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AGR307Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Environmental Impact Assessment

This course on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) introduces students to the concept, classification, and key elements of EIA. It explores the guidelines, procedures, roles, and functions of EIA in ensuring environmental considerations are integrated into proposed activities for sustainable development. Students will develop skills to conduct EIAs, understand legal frameworks, and propose mitigation measures. The course emphasizes the importance of balancing environmental protection with economic development.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Environmental Impact AssessmentEIASustainable DevelopmentMitigation MeasuresEnvironmental Protection

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition and Scope of EIA

2

Legal and Regulatory Framework for EIA

3

Classification of EIA

4

Key Elements of EIA (Screening, Scoping, Mitigation)

5

EIA Guidelines and Procedures

6

Role and Function of EIA

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Self-Assessment Exercises

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignment

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Impact Assessor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sustainability Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Regulatory Compliance Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Oil and GasAgricultureInfrastructure DevelopmentManufacturingGovernment Regulatory Agencies

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The definition and legal basis of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process

8h

Unit 1: Definition and scope of EIA

4 study hours
  • Read the definition of EIA.
  • Understand the scope of EIA.
  • Identify the main purpose of EIA.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.

Unit 2: Institutional Arrangement EIA legislation & Lead Agencies

4 study hours
  • Explain the origin and legal framework for EIA.
  • Distinguish the lead agencies for EIA process in Nigeria.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
2

Module 2: Classification and categorization of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 1: Classification of EIA

4 study hours
  • State the various types of EIA based on the purpose and theme or concern.
  • Describe each of the theme or concern.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
3

Module 2: Classification and categorization of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 2: Other categorization of EIA

4 study hours
  • Describe and appraise the three categorizations – regional, sectoral and life-cycle Assessment as part of EIA classification.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
4

Module 3: Key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 1: Screening

4 study hours
  • Differentiate which proposed activity requires mandatory EIA.
  • Establish which proposed activity does not require an EIA.
  • Justify why an EIA may not be required in certain peculiar circumstances.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
5

Module 3: Key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 2: Scoping

4 study hours
  • Identify the issues to be considered in scoping.
  • Formulate the Terms of Reference (ToR) or 'EIA-scope draft report'.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
6

Module 3: Key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 3: Identifying and evaluating project alternatives

4 study hours
  • Formulate and appreciate the consideration of alternatives to a proposed action.
  • Evaluate different types of alternatives that can be considered.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
7

Module 3: Key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 4: Mitigating measures

4 study hours
  • Propose some appropriate mitigation measures to address common potential environmental impacts arising from project level activities.
  • Build the mitigation measures into a monitoring plan.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
8

Module 3: Key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 5: EIA report and certification

4 study hours
  • Develop an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
  • Explain the Approval / Certification process.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
9

Module 4: Basic guidelines and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 1: Preliminary activities

4 study hours
  • Recall preliminary activities in the EIA process, those of screening and scoping.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
10

Module 4: Basic guidelines and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 2: Impact identification

4 study hours
  • Discuss preliminary identification of potential impacts.
  • Discuss preliminary screening for impact importance.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
11

Module 4: Basic guidelines and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 3: Baseline study

4 study hours
  • Collect the information to describe the baseline environment of a proposed activity.
  • Report on seasonal differences.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
12

Module 4: Basic guidelines and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4h

Unit 4: Impact evaluation

4 study hours
  • Practise the identification of potential impacts from a projectlevel EIA.
  • Investigate potential impacts from similar activity/action.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.
Week
13

Module 4: Basic guidelines and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

8h

Unit 5: Mitigation measures

4 study hours
  • Identify mitigation options from the prediction and assessment of relevant effects/impacts.
  • Develop mitigation measures for identified relevant effects/impacts of a simple agricultural project.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.

Unit 6: Documentation, decision making & Post audits

4 study hours
  • Justify the need for documentation in the EIA process.
  • Appraise the decision making process in EIA.
  • Demonstrate the importance of post audits in EIA.
  • Answer self-assessment questions.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Thoroughly review all study units, paying close attention to key definitions and concepts.

2

Practice applying EIA principles to real-world scenarios and case studies.

3

Focus on understanding the legal and regulatory framework for EIA in Nigeria.

4

Review all self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked assignments to identify areas for improvement.

5

Create concept maps linking the different stages of the EIA process (screening, scoping, impact assessment, mitigation).

6

Pay special attention to the content of Module 4, as it covers the basic guidelines and procedures of EIA.

7

Familiarize yourself with the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in the EIA process.

8

Practice writing concise and well-structured answers to potential exam questions.

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