Core Modules (CATS points in brackets)

GGY7004 The Science of Climate Change (20)

This module explores the science of climate change, specifically how and why the climate system changes across multiple timescales – ranging from reconstructed palaeoclimates to projected climates of the future. We will examine the natural forcing mechanisms that have driven climate change throughout geological time and assess their relevance to contemporary climate change. We will also explore the role of humans in driving climate change since the industrial revolution, and evaluate the concept of the Anthropocene as a proposed new geological epoch. Laboratory classes and computer modelling will provide practical skills to help in the application of theoretical knowledge and understanding behind the science of climate change. This module will ultimately provide vital scientific context in our efforts to respond to one of the biggest challenges facing humanity.

GGY7005 Living with Climate Change (20)

This module explores how our natural world and the socio-economic systems we have created are responding to climate change. We examine the risks and impacts of climate change for both people and planet, and evaluate how these systems are adapting to climate change in various geographical contexts. With an emphasis on case studies and applying practical skills, we examine many connected concepts including vulnerability, resilience and adaptive capacity. In a world where we are already committed to a certain temperature rise and accompanying set of impacts, this module is vital in providing a sound knowledge and understanding for how we are living with climate change – an important complement to our efforts in climate mitigation.

GGY7006 Careers in Climate Change (0)

This module is designed to get students thinking about life after graduation and to enhance student employability. The module offers (1) generic employability guidance around CVs, cover letters, job applications and interviews from QUB Careers, Employability and Skills; and (2) taster talks and networking opportunities with representatives from a range of potential employers in the climate change sector. The module is non-credit bearing, but will appear on the student’s degree transcript as Pass or Fail depending on the successful completion of a reflective video.

GGY7007 Culture and Climate Change (20)

This module explores the connections between climate change and culture. We examine how human culture plays an important role in climate change discourse, ranging from how climate change is represented and communicated to how culture shapes our beliefs and responses to climate change. Drawing on knowledge and methods from various areas of the humanities, behavioural and social sciences, we will show that understanding climate change and responding to the climate emergency requires much more than an appreciation of the science alone.

GGY7008 Mitigating Climate Change (20)

This module explores the techniques used to mitigate climate change, both in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere. We examine three broad areas where mitigation is achieved: (1) reducing consumption; (2) nature-based solutions; and (3) technological solutions. Through a range of teaching methods including case studies, fieldtrips and practical classes, we explore how these techniques work and evaluate their success. This module is vital in providing a sound knowledge and understanding for how we are mitigating climate change – an important complement to our efforts in climate adaptation and a fundamental step in tackling one of humanity’s greatest challenges.

GGY9100 Research Project (60)

This module is an independent research project completing original analysis in some aspect relating to climate change with the guidance of an academic supervisor and culminating in a written dissertation. There are two types of research project available: (1) academic-focused; and (2) employer-focused. In either case, students develop their own project proposals based on advertised research areas/themes set by a member of academic staff for the former and an employer for the latter. For employer-focused projects, academic staff are still heavily involved – first approving the advertised research area/theme created by the employer, then co-supervising the student alongside a member of staff from the employer, and finally marking the assessments. Both types of research project have identical learning outcomes, assessment and timelines – the only difference is the nature of the project involving something more adapted to the research needs of an employer and the additional employer supervision in the employer-focused project.

Elective Modules (CATS points in brackets)

LFE8031 Foundations for Sustainable Development (20)

An introduction to a range of national and regional policies and strategies. Students will become familiar with key policies such as Programme for Government, and a range of legislation relating to energy, air and water quality, waste management and socioeconomic policies. Students will explore legislation that may be used to regulate the damages and modify the activities causing pressures that threaten future sustainability.

CHE7301 Applied Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technologies (20)

Fundamentals of renewable energy technologies including wind, solar, marine, geothermal and biomass; Integration and evaluation of renewable energy systems with other current and emerging low-carbon technologies; Application of low-carbon systems to either retrofit existing, or design new buildings, factories and infrastructure; Economics and other factors for supporting decision making in the deployment of low-carbon systems.

EVP7040 Urban Futures (20)

Critical debates in planning is seminar-based with students being continuously assessed on the independent research they complete during the semester. The main global challenges within the module will include the following: green infrastructure; the inclusive city; urban technological change; future demographics; low carbon transition; critical heritage perspectives; cities and the e-economy; planning the urban-rural dialectic; urban resource use; the future of urban housing; health in future cities.

CIV7012 Environmental Interaction of Assessment of Marine Renewables (10)

The module is a combination of lectures and practicals including a field trip that takes place at Portaferry. The aim is to introduce students to the environmental concerns of wave and tidal energy developments. Modelling, acoustic, telemetry and quantitative methods used to assess the environmental interactions will be evaluated. Analysis of flow velocity in the environment is fundamental to understanding envionmental interactions, therefore students will be introduced to tools such as numerical modelling and flow measurement devices. Individual reports will consider environmental barriers to consenting and the analysis and measurement of hydrodynamics.

