Objectives and Competencies
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Objectives
The objectives of the Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences of the University of Almeria are oriented towards the acquisition and development of the University's basic and cross-curricular educational skills, as well as the specific skills gained in the degree subjects (basic, compulsory and elective), the Bachelor's Dissertation and the internships. These objectives will allow graduates to develop their professional work at a highly competitive level. In this sense, the necessary skills to carry out professional duties effectively are developed, in agreement with the Spanish Environmental Sciences State Coordinator (CECCAA) and the Andalusian Official College of Environmental Scientists (COAMBA).
All students of this degree, regardless of the mention selected, will gain basic, instrumental and applied knowledge for data collection, analysis and the discussion of results. They will have the skills necessary to interpret the interactions between the components of the natural and social system, from the local to the global scale, and from an integrated perspective, considering the ecological, social, cultural and economic limitations of the territory. A transdisciplinary training approach is the most appropriate, within a framework of sustainability, in order to better view and manage environmental problems taking into account all the actors involved and a wide range of possible scenarios for change.
The proposed studies include comprehensive training in environmental and ethical values, essential for the transition of societies to sustainability, and enables graduates to work professionally in different areas, both in the private and the public sectors; this includes consultancy (formal or non-formal), teaching and research within their competencies, such as:
- Environmental training and teaching.
- Environmental education and communication. Ecotourism.
- Participation, negotiation and mediation in environmental conflicts.
- The study, analysis and management of natural resources and ecosystem services.
- Ecological and landscape interpretation and assessment.
- Planning, analysis and management of biodiversity and socio-ecosystems.
- Global Change and Climate Change.
- Scientific and technical advice on sustainability and eco-innovation.
- Advice on environmental management, regulations and environmental legislation.
- Planning and management of the territory.
- Environmental Impact Assessment of Plans, Programmes and Projects.
- Environmental supervision and inspection of works and activities.
In addition to the generic knowledge of this qualification, the training programme's two mentions will allow the student to attain more specific, in-depth knowledge pertaining to the mention chosen.
The Socio-ecosystem Management mention focuses on eco-management and the governance of ecosystem components in the environmental system, and their interaction with society; it also provides additional expertise in:
- Carrying out inventories, surveys and monitoring of biodiversity and geodiversity as natural capital.
- Recovery and management plans for threatened and economically relevant species.
- Ecosystem assessment and restoration along with ecosystem services.
- The management of water, natural areas and socio-ecosystems.
The Innovation for Sustainability mention focuses on eco-management applied to activities and companies, as well as business proposal development based on these solutions.
- Environmental management and standardization systems.
- Eco-audits, lifecycles, footprints and eco-labelling.
- The circular, environmental and ecological economy.
- Energy and eco-efficiency.
These objectives will be developed, in all cases, (a) on the basis of respecting fundamental rights and gender equality, (b) respecting and promoting human rights and the principles of universal accessibility and design for all, and (c) in accordance with the values of a peaceful and democratic culture.
Competencies
Competencies are understood to be the identifiable and assessable set of interconnected knowledge, attitudes, values, abilities and skills, which will allow the students to exercise their professional activity according to the requirements and standards used in the corresponding occupational area.
All University of Almeria degrees explicitly include three types of competencies:
- The generic competencies included in Royal Decree 1393/2007, of 29 October, which establishes the organization of official higher education.
- The generic competencies of the University of Almeria (approved by the Governing Council on 17 June 2008). These are cross-curricular competencies common to all the degrees.
- The specific competencies of the degree. These competencies are detailed in the degree’s report and are related to its particular subjects. Some of these competencies may have been agreed at the Andalusian regional level, or for certain degrees, they may be regulated at the state level.
Basic, General and Cross-Curricular Competencies
The basic competencies for all bachelor’s degrees are defined in Royal Decree 1393/2007, of 29 October, and are aimed at the student acquiring general training in one or more disciplines, oriented towards preparing them to carry out professional activities. They will be progressively adapted and as established by the current Royal Decree 822/2021, of 28 September, which establishes the organization of university education and the quality assurance procedure.
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To possess and understand knowledge |
That students have demonstrated they possess and comprehend knowledge in an area of study that is part of the foundation of general secondary education, and is usually found at a level that, although supported in advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the vanguard of the field of study. |
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Knowledge application (CB2) |
That students should be able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and possess the skills that are often demonstrated through developing and defending arguments and solving problems within their area of study. |
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Ability to make judgements (CB3) |
That students have the ability to collect and interpret the relevant data (usually within their area of study) to make judgements, including reflections on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues. |
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Capacity to communicate and social aptitude (CB4) |
That students are able to convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialized and non-specialized audiences. |
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Learning skills (CB5) |
That students have developed the learning skills necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy. |
The cross-curricular competencies of the University of Almeria, approved by the Governing Council on 17 June 2008, are as follows:
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Basic knowledge of the profession (UAL1) |
Knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable the understanding of new theories, interpretations, methods and techniques within the different disciplinary fields, conducive to the optimal fulfilment of professional requirements. |
| Ability to use ICT (UAL2) | Using Information and Communications Techniques (ICTs) as a tool to express and communicate, to access information sources, as a means of filing data and documents, for presentation tasks, for learning, research and cooperative work. |
| Ability to solve problems (UAL3) | The ability to identify, analyse, and define significant elements that constitute a problem in order to solve it rigorously. |
| Oral and written communication in one's own language (UAL4) | To understand and express ideas, knowledge, problems and solutions clearly and opportunely to a wider, specialized or non-specialized audience (and feelings through words, adapting to the particular situation and audience to gain their understanding and endorsement). |
| The ability to be critical and self-critical (UAL5) |
This is the mental aptitude to question things and be interested in the bases on which ideas, actions and judgements are founded, both one’s own and those of others. |
| Teamwork (UAL6) | To integrate and collaborate actively with other people, areas and organizations to achieve common objectives, in both national and international contexts. |
| Knowledge of a second language (UAL7) | To understand and be understood, both verbally and in writing, using a language other than one's own. |
| Ethical commitment (UAL8) | The ability to think and act on principles of a universal nature that are based on the value of the individual and are directed toward them reaching their full potential. |
| Learning to work autonomously (UAL9) | The ability to design, manage, and execute a task by oneself. |
| Social competence and global citizenship (UAL10) | To respect fundamental rights and equality between men and women, human rights, the values of a peaceful and democratic culture, and environmental and cooperative development principles that promote ethical commitment in a global, intercultural, free and just society. |
Specific competencies
The specific competencies provided by this degree are listed in the degree report.
