| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Competency in maths and chemistry above GCSE level (through undergraduate or work-based training/experience if not at AS or A-level).
N/A
This module aims to introduce the principles of contaminant behaviour in groundwater systems. The module will demonstrate the range of possible contaminants, and the mechanisms by which they are transported in groundwater systems. The ways in which human activities can modify the quality of groundwater, and how such modifications can be detected and distinguished from natural processes, will be illustrated, as will the means by which the results can be simulated. In addition, the underlying concepts of groundwater remediation will be introduced and case studies of groundwater remediation provided.
Sources and types of groundwater contamination
Principles of Groundwater Movement
Calculating groundwater transit times
Contaminant transport in the subsurface
Case studies of inorganic groundwater pollution
Introduction to modelling inorganic and organic solute transport
Groundwater modelling exercises
Fate and transport of organic substances in groundwater
Case studies of organic groundwater pollution
Field trip: Examples of remediation of polluted groundwaters
Principles of groundwater remediation
Case studies of remediation, including (1) Pump-and-Treat, (2) Landfill, (3) Mine waters
On completion of this module, students will understand:
• the main ways pollutants migrate in the sub-surface.
• the principles of modelling solute transport
• the fate and behaviour of inorganic and organic pollutants, including their identification and sampling.
• the principles of groundwater remediation.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Describe the human activities that may modify groundwater chemistry;
• Discuss pollutant classification and the nature of diffuse and point-source pollution, giving examples;
• Describe the origin and properties of the major organic and inorganic pollutants;
• Apply the principles of modelling solute transport
• Outline the various approaches to remediation of polluted groundwaters
| Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 18 | 0:30 | 9:00 | Revision for exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 21:00 | 21:00 | Report |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:45 | 1:45 | Exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 17 | 1:30 | 25:30 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 4:30 | 4:30 | Field trip/exercise |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 38:15 | 38:15 | Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material |
| Total | 100:00 |
The use of teaching periods of 1.5 hours allows the teaching of basic knowledge, and the development and consolidation of detailed technical understanding through classroom based small group teaching activities within each teaching period. Specialist knowledge and understanding is taught and developed through problem solving exercises. Application of knowledge and skills is demonstrated through a field based exercise.
Students are encouraged and expected to learn through reflection and independent reading. They are supported in this by the provision of an extensive, but prioritised, reading list. Observations and discussions during the teaching sessions aid development of understanding whilst a short test on completion of the module (ten-minute test) enables students to monitor the progress of their learning.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 105 | 2 | A | 50 | Unseen exam. |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 50 | Coursework assessment consisting of a report on groundwater pollution problems of length up to 1500 words, plus figures/tables. |
The specialist knowledge and understanding imparted during this module are assessed by means of unseen
written examination and a single coursework item.
The examination paper employs a range of approaches in order to accurately assess student abilities. These include multi-part questions aimed at testing basic knowledge, calculation methods, data interpretation, and practical application.
The coursework is designed to develop understanding and skills taught during the module through a written report involving assessment of a groundwater pollution problem and/or it's remediation.
N/A
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.