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MPhil in Environmental Science

The Department will not be running this MPhil in academic year 2012-13 and will therefore not be offering admission for October 2012. We expect to run the course again for admission for October 2013 for the academic year 2013-14.


Course structure

The course seeks to blend breadth of training with a high level of individual student choice to meet different PhD or other research career requirements that are planned.

1. Two Environmental Science foundation options

The Environmental science foundation options cover three fields, which are taught over terms 1 and 2. Students will be able to attend all three but will be required to attend, and be assessed on, two:

Introduction to Environmental Modelling. Modelling, sensitivity and parameter design; and case studies in atmospheric modelling; followed by detailed case studies in atmospheric modelling, using web-based learning tools.

Introduction to Environmental Monitoring. Introduction to GIS and remote sensing; followed by field techniques of GIS and remote sensing, airborne remote sensing, cartography and design.

Introduction to Environmental Reconstruction. Climate and ocean dynamics; stratigraphy and geochronology; followed by aspects of biological systems, human evolution and development.

2. Environmental Science Modules

One major Environmental Science theme is chosen as the main focus of student work in term 2, which is expected to relate to the chosen thesis topic area. This theme is chosen from three available themes which are related to major research specialisms of academic staff groups. Students will follow, and be assessed in, one specialist theme only (though, exceptionally in special cases, and with the agreement of the Degree Committee, students may continue with two components across more than 1 theme). The themes offered in 2009/10 are:

GIS and Remote Sensing. Techniques and practice in GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry etc

Atmospheric Science. Modelling development and practice, complex models and student case studies using web-based IT modelling (this can be supplemented by attendance at NST Part 3 lectures on Environmental Sciences).

Quaternary Science. Practical and fieldwork development focusing on oceanography, quaternary history of Europe, palaoecology.

3. Generic Research Skills

Running alongside the environmental science component are a number of modules in research skills training including: environmental science research design and management; environmental science fieldwork; bibliographic skills; cartographic skills; presentation skills; laboratory skills; fieldwork skills; research .5practice (risk assessment, ethics, IPR). In addition, there is the possibility of more targeted skills training in the areas of environmental data acquisition; and management of large environmental datasets. Formal assessment is within the thesis where the skills taught are expected to be fully evidenced.

4. For students with gaps in previous background

Various options allow students to widen their background, intellectual base, and to fill critical gaps in prior knowledge or experience to allow them to undertake subsequent parts of the course. The chief options are:

Computing Service Courses:

Unix and Linux

Fortran Programming

Parallel Programming

Wider courses on background (main options):

(These have been previously used as part of the MPhil Quaternary Science)

Biological systems (Zoology Department)

Human evolution and development (Bi-Anthroplogy and Archaeology Department)

Natural Science Tripos (NST) Part 3

1. Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Change

2. Climate Change

3. Renewable energy