Academic study of the environment, whether at a global, national or local scale, has evolved rapidly in recent years, and there has never been a greater impetus to understand and resolve complex environmental issues. Environmental scientists study interactions between physical, chemical and biological processes in the environment, and their application to the resolution of environmental problems.
Our portfolio of modules across our degree programmes is incredibly varied and intellectually stimulating – which is why we give you the opportunity to choose what you want to study and specialise in the areas that most interest you. In fact, our degrees are among the most flexible anywhere.
Although preparing academically is important, the most vital skill a Environmental Science student can have is a passion for the subject. The resources listed below will help develop your geographic curiosity before arriving at university:
Free E-books
1 - Introduction to Environmental Science
Need to register an account on the website using your e-mail. You will receive an e-mail confirmation to activate your account. It will then allow you to download this book (and 4 others of your choice) for FREE.
Read chapter 1 and 2 then select 3 chapters of your choice to read.
2 - Introduction to Environmental Science: 2nd Edition
Read chapter 1 then your selection of chapters on renewable energy, air pollution, water and climate change.
Short Videos
1- What is Environmental Science? Definition and Scope of the Field
2- AP Environmental Science: A series of short videos on some major aspects of Environmental Science across different themes. Useful for building capacity for fundamental knowledge on a broad spectrum of Environmental issues.
3- Why study Environmental Sciences at Birmingham: Professor Francis Pope, Programme Lead for the BSc and MSci Environmental Sciences undergraduate degree programmes at the University of Birmingham, describes the benefits of our flexible courses.
4- Fieldwork: Staff and students from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham talk about the benefits of fieldwork in Geography and Environmental Sciences degree courses.
Open-source PDF
What is happening to our environment and how have we responded?
Start reading from page 4 of the document.
Recommended Reading
Carson, R. 2000. Silent Spring. Penguin Modern Classics.
McNeill, J.R. 2001. Something new under the sun: an environmental history of the 20th Century. Penguin Books.
Bowler, PJ. 1992. The Fontana history of the Environmental Sciences. Fontana Press.
Other University Resources
Campus
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/birmingham/campus/index.aspx
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life. Explore why our students love Birmingham…
Virtual Tour of the Campus: Click Here
Accommodation
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/accommodation/index.aspx
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Virtual Tours of Accommodation: Click Here
Finance
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees/index.aspx
Studying at university requires you to pay for your tuition and cover your living expenses. However, financial support is available. Learn more about the loans and grants available from the government and other providers for UK, EU and international students; plus the wide variety of scholarships available at the University.
Student Finance England Video: Click Here
CTL
This state-of-the-art facility, along with it's sister laboratories CTL Biolabs and CTL Engineering, is designed to support the latest methods in laboratory teaching in STEM subjects across the University. Collectively, these laboratories will allow you to benefit from transformational teaching in spaces designed to encourage and facilitate collaborative and inter-disciplinary working.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/facilities/collaborative-teaching-laboratory/ctl.aspx
ECOLABS
The £1.2M Eco Laboratory is a large open-air facility led by internationally-recognised environmental science researchers at the University of Birmingham. The facility feeds the urgent and rapidly growing international demand for transformative experimental facilities with the capacity to address the many established and emerging environmental challenges of the future.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/ecolaboratory/index.aspx
The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR)
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/bifor/index.aspx
BIFoR aims to provide fundamental science, social science and cultural research of direct relevance to forested landscapes anywhere in the world. We make the evidence-based case for forests as part of one-planet living
Tour: Click Here
Research in 60 seconds: Click Here
Blogs
Get a first-hand view of what it's really like at Birmingham. Our students and staff can't wait to chat and share their thoughts on our courses, gorgeous campus and incredible city!
Student blog videos: Click Here
Birmingham City
Cadbury’s chocolate, The Bullring, Peaky Blinders, the Balti – all things synonymous with our city. Yet Birmingham has so much more to offer than this. As one of the original pioneering cities Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/birmingham/city/index.aspx