Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Environmental Science

University of the West of Scotland

Environmental Science ResearchOur research interests focus on the inextricable link between human health and health of our environment. From geochemical cycling through anthropogenic contamination to the impact of human activities on animal welfare, our combination of biologists, environmental scientists, chemists, engineers and mathematicians allows us to address the relationship between humans and their environment.Addressing “Wicked Problems” facing environment and human health needs strong interdisciplinary teams. Based on over a decade of successful collaboration and engagement advancing signature research and impact in human health and environmental systems strengthening alignment with UN SDGs.A critical mass of academics across Schools of Health & Life Sciences (HLS) & Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences (CEPS)One area of our research seeks to understand the impact of contaminants on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including the effects of pharmaceuticals, metals, plastics, pesticides and how some of these factors interact to negatively impact biota. We consider how the health and the welfare of aquatic animals used for human consumption (fish and shrimp) and companionship (pet fish) can be improved to foster a sustainable relationship between humans and their aquatic environment. In the terrestrial arena we consider eco-taxonomic studies of plants and fungi and seek technical solutions to climate change issues, including methods for carbon storage. We also develop risk and vulnerability assessment methods to facilitate local adaptation decision-making.Our expertise in waste, bioremediation and geochemical cycling feed into risk assessment in response to human and ecosystem health concerns, and with emerging issues such as antimicrobial resistance in the real world. We also address fundamental aspects of earth processes. We have wider links to environmental regulation and policy development at a local and international scale and work in partnership with other research groups within IBEHR and UWS to address implications for public and environmental health. Strong and sustained international collaborative partnerships exist with research groups in Europe and Asia and with a variety of industrial partners (partnerships page). We are involved in a number of interdisciplinary teams addressing global SDG challenges and are members of the Scottish Research Pools: SAGES, MASTS and SULSA (link to partnership page).