UNISON Ulearn Northern Ireland

Targeted at: Any member
Duration: 20 weeks but no regular class
Qualification: Open University 10 credits

Environmental concerns often appear in the news, and it can be difficult to tell what matters, or what choice we have. Focusing upon scientific and technological aspects of the environment, you will consider the effects of human activities, such as farming. Topics include the biology of ecosystems and food chains, biodiversity, ecological sustainability and fossil fuels. This provides a brief survey of a very complicated subject, equipping you with some important concepts.

Introducing Environment is suitable for you if you are a beginner with little previous scientific knowledge, and may need to develop your general study skills. It raises your awareness of the issues, and builds your confidence in evaluating and using evidence. The course will also help to develop your writing skills, including the use of information to support an argument. You do not need extensive mathematical knowledge – the emphasis is upon interpreting graphs and charts and comparing data, rather than calculations. Throughout the course, you will have the support of a personal tutor, who will provide scheduled one-to-one telephone tutorials and comments upon your written work.

Courses run from February, June, September & November. You must be registered at least two weeks prior to course starting. If you are interested in this course, please download an expression of interest form.