Course Details

Course Information Package

Course Unit TitleENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Course Unit CodeCESU430
Course Unit Details
Number of ECTS credits allocated5
Learning Outcomes of the course unitBy the end of the course, the students should be able to:
  1. Understand the basic concepts, methodological approaches, and technological components of an Environmental Impact Assessment.
  2. Identify all applicable European Norms, National Codes and Standards concerning the environment and sustainable development.
  3. Exhibit knowledge and understanding of the way that an EIA is conducted within the framework of the energy sector in Cyprus and in the EU.
  4. Coordinate an Environmental Impact Assessment, including team-building and scoping of a project.
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-face
PrerequisitesCEH318Co-requisitesNONE
Recommended optional program componentsNONE
Course Contents

Module A - BasicConcepts

-         Basic concept ofEIA

-         Elements of EIA

-         Factorsaffecting EIA Impact evaluation and analysis

-         Preparation ofBaseline studies

Module B - Proceduresand Law

-         EnvironmentalImpact Assessment Process in the European / Cyprus Context

-         Roles andResponsibilities of Groups Involved in the EIA System

-         Laws and RegulatoryFrameworks for Environmental Impact Assessment

    • European Union Directives
    • National Laws and Standards

Module C - TechnicalComponents of Environmental Impact Assessment

-         Impactprediction

-         Assessment ofImpact significance

-         Identificationand Incorporation of mitigation measures

Module D - EIAMethodological Approaches

-         EIA Methodologies:introduction

-         Criteria for theselection of EIA Methodology

-         EIA Methods

    • predictive methods
    • environmental risk assessment
    • economic methods
Recommended and/or required reading:
Textbooks
  • Environmental Impact Assessment, Larry W. Canter, McGraw-Hill Pub., 1995
References
  • European Commission Environment: Environmental Impact Assessment. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/home.htm
  • European Commission Environment: Energy and environment. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/energy/index_en.htm
  • An extensive reading list of relevant academic research papers.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods The course is presented through theoretical lectures in class. The lectures present to the student the course content and allow for questions. The material is presented using visual aids (i.e. PowerPoint presentation slides, documentaries, etc.). The aim is to familiarize the student with the different and faster pace of presentation and also allow the instructor to present related material that would otherwise be very difficult to do. The learning process is enhanced with the requirement from the student to carry in-class discussions and tackling of hypothetical scenarios in small-group exercises. Homework Assignments, which are required as part of the students assessment for the course, allows students the opportunity to carry out independent work, synthesize basic concepts presented in class, as well as hone their writing and presentation skills. Besides from the notes taken by students in class, all of the course material is made available through the class website which is available through the University’s E-learning platform (“Moodle”). The instructor is available to students during office hours or by appointment in order to provide necessary guidance.

Assessment methods and criteria
Assignments10%
Midterm Exam40%
Final Exam50%
Language of instructionEnglish
Work placement(s)NO

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