In addition to this Course Guide, the course has the following important components.
Study units
Each of the 10 study units in ENVR S320 Environmental Impact Assessment consists of two to four weeks' work. As an experienced distance learner, you know that you have to plan your own study schedule. It is most important that you complete the activities, exercises, assignments and examination successfully and on time.
The course is structured so that each unit builds upon previous knowledge. Each unit includes different ways to help you study systems analysis and design. These are:
- Reading the study unit.
- Reading the articles or book extracts.
- Testing your comprehension and analytical skills by working through the activities that appear throughout the units.
- Completing the exercises that appear at the end of each unit. These will require you to think, observe or undertake some activity that is designed to help you apply the knowledge you gain.
- Completing the assignments.
Textbook
There is no compulsory textbook.
Recommended books (additional and optional)
Chen, C C (2009) 'Environmental impact assessment framework by integrating scientific analysis and subjective perception', International Journal of Environmental Science & Technology (IJEST), 6(4): 605–18.
Chilaka, M A (2010) 'Vital statistics relating to the practice of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in the United Kingdom', Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 30(2): 116–19.
Forsyth, A, Slotterback, C S, Krizek, K J (2010) 'Health impact assessment in planning: Development of the design for health HIA tools' Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 30(1): 42–51.
Jiricka, A and Pröbstl, U (2009) 'One common way — the strategic and methodological influence on environmental planning across Europe', Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 29(6): 379–89.
Ma, Z, Becker, D R and Kilgore, M A (2009) 'Assessing cumulative impacts within state environmental review frameworks in the United States', Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 29(6): 390–98.
O'Faircheallaigh, C (2010) 'Public participation and environmental impact assessment: Purposes, implications, and lessons for public policy making', Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 30(1): 19–27.
Sepúlveda, A, Schluep, M, Renaud, F G, Streicher, M, Kuehr, R, Hagelüken, C and Gerecke, A C (2010) 'A review of the environmental fate and effects of hazardous substances released from electrical and electronic equipments during recycling: Examples from China and India', Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 30(1): 28–41.
Van Buuren, A and Nooteboom, S (2010) 'The success of SEA in the Dutch planning practice: How formal assessments can contribute to collaborative governance', Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 30(2): 127–135.
Books versus the course materials
By far number one in study importance are the course materials themselves. The recommended readings are number two in importance. This course is not built around any one textbook. This course is built from and stands upon a huge number and range of references, materials and experiences. So in your study you are strongly advised to always put your course materials first.
The recommended readings above are quite optional. A lot depends on your individual background. Inspect these optional extras before you decide to purchase them.
Assignment File
Assignment details for this course are contained in the Assignment File. The nature of these assignments is described in the assignments section later on. You are required to complete your assignments and mail them, together with an Assignment Form, to your tutor in accordance with the timetable provided in the Presentation Schedule described immediately below.
Presentation Schedule
The Presentation Schedule is available on the Online Learning Environment (OLE). It gives the dates for completing assignments, and attending tutorials, day schools, and so on.
Remember, you are required to submit all your assignments by the actual dates shown in the Assignment File. You should guard against falling behind in your work.