Module Catalogue 2024/25

CEG8101 : Core Concepts in Environmental Engineering

CEG8101 : Core Concepts in Environmental Engineering

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Professor David Werner
  • Lecturer: Professor Thomas Curtis
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

-

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

-

Aims

To acquire knowledge and understanding of the physical, chemical, biological sciences which underpin Environmental Engineering.

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 also gain hands-on experience in analytical methods for assessing pollution of the natural environment and engineered treatment systems, data evaluation, and reporting methods.

Outline Of Syllabus

History of public health engineering and environmental standards Faecal-oral route of disease transmission
Chemistry Fundamentals, including chemical pollutants (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite)
Microbiology Fundamentals, including pathogens (E. Coli, Vibrio Cholerae, Salmonella Typhi) and biotransformation (nitrification of urea)
Measurement and Analysis Fundamentals, including quality assurance and statistics (Theory and Practical).
Modelling Fundamentals, including mass balance and simple computational methods

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Awareness of global, regional, and local environmental issues, and the principles of sustainability. An understanding of the key components of aqueous, terrestrial and gaseous environments and their interaction with pollutants. (M1)
A practical knowledge of important analytical tools for monitoring and assessing environmental pollution and protecting public health. (M1)
Knowledge of the historic evolution of public health engineering principles and environmental regulations (M11)

Intended Skill Outcomes

Proficiency in laboratory analytical techniques for standard analysis of water and wastewater samples. (M12)
Ability to calculate and express experimental data in standard units, assess experimental uncertainty and test the statistical significance of treatment effects. (M2 M14)
Ability to source relevant reference data and water quality standards, make comparisons with analytical data, draw relevant conclusions, and prepare technical laboratory reports. (M4)
Ability to work individually and in teams, plan work and produce deliverable outputs on time. (M16)

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion133:0033:00Assessed reports on environmental monitoring
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials201:0020:00Lecture notes and online resources e.g. PCaPs/podcats and / or articles. Non-synchronous
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture18:008:008 x 1 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical23:006:002 x 3 hour laboratory practicals.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching61:006:00Calculation and data analysis tutorial.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork13:003:00Fieldwork practical.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study241:0024:00Includes background reading 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 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

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report1M100One submission based on environmental monitoring data generated/shared in the lectures, practicals and tutorials (maximum 10 A4).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Knowledge and skills are assessed by an item of coursework. Coursework assesses skills in planning, organization, literature review, quality assurance and control, data-analysis, interpretation and numeracy, through written presentation of a environmental monitoring report.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

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

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.