Welcome

This blog is written by the Environmental and Geographical Sciences team at the University of Northampton. This will keep you up to date with both student and staff activities.

The Environmental and Geographical Sciences team includes staff with interests in biological sciences, conservation, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental statistics, geography and waste management. We offer a range of degree programmes and have a number of postgraduate research students. For more information about studying with us please visit http://www.northampton.ac.uk/.

Monday 23 January 2017

Evaluating accessibility on campus

First year Geography students have been learning about accessibility issues on campus. The project links to classes on geographies of disability, and staff research on accessibility issues.

Some groups borrowed a wheelchair to help them evaluate campus spaces. They took measurements of slopes, door widths etc, and tried negotiating particular pathways and corridors.

Thinking about how the angle of slopes can help or impede wheelchair access
Trying popular routes around campus
Thinking about the width of pathways
Other groups used goggles to help them understand the experiences of people with common visual impairments. They thought about challenges related to climbing stairs, reading signs, and crossing roads.
Using goggles to help give some insights into some common visual impairments
This project work has been supported by the University's ASSIST team, who provide support to students with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs.

Friday 13 January 2017

Geography programmes accredited by Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)


In December 2016 we heard the great news that our Single Honours Geography programmes have been accredited by the the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).




Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

To find out more about our Geography programmes click here, or come to one of our Open Days.

Thursday 12 January 2017

Fossil hunting at Wren's Nest, Dudley

Second year Geography students recently visited Wren's Nest, Dudley, as part of their 'Earth Science' module.
Arriving at Wren's Nest
Wren's Nest contains superb exposures of rocks from the middle Silurian period. This provides great opportunities for fossil hunting!
On the hunt for some lovely fossils
Learning to identify fossils
We found a range of interesting fossils, including this fabulous trilobite!
A rather nice trilobite