Environmental Sustainability and Data Science MSc

This module will explore the complex challenges of environmental sustainability, focusing on the need to achieve global economic and social progress whilst achieving and preserving cultural diversity, biological diversity, and the biogeochemical integrity of the biosphere.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the essentials of data science, starting with the basics of computers and computing fundamentals. It covers the computer architectures, operating systems, filesystems, and an overview of how software and hardware interact. The course then transitions into the fundamentals of computational programming in two essential data science languages - R and Python.

Furthermore, the course introduces foundational programming concepts such as variables, data types, control flow, and functions, along with libraries like Tidyverse in R and an overview of Python basics. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to write basic programming scripts, perform exploratory data analysis, and prepare data for advanced data science techniques.

This module explores advanced strategies for the bioeconomy, focusing on bioinnovative solutions, circular economy principles, and the need for inclusive and equitable sustainable practices. Using a systems thinking approach, you will learn to address the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors. You will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge bioinnovative technologies, such as biomaterials production, biomanufacturing processes, biomimicry, 3D printing, and synthetic biology. 

By engaging with real world clients, you will design impactful and sustainable solutions, communicating their innovations effectively while emphasising inclusivity and systemic implications. The module equips you with practical skills and a holistic understanding of sustainability in complex real-world contexts.

Advanced and integrative analytical techniques are required to harness the potential of ‘big data’ to address global environmental challenges. Therefore, this module aims to advance your programming skills and introduce you to the concepts of machine learning and big data analytics using Python programming. 

The main module objective is to aid in understanding and implementing the computational methods that help extract insights from these heterogeneous datasets and develop new sustainable predictive or monitoring applications for addressing these challenges.

This module provides background on environmental policy and climate change. It sets out the theoretical framework and then the international context for sustainable development, environmental assessment, energy efficiency and climate change resilience. It explores implications for the built environment in a range of development contexts and covers analysis of key policy concerns and responses across institutional and cultural contexts. It also reviews techniques for assessing the impacts of development, and examines the role of effective environmental strategies and policies in pursuit of sustainable development.

The purpose of this module is to teach the principles and practice of research with a focus on study design and methods of data collection. It will show how these designs and methods can be applied to evaluation studies as well as to research. It will provide a supportive and intellectually challenging environment within which you can develop your knowledge, understanding and skills as a researcher.

This module allows you to hone your research skills by undertaking a substantial piece of research. Within this module, you will learn how to formulate a research proposal, investigate an appropriate research topic, keep research records, analyse the results of their research, discuss the findings with reference to previously published work, and convey the importance of their research through effective communication. The project proposed and undertaken must be commensurate with a master's level qualification and include rigorous and critical data analysis with a high level of initiative.

You are expected to work largely independently, but within a team and with structured support given by the supervisors. Learning in this module is facilitated through theme-specific tutorials and interactive workshops, covering aspects such as research compliance, research sustainability, effective communication, and preparation for employment/ career development.

This module will explore topics in science communication and will help to develop transferable skills and perspectives in the many ways that scientific knowledge can be disseminated. In relation to applied practice, the nature and means of human communication will be explored and assessed. 

Central themes include considerations of the purpose of science in society and the likely impact its findings and their communication have on human behaviour. This module is heavily focussed on interactive workshops and includes training in science journalism, public speaking and presentations, online engagement, and TV and radio production.

This module covers the theoretical and practical aspects of data visualisation including graphical perception, dynamic dashboard visualisations, and static data ‘infographics’. Tools used include R and Tableau. The module prepares you for becoming a data visualisation specialist.

An in-depth study on the scope of commercial biotechnology and starting and financing an operational company. The role of intellectual property protection, preparing a business plan and communicating business ideas, assessing projects, managing a company, and managing finances are all included, as well as how to comply with industrial safety legislation and regulatory requirements.

The module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices that underpin the integration of biotechnology with sustainability goals. You will explore how biotechnology can contribute to environmentally-friendly and socially responsible solutions, addressing challenges such as resource depletion and climate change. 

The module will cover a range of topics, including bioenergy production and carbon reduction, bioremediation and environmental clean-up, sustainable food production and sustainable production of commodity chemicals.