What are the views of environmental science students?
Students generally express mixed feelings about their environmental sciences course. Some applaud the freedom to pursue independent research and the variety of fieldwork opportunities. In contrast, others feel let down by the disorganisation of the course and the lack of relevant skills gained for future employment.
Many students praise their lecturers for being approachable and supportive, having regular office hours, and having encouraging attitudes. However, some staff members are seen as overwhelmed, leading to neglect of students' needs, and there are concerns about the consistency of marking and feedback across different modules and tutors.
The course content is a significant concern, with some students feeling that the modules are not specific enough to their course or are too focused on other subjects. Some also express disappointment that the module choices have changed since they applied for the course.
There are also issues with timetabling, exam support, and mental health services, which some students feel are inadequate or poorly communicated. Despite these concerns, many students appreciate the opportunities provided by the course to gain practical skills and connect with like-minded people in their field.
Some students feel that they have not gained enough in-depth knowledge of specific areas of environmental sciences and that the assessments do not always effectively test their understanding. However, others enjoy the breadth of topics covered and the chance to explore different areas of interest.
Overall, while many students appreciate aspects of their course, significant concerns about organisation, content, support, and employability skills need to be addressed to improve the student experience in environmental sciences.