Module Catalogue 2013/14

CEG8101 : Core Concepts in Environmental Engineering

  • Offered for Year: 2013/14
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Paul Sallis
  • Owning School: Civil Engineering & Geosciences
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
Pre Requisites
Pre Requisite Comment

-

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

-

Aims

To aquire knowledge and understanding of the physical, chemical, biological sciences which underpin Environmental Engineering and sustainability of the environment

This module is designed to provide scientific skills and understanding of the key chemical, physical and biological processes appropriate for a practising environmental engineer. Students will gain experience in practical analytical methods for assessing pollution of the natural environment (e.g. river water quality) and engineered treatment systems (e.g. wastewater treatment plants).

Outline Of Syllabus

Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Water Chemistry Fundamentals (pH, Alk, B.O.D, etc.)
Water Quality Standards
Water and Regulations
Pathogens
Biodegradation
Micro – Pollutants and Ecotoxicology
Freundlich Isotherms
Sorption, Precipitation, Colloids, etc.
Measurement and Analysis (Practical)

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Awareness of global, regional and local environmental issues, international protocols and the principles of sustainability.
An understanding of the key components of aqueous, terrestrial and gaseous environments and their interaction with pollutants.
A practical knowledge of important analytical tools for monitoring and assessing pollution of water, air and solids.
Knowledge of ecosystem management in the context of European Directives and UK Regulations.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Proficiency in laboratory analytical techniques for standard analysis water and wastewater samples
Ability to calculate and express experimental data in standard units
Ability to source relevant reference data and water quality standards, make comparisons with analytical data, draw relevant conclusions, and prepare technical laboratory reports.
Ability to work individually and in teams, plan work and produce deliverable outputs on time.

Graduate Skills Framework

Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: Yes
  • Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
    • Critical Thinking : Assessed
    • Data Synthesis : Present
    • Active Learning : Present
    • Numeracy : Assessed
    • Literacy : Assessed
    • Information Literacy
      • Source Materials : Present
      • Synthesise And Present Materials : Assessed
      • Use Of Computer Applications : Present
  • Self Management
    • Personal Enterprise
      • Initiative : Present
      • Independence : Present
  • Interaction
    • Communication
      • Written Other : Assessed
    • Team Working
      • Collaboration : Present

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:151:15Exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture151:0015:00Lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion150:307:30Revision for exam
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion210:3021:00Assessed reports on laboratory practicals
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical33:009:00Practical laboratory sessions
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching41:004:00Tutorials
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork13:003:00Field trip to water/waste water treatment site
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study139:1539:15Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The course introduces the chemical and microbiological principles required for an understanding of environmental pollution and waste treatment processes through lectures and tutorials. It provides experience in analytical techniques for pollution measurement, and assessment of compliance with regulatory standards. It develops skills in data collection, handling, interpretation and presentation in written form (laboratory report). The laboratory classes are split into smaller groups with demonstrator support to facilitate skills development. Acquired skills are assessed in the laboratory report. The field trip is included to provide practical context for lecture materials.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination751A50Unseen written exam.
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report1M50Two assessed reports on laboratory practicals (maximum 15 sides each).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Knowledge and skills are assessed by unseen written exam, and an item of coursework. The exam employs a range of approaches to assess student ability including essays, numerical problems, and short multi-part questions. Coursework assesses skills in planning, organisation, data-analysis, interpretation, through written presentation of a laboratory report.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Recommended to consider vaccination for Polio, Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid

Note: The Module Catalogue now reflects module information relating to academic year 13/14. Please contact your School Office if you require module information for a previous academic year.

Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.