Module overview
An understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes involved during contamination of air, water and soil is essential if society is going to effectively monitor and control the effects of pollution using modern technology and engineering practices. A huge range of pollutants may be released into the environment during everyday domestic, leisure, industrial and commercial activities and many of these contaminants are potentially harmful to human health and the environment. In this module, we will focus on the origins, pathways and consequences of anthropogenic pollutants in the environment as well as discussing the various approaches to pollution control and remediation. Students will use their knowledge and skills to complete assignments that will test the learning outcomes for the module.
This module does not have any pre-requisites, but some background in chemistry and biology is preferred. Students will be required to perform mathematical activities.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses
- Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
- Applying knowledge and understanding to complex and multidimensional problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
- Recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
- Recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The contribution of environmental science to the development of knowledge of the world we live in
- The processes which shape the natural world at different temporal and spatial scales and their influence on and by human activities
- Methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing environmental science information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use
- The terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in environmental science
- The contribution of environmental science to debate on environmental issues and how knowledge of these forms the basis for informed concern about the Earth and its people
- The need for both a multi-disciplinary and an interdisciplinary approach in advancing knowledge and understanding of Earth systems, drawing, as appropriate, from the natural and the social sciences
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collection, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory
- Solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer-based techniques
- Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
- Identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles
- Using the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
- Evaluating performance as an individual and a team member
- Identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
- Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages including geographic information systems
- Recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members
- Developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work
- Communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms
- Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills)
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Planning, conducting, and reporting on environmental investigations, including the use of secondary data
- Referencing work in an appropriate manner
Syllabus
The module comprises a course of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory practicals and field data collection. This multi-layered appraoch will provide a rich scientific understanding of pollution in the environment by examination and evaluation of contemporary pollution issues. A broad range of topics is covered, including:
• Conceptual frameworks for environmental pollution incidents – definitions and classification.
• Sources and transport of pollutants
• Principles of pollution assessment, representative sampling, sample storage and treatment, and sampling procedures
• Pollutants in freshwater, terrestrial and marine systems
• Biological pollutants
• Plastics as pollutants
• Metals as pollutants
The module emphasises the origins, environmental pathways and consequences of anthropogenic pollutants. Some sessions of the programme are intended to complement other lecture material by illustrating topics of interest and providing additional context. Workshops and seminars will allow topics to be explored in depth via case studies whilst field and laboratory sessions will develop methods of sample collection and analysis.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
The unit will be delivered by lecture, workshop, seminars, field and laboratory sessions. These will be delivered by the course co-ordinator and specialists from across the university, and may draw on external organisations to provide context relevant to student employability.
Learning activities include:
• Attendance at lecture, workshop and seminar sessions.
• Completion of field and laboratory sessions.
• Self-directed learning - supplementary and complementary to lecture materials. This will include applied problem-solving exercises.
• Private study – research for and preparation of module assignment.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 110 |
| Teaching | 40 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Referral Method. Students will have 2 weeks to complete and submit the examination.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 50% |
| Coursework | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External