AD2TEM: Tools for Environmental Management and Sustainability

Module code: AD2TEM

Module provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Professor Simon Mortimer , email: s.r.mortimer@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AD1EEM OR TAKE AP1AE15 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 4 June 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module aims to develop the skills necessary to gather, interpret and present information about natural and human-modified environments. It covers material and practical exercises on monitoring and sampling strategies for biodiversity, habitat mapping and condition assessment, Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment, biodiversity offsetting and Biodiversity Net Gain. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Design and undertake environmental surveillance and monitoring projects.  Visualise date, summarise and effectively communicate the results of surveys 
2. Collate and statistically analyse a range of types of environmental data. 
3. Use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to map habitats and linear features using aerial photograph interpretation. 
4. Understand the processes of EIA and SEA and the approaches to biodiversity offsetting and Biodiversity Net Gain. 

Additional outcomes: 
Students develop their teamwork skills as they work together on a group exercises. The module is designed to deliver the skills necessary to undertake independent scientific research, so students should be able to conduct field and laboratory work in a professional and safe manner. 

Module content

1. Environmental monitoring and surveillance 
2. Surveys and sampling strategies 
3. Statistical analysis of monitoring data 
4. Assessment of biodiversity, monitoring and surveying at species level, indicator species 
5. Use of biodiversity assessment for setting priorities 
6. Land cover mapping 
7. Habitat condition assessment 
8. Use of GIS for habitat mapping and survey design 
9. The processes of Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment 
10. Biodiversity offsetting and Biodiversity Net Gain 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module uses a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, computer practical's, laboratory practical's and field visits. Students will work in small groups and will work on a number of practical tasks related to use of survey design, biodiversity assessment GIS and EIA. 

Study hours

At least 50 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.