Bristol UWE - Module specification: -

University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJPD-20-2 Title: Environmental Health Law 2 Version: 1

Level: 2 UWE credit rating; 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type:

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2007 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: Environmental Health Law 1

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to;

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of environmental health legislation, guidance and codes of practice which support environmental health enforcement

• Discuss the issues which arise when interpreting environmental health related legislation, gathering evidence and enforcing statutory requirements

• Explain the legal framework for environmental and public health protection and be aware of the principles underlying statutory standards and non- statutory guidelines

• Demonstrate appropriate understanding of the various mechanisms for securing compliance with legislative provisions and alternative compliance strategies

Syllabus outline:

Statutory framework for pollution control, waste management, food, housing, public health and health and safety in the workplace. The role and powers of law enforcement agencies and authorities. Case studies on application and interpretation of law and decision making.

Role and powers of local authorities and relationship with other governmental agencies/ authorities and organisations within their jurisdiction.

The legal process as it relates to environmental health –legal and quasi legal procedure- the courts and tribunals. Assessing alternative enforcement strategies. The law of evidence, gathering evidence, powers of authorised officers, witnesses, defences. Practical case studies and practice in court procedure.

Teaching and learning methods:

Lectures will be used to examine specific environmental health legislation and procedures, supported by workshops which will focus on effective enforcement. Visiting speakers including environmental health and legal practitioners will contribute to the programme.

Small group teaching and consideration of individual learning needs is provided.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Indicative sources:

Bassett,W.H.(2007) Environmental Health Procedures.Clay Library of Health and Environment.

O’Rourke,R.(2005) European Food Law. Thomson Sweet and Maxwell

Anon (2007) Practical Food Law Manual. Thomson Sweet and Maxwell.

Pointing,J.Malcolm,R.(2002) Statutory Nuisance Law and Practice. Oxford University Press

Stranks,J.W.(2005) Health and Safety Law. Prentice Hall.

Bell,S.,McGillivray.(2006) Environmental Law. Oxford University Press.

Electronic Resources

Lexis Nexis

Westlaw

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50 % B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A (controlled) Element weighting

EX2 Examination (2 Hours) 1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

SM1 Seminar presentation 1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )