MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction

Green infrastructure (GI) can be used to tackle a range of urban challenges such as flooding, heatwaves, poor health and wellbeing, and low levels of biodiversity. Evidence for the effectiveness of GI in tackling these challenges is crucial for informing policy, planning and delivery of GI schemes. This modules takes students through the various approaches to assess the effectiveness of GI. The module will showcase techniques and methods used in a range of environmental, social and economic challenge areas. A key part of this module is local fieldwork where students will get first hand experience of monitoring and evaluation approaches. The module also incorporates two practical classes – one a laboratory-based practical exercise, and the second a computer-based workshop. This module has been designed to complement the more theoretical programme material and to provide students with skills for fieldwork and dissertation work.

The unit aims to:

1. Describe the methodological approaches to evaluate and monitor the performance of green infrastructure in terms of environmental, social and economic challenge areas;
2. Engage with a selection of real world examples of evidence gathering for the effectiveness of green infrastructure;
3. Gain practical experience in monitoring and evaluating green infrastructure.

This module develops and enhances academic, practical and transferable skills. Students will implement practical methods for assessing green infrastructure performance, analyse evidential datasets from green infrastructure interventions, and contribute to debate and discussions on green infrastructure. The knowledge and skills gained are directly applicable to jobs in green infrastructure planning, design, implementation and evaluation. The module also links to a wider range professions in planning, hydrology, urban forestry, community engagement, development and infrastructure provision, and local/national government.

Student digital skills development 
A computer practical exercise using real-world datasets.

Syllabus (indicative curriculum content):

• Introduction and context
• Environmental Challenges – Flooding
• Environmental Challenges – Heatwaves
• Environmental Challenges – Water Quality
• Environmental Challenges – Biodiversity
• Social Challenges – Health and Wellbeing
• Social Challenges – Social Justice and Cohesion
• Economic Challenges
• Data storage, sharing and dissemination

The module uses a variety of teaching methods including lectures, lab and computer classes, and a fieldtrip. The module will also make use of practitioners/stakeholders in the arena of green infrastructure. The module will make use of a blended learning environment.

1. Face-to-face lectures = 20 hours

Face-to-face lectures will be held to showcase the key approaches for assessing green infrastructure performance. These lectures will be separated into three challenge areas; environmental, social and economic

2. Practical classes = 6 hours

There are two practical classes associated with this module – a computer class and a lab class. The computer class will involved working with an environmental dataset from a green infrastructure scheme. The lab class will showcase the equipment available in Geography for the processing and analysis of samples collected from green infrastructure schemes.

3. Field class = 4 hours

Central to this module is a local field class. This field class will support the lecture material and feed into the module assignments.

• Explain the key methodological approaches to assess the performance of green infrastructure.
• Recognise the benefits and limitations of evidence gathering for green infrastructure.

• Integrate and synthesise evidence/information of different types and/or from different sources.
• Design a detailed green infrastructure monitoring and evaluation plan.

• Plan and execute a significant piece of individual research.

• Understand, assimilate and retrieve information from a range of sources.
• Produce practice-/professional-orientated reports/briefs.

Individual written feedback via Turnitin in Blackboard.
 

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