This module will explore trends in occupational health and wellbeing at work. You will explore the nature and properties of workplace contaminants and mode of entry to the body; methods of assessment of workplace environmental hazards; design and analysis of exposure measurement surveys and the biopsychosocial model of illness and its relevance to prevalent work related illnesses. You will develop a detailed understanding of the intervention strategies which may be used to manage occupational health risks and to promote wellbeing.

This module explores of a selection of workplace risks (e.g. fire and human behaviour, L.E.V., work equipment) informed by contemporary and emergent risks. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships between occupational health, safety and wellbeing and development of policies which contribute to the prevention of injury or loss. Site visits will allow you to contextualise theoretical concepts in the workplace.

This module aims to enable you to design, plan and execute a programme of research through active enquiry and to undertake appropriate analysis of research results. You will have the opportunity to use research skills acquired in the applied context of ‘real world’ project work in a variety of professional settings and to develop the skills necessary for successful delivery of project outcomes. You will work as part of a team with an external organisation or company relevant to your degree discipline on a project defined by a client. The module provides you with opportunities to develop a range of skills and aptitudes including negotiation of project terms of reference, research design, data collection and analysis, professional communication, project management and professional networking.

This module will prepare you for your dissertation by enabling you to design, plan and execute a programme of research and to analyse research results appropriately. It will provide opportunities for you to acquire essential research skills relevant to your discipline in both a field and laboratory setting. The experience in applying these skills will be invaluable in planning and undertaking your dissertation.

This module examines and evaluates processes for investigating and mitigating the impacts of development in the context of environmental impact assessment and planning procedures. You will explore impact assessment policy, law and practice through case study research and practical applications in the field. You will have the opportunity to interact with environmental impact assessment professionals in developing and presenting a case study providing you with valuable insights into career prospects in this field.

This module examines risk based approaches to regulation. You will explore the role of law in the management of health, safety environment including the current English criminal law, the influence of social legislation and other EU and international influences. You will study the operation of the major statutes in the field, their interpretation and application, procedures and protocols for the collection of admissible evidence; regulatory authorities, criminal / administrative sanctions and sentencing guidelines.

This module aims to enable you to contribute to the body of knowledge in your area by devising and conducting an independent research project and through independent, self-motivated critical thinking, to develop as a reflective practitioner.