This course is designed to prepare students for an undergraduate programme in Environmental Science. It will cover a range of topics that will develop students' understanding and skills for a degree in Environmental Science. The course material is based on the A-Level syllabus, but is more tailored for a Environmental Science degree.

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The environment plays a part in almost every facet of business and industry today. The problems of the environment are so complex and far reaching that many different occupations are involved in finding solutions. These include ecologists, earth scientists, conservationists, recreation specialists, planners and environmental health specialists. Most of the environmental management disciplines have a scientific or technical base. However, social science also plays a large role in environmental protection and there are occupations for people with a broad range of skills and aptitudes.

The type of work done by environmentalists is as diverse as the problems they address. It is generalised here under a few major classifications.

Ecologists are scientists from a diversity of backgrounds, concerned with one or more aspects of the interrelations of nature. Ecology is the study of the relations of organisms, or of whole local ecosystems, to their environments. The field is often called environmental biology. Its practitioners might be trained as biologists, botanists, or other natural scientists. Their work frequently involves pure research in a university or government agency setting.

Conservationists devote their careers to the protection and wise use of our natural resources, the soil, water, forests, minerals, wildlife, and grazing lands. Conservation is closely related to ecology, the major differences being in emphasis. Ecologists are interested in studying and understanding the environment as it is; conservationists are interested in using the environment and its resources and in creating a better environment.

Environmental design, architecture, planning and urban development are concerned with land use and the "built" environment.

Typical job opportunities in this area include:

• Air Pollution Control Analyst
• Environmental Biochemist
• Environmental Engineer
• Land Use Planner
• Noise Pollution Specialist
• Environmental Impact Analyst

Examples of recent University placement degrees that students have progressed to from this course