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My Studies

 

Welcome to my page dedicated to my ongoing studies in Environmental Science and Environmental Management.

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This page give a little more detail into what my studies entail, as well as what I have been doing since since starting my journey into the Natural Sciences in 2015. Please read on to see what I am currently studying with my degree and level 4 diplomas.

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Full details on the type of courses and who I am studying with can be found on the "About Me" page above.

Plumpton College
BTEC Extended Foundation Diploma
Countryside Management

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My studies to date have developed a passion for estate and land management, and in May 2023 I began a part time, 12 month, course to develop my hands-on skills and further my existing knowledge.

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The course has an extensive curriculum and covers the following modules:

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  • Professional Working Responsibilities

  • Plant and Soil Science

  • Work Experience in the Land-based Sectors

  • Countryside Estate Skills Activities

  • Managing Environmental Habitats

  • Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management

  • Woodland Management

The Open University
BSc (Hons) Combined STEM

(focussed on Biology and Environmental Science)

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My studies with the Open University have covered a wide range of topics covering all aspects of Natural Science and because of its format, the degrees are set out in “stages” rather than in the standard “years” of study.

 

Stage 1 was made up of 3 modules that covered a refresher into A-level and GCSE Biology, Physics and Chemistry, as well as an introduction to using statistics, graphs and reports to plan, assess and present results through a series of guided online and face to face investigations. Stage 1 served as a bridge between the transition from A-level Science into Degree level learning.

 

Following Stage 1, we were then asked to choose a pathway to focus on that would take the Degree into a more specialised direction. I decided on the Environmental Science pathway as I have always been fascinated by nature and wanted to steer my professional life in the same direction as my interest.

 

Stage 2 I studied “Cell Biology”, looking at micro-organisms and the complex tissues of plants and animals, and beginning my journey looking at and investigating Ecological systems from the basic building blocks that create them. I explored the origins of cells and cell diversity by comparing the common features of cellular structure and function, as well as how they obtain energy, synthesise new molecules, communicate, proliferate, and survive.

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Following this I then began “The Biology of Survival” where I investigated and explored the biology and diversity of the organism as a whole and its adaptation, evolution, interactions and behaviour with other organisms and its environment. Through virtual and solo activities, I analysed and compared various plants, animals and fungi and put together articles and reports illustrate how adaptation in the physiology and behaviour of organisms contributes to survival.

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In October 2021 I continued stage 2 by exploring how environmental management helps us to understood how to manage our relationship with the environment and how it is vital for our sustainability by introducing ideas, approaches and techniques for environmental management at individual, organisational and community levels to show how human-environmental systems are perceived, and to understand and manage them through a variety of perspectives to develop awareness of more sustainable practices.

 

Alongside this is a semi-practical module that focusses on the naturally occurring systems that drive environmental processes and connect ecosystems together through biology, chemistry, Earth science and physics. Studying air, water, earth and life cycles within different environments will ensure that my understanding of analysing environmental processes and structures will help me to understand and predict anthropogenic influences and their likely consequences. Part of this module also involves two three-day residential field schools which will help me to gain a more hands on experience to develop my skills and apply my learning. The modules virtual and physical investigations include: The oceans and ice, atmospheric chemistry, habitat conservation and eutrophication.

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Stage 3 of my degree started with two self-guided project modules based on a Biology topic and an Environmental Science project, and will complete my degree in October 2023 with two final modules in Terrestrial Ecosystems and a higher level Environmental Management.

Environmental Improvements
Diploma

While studying this course I learned the fundamentals of how to design and implement an organisations environmental policy.

 

The course went through the process of planning and monitoring activities to achieve the objectives and targets based on the aims of your policy as well as how to recognise potential obstacles and methods of overcoming them, record keeping and documentation, communication and training, as well as methods of monitoring a programme.

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The syllabus covered: 

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  • Environmental Objectives and Targets

  • What are environmental objectives and targets?

  • Setting environmental objectives and targets

Developing an Environmental Management Programme

  • The purpose of the environmental management programme

  • Drawing up an environmental management programme

  • Overcoming obstacles to the programme

  • Financial resources for implementing the programme

  • Environmental documentation

The Role of the Individual

  • Environmental responsibilities

  • Raising awareness and motivation

  • Training to increase skills and knowledge

Monitoring the Environmental Management Programme

  • The purpose of monitoring environmental performance

  • Types of performance indicator

  • Monitoring of specific aspects

  • Corrective action

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Environmental Legislation and Policy
Diploma

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While studying this course I learned an overview of environmental legislation and how to apply it in order to write and evaluate an organisations environmental policy. 

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It also covered the development of statutory environmental law in the UK and examined the rationale behind environmental policy development, what it should contain and how it should be communicated.

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The syllabus covered: 

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  • The UK Legislative System

1.1 Statute law and common law

1.2 Criminal law and civil law

1.3 Statutory nuisance

1.4 The influence of European law

 

  • Environmental Law

2.1 The development of environmental law

2.2 Environmental Protection Act 1990

2.3 Environment Act 1995

2.4 Waste legislation

2.5 Water legislation

2.6 Air legislation

2.7 Noise nuisance

2.8 Planning and conservation

2.9 Health and safety legislation

2.10 Register of environmental legislation

 

  • Environmental Policy

3.1 What is an environmental policy?

3.2 Producing and evaluating an environmental policy

3.3 Communicating the policy

CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management)
Ongoing guided CPD framework

CIEEM'S CPD structure means that as a student member, I am guided through what is required knowledge in order to become an ecologist or environmental manager. It helps to maintain and improve my knowledge and skills and aims to promote high professional standards and to ensure public confidence in the professional service offered by all its members.

 

In order to retain membership evidence of completing areas of the record provides evidence that I am fulfilling the requirements of the CIEEM membership grade, as well as ensuring that I have the professional knowledge required to take up a role in the sector. 

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The extensive structure covers:

  • Surveying

  • Environmental Management

  • Environmental Assessments and Valuations

  • Legislation and Policy

  • Project and People Management

  • Health and Safety

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