CIV7038 Introduction to Renewable Technologies (10)

The objectives of the module are to provide an introduction to Renewable Energy Technologies, their applications and legislative framework. The subject is presented in weekly lectures supplemented by self-directed group work, allowing for the practical application of the presented theoretical framework. The lecture syllabus will include introductions to a variety of principal renewable energy technologies, such as wind (inland and offshore), solar, tidal and wave power as well as geothermal and biomass energy. A focus is provided on tidal energy with a 1-week course that includes theory and practical work as part of the module syllabus. The module will explore drivers for tidal and ocean currents, overview of extraction of energy from tidal power, assessment of tidal resource, measurement and analysis of flow velocity in a tidal stream environment (day trip to Queen’s University Marine Laboratory in Portaferry), environmental implications of harnessing tidal power and numerical tools to predict tidal energy resource. Additionally, the lecture syllabus will include an introduction to the policy framework for renewable energies within the UK & Ireland. The lecture syllabus and practical will be complemented by a group project in which students will transfer the basic principles introduced during the lectures to a real-life case study example. Offshore wind (both floating and bottom-fixed) is emphasized in the lectures and group project will reflect the new technologies in the offshore wind field. Individual reports will consider the different types of renewable energy sources such as wind, wave, geothermal and solar energy.

CIV7059 Assessment of Environmental Impacts (20)

This module aims to introduce students to how the impacts of engineering projects are assessed within the framework Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment and sustainability evaluations. Particular emphasis is given to environmental impacts, although societal impacts will also be considered. Students will be introduced to the regulatory drivers for Environmental Impact Assessment/Strategic Environmental Assessment and will receive lectures on the stages of Environmental Impact Assessment for major developments. The use of sustainability assessments (CEEQUAL, BREAM etc) will also be explored. Students will be introduced to current standards and guidance for quantifying environmental impacts through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), including defining the scope of an LCA, inventory analysis and interpretation of results. Case studies will explore how life cycle approaches are employed in industry (resource management, low carbon construction, carbon/energy/water foot printing and the circular economy). Finally students will examine multi criteria analysis for evaluating and balancing diverse criteria during decision making. Solid waste and resource management will then be studied in detail within this context. Students will gain an understanding of the science and technology behind advanced waste management processes and an appreciation of the financial, social and institutional factors that may restrict the adoption of particular technologies.

EVP7043 Planning for Sustainable Communities (20)

The module is designed to provide a theoretical and a practical basis for the process of community plan preparation. It will involve detailed consideration of the spatial implications of service provision and meeting local aspirations reflected in new 'community plans'. The theoretical material will include consideration of the following: existing demographic analysis; physical and ethnographic survey research; policy and institutional analysis; best practice community engagement and consultation practice; the changing roles of city/local centres; and the links between physical, social, economic and cultural renewal in urban environments. The module is based on a combination of seminars and studio work. A real-world project has been commissioned to allow students to consider how planning and urban design practice can successfully engage with local communities to instigate inclusive regeneration. Working in groups, students will prepare thematic plans that consider the physical, social and economic context of study area before devising specific policies and proposals to inform the future development of this area. The allocated group themes will incorporate the main facets of community infrastructure provision including: housing and community initiatives; transport, pathways and connections; education and health; open space, parks and leisure; and retailing and economic development. The project aims to take a strategic view of how an area can develop a sustainable socio-economic and physical environment that can be shared and accessed by everyone. It will offer the opportunity for students to develop both the consultation and analysis skills that are necessary to understand the views of local communities in the planning process.

PAI7036 Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transition (20)

This module will take as its starting the concept of ‘Carbon Literacy’, its definition, measurement and development. Students will study policy making, governance and institutional structures at International, national, regional and local levels through the selection of relevant case studies. They will gain an understanding of the spectrum of carbon literacy and the challenges of identifying knowledge and capacity building needs for stakeholders, policy and decision makers at all levels, from global to local and individual.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

The MSc is coursework only. The core modules are assessed as follows:

GGY7004: Popular Media Article (50%) and Presentation (50%)
GGY7005: Literature Review (50%) and GIS StoryMap (50%)
GGY7006: Reflective Video (Pass/Fail)
GGY7007: Essay (50%) and Video (50%)
GGY7008: Report (50%) and Policy Brief (50%)
GGY9100: Project Proposal (20%) and Report (80%).

The elective modules are also assessed by coursework only using a range of different assessment types.

Multiple Perspectives Interdisciplinary approaches to one of the greatest challenges facing humanity.

Focus on Careers Skills training, a careers module, and an option for an employer-focused research project.

Where could you be in five years?

• Developing climate and flood risk scenarios in the public sector at national meteorological and environmental agencies such as the Met Office or Northern Ireland Environment Agency
• Formulating climate adaptation strategies and sustainability policies within local governments / councils
• Implementing conservation and climate action within NGOs and charities like Friends of the Earth or Greenpeace
• Leading change within the private sector at environmental consultancies such as Atkins or RPS; energy and utilities companies such as SSE Airtricity or Thames Water; and risk, finance and insurance providers such as AXA or the World Bank
• Working as a Scientific Officer within research institutes such as the Agri-Food Biosciences Institute or the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
• Pursuing further study at PhD level in various areas relating to climate change