NES3201 : Environmental Impact Assessment
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Dr Elisa Lopez-Capel
- Lecturer: Dr Helen Adamson
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as an integral component of development planning processes. Students will apply systematic approaches to EIA (PC1 – A) through an in-depth investigation of planning frameworks and regulatory requirements. The module develops the ability to critically analyse and evaluate environmental information (PC2 – D+A) and equips students with the skills to implement EIA methods and techniques (PC3 – D+A), including data collection, interpretation, and evaluation (PC4 – A).
Students will gain experience in preparing a professional Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (PC5 – D+A) using appropriate academic and technical language, and will collaborate effectively within teams (PC8 – A) to produce a group report. Through seminars with industry professionals and stakeholders, students will explore current and future EIA practices and career opportunities (PC9 – A), developing professional awareness and employability skills. Additionally, by working collaboratively on a real-world EIA project, students will solve complex problems and propose mitigation strategies (PC10 – A), demonstrating advanced analytical and decision-making
Outline Of Syllabus
1.Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Overview of EIA principles, purpose, and regulatory context.
2.Screening & Scoping Procedures: Determining project significance and defining assessment boundaries.
3.Baseline Assessment Technique: . Methods for collecting and analysing environmental data.
4.Impact Prediction: Tools and models for forecasting environmental impacts.
5.Impact Evaluation: Assessing significance and cumulative effects.
6.Mitigation Techniques: Strategies to minimize adverse impacts and enhance positive outcomes.
7.Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): Broader policy and plan-level assessments.
8.Stakeholder Analysis: Identifying and engaging stakeholders in the EIA process.
9.Seminars: EIA Case Studies: This includes past and current EIA projects across sectors (infrastructure, renewable energy, housing; and critical discussion of lessons learned and best practices.
10.Seminars: EIA in Practice & Industry Engagement, where invited speakers from environmental consultancies, renewable energy projects, and key stakeholders discuss current and future EIA practices, policy trends, and career opportunities in the sector.
11.Preparation of Technical Report (Environmental Impact Statement). Collaborative group work adopting professional standards and academic language.
12.Field Trips: Site Visit 1: Proposed development site for group EIA exercise and data collection; and Site Visit 2: Completed development (e.g., housing project or renewable energy installation) for evaluation and discussion of real-world outcomes .
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 43:00 | 43:00 | Revision of course materials. Preparation for formative group scoping report (0% formative assessment) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | Present in person with supplementary material available online |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | EIA case study seminar reading and exercises |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Completion of end of week quizzes (exam preparation from lectures) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | exercises and discussion on EIA in practice (case studies) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 2 | 6:00 | 12:00 | field trips on environmental assessment in practice (preparation of group report) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | 1 x 2hr exam tutorial semester 1 (practice digital Exam); 1 x 2hr mapping exercise semester 2 (group report) 3 x 2hr drop in tutorials semester 2 to support group report writing (including discussions with practitioners) |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | group work activities (e.g. group meetings and discussions) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 45:00 | 45:00 | Directed research and reading on module topics and practice linked to lectures and seminars |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Student contact time comprises a combination of lectures, seminars and field classes. Lectures deliver information on principles of EIA. Seminars (workshops) provides practice through interactive activities which develop understanding and skills. Team leadership, team work and facilitation skills are introduced in a seminar at the beginning of the group work activity in semester 2. The group work allows the practice and further development and self-assessment of these skills. Field classes provide practice in different aspects of environmental assessment required for the group technical report (Environmental Statement).
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 50 | PC exam. A paper copy of the exam will be available, if needed |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 50 | Group EIA Report. Group case study (including group peer assessment). 2000 words max per student. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | Scoping report. Group case study up to 500 words max per student. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The Digital Exam tests knowledge and understanding across the full module content. Breadth is assessed through part 1 which contains true/false and short answer questions. Depth is assessed through part 2 in which students answer one essay question.
The scoping group report will require students to provide a written report identifying the environmental impact of the case study.
Group project (ES technical report on a case study) tests critical ability, insight and written presentation. Work in a group reflects professional practice and reduces the writing burden. Peer assessment is used to discriminate individual contributions.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES3201's Timetable