Here below you can find all master courses the University Centre offers. All courses are taught in 1-3 week modules running from August through June. See how the courses are organised in the teaching schedule for both programs. Usually 2-3 courses are taught at the same time, but students may only enroll in one course at a time.
The master courses are available to you whether you plan to pursue a degree or just take a course or courses. Please review the options for guest studies to determine how you can apply.
For further information, contact the Administrative Director of Education and Teaching.
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Spring 2025
- Next course: 17. March - 28. March 2025
- CMM/CRD Elective Course | 4 ECTS
- Course:CMM1902
- Instructor: Gunnar Páll Eydal
About the course
Oceanic and coastal ecosystems are under increasing pressure from human activities, both on local and global scales. This course introduces concepts and methodologies of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Students will learn how the practical tools of the assessment methods are being used and gain the ability to assess the outcomes given by these same tools. Strengths and weaknesses of the EIA and SEA procedures will be discussed.
Instructor
Gunnar Páll Eydal graduated in 2004 with a masters' of Resource Management from the School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University. In 1997, Gunnar graduated with a B.Sc in Geology from the University of Iceland. He specializes in planning and environmental assessment of coastal, wilderness and rural areas. In 1997-2001, Gunnar was a research associate at the Science Institute University of Iceland, Division of Geophysics. In 2005-2006, he taught courses in geology and environmental management at Ísafjörður College. From 2006-2016 Gunnar worked at Eik - planning and environmental consulting in Ísafjörður and from 2016 at Verkís - consulting engineers office in Ísafjörður. Verkís is currently directing several planning projects and environmental assessments in coastal areas.
Gunnar has been a visiting instructor from the foundation of UW in 2008, and he was also involved in the establishment of the Coastal and Marine Management program in 2007-2008. Furthermore, Gunnar has been involved in spatial planning initiatives with the UW.
Learning outcome
On completion of the course a student:
- can appreciate the purpose and role of EIA and SEA in the decision-making process.
- understand the strengths of EIA and SEA regarding environmental management.
- can critically assess the quality of EIA and SEA studies.
- can set up EIA and SEA projects under different environmental settings, write reports and recommendations for authorities.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites registered for the course
Assessment: 10% class participation; 40% group assignment – oral; 50% written assignment
Final Exam: Assignment