Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module’s aims are:
a) to demonstrate the entire life cycle of environmental water samples from sample taking to analysis and data interpretation;
b) to introduce current and advanced chemical analytical techniques for environmental water analysis, from principle of analysis to hands-on experience;
c) to provide an overview of inorganic and organic contaminants in ground- and surface water; and
d) to enable the students to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the fate of different contaminants in aqueous environments.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module combines theory with practice by providing background information in the form of lectures, which is then applied in the extensive field/lab based component (2.5 days), providing hands-on experience in advanced current analytical methods for organic and inorganic contaminant quantification.
Topics in lectures include:
(Field) Experimental design and sampling strategies & techniques
Sources and types of water contamination
Inorganic and organic contaminants and analytical methods for their quantification
Processes determining the fate of organic and inorganic contaminants, examples from current research projects and case studies, including modelling (qualitative, quantitative)
Discussion, analysis and critiquing of measured data

Field trip:
water sampling, examples of different polluted water sources, principles of aqueous sample pre-treatment and preservation (partly carried out in the lab)

Lab practical (on own collected samples):
ICP-MS - metals,
IC - anions,
HPLC/LC-MS - soluble organic contaminants,
GC-MS/GC-ECD - volatile organic contaminants

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
•       identify appropriate sampling approaches and preservation techniques for environmental water samples;
•       discuss contaminant classification and the nature of diffuse and point-source pollution, giving examples;
•       describe the origin, properties and fate of major organic and inorganic contaminants in ground- and surface water
•       explain the principles of organic and inorganic contaminant identification and quantification, using examples
•       assess the fate of contaminants in aqueous environments, providing qualitative and quantitative descriptions

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
•       implement appropriate sampling approaches and preservation techniques for environmental water samples
•       design and carry out organic and inorganic contaminant quantification using a variety of analytical methods (for details see syllabus)
•       critically analyze and discuss their laboratory data
•       professionally report their data and discussion, including referencing to literature in the field and in the context of relevant national / international environmental regulations and legislation
•       apply their knowledge of processes determining contaminant fate to develop a qualitative and quantitative model for their field site(s)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The use of lectures allows the presentation of fundamental knowledge required for the subject, and the development and consolidation of detailed technical understanding through classroom based small group teaching activities (taught tutorials) within each teaching period. Application and reinforcement of the gained knowledge and development of technical skills are provided in field visits and lab practicals. Specialist knowledge and understanding is developed in problem solving exercises and the assigned coursework activity. Students are also encouraged and expected to learn through reflection and independent reading. They are supported in this by the provision of an extensive, but prioritized, reading list. Critical thinking and analyzing skills will be furthered in discussions during the teaching sessions and applied in the coursework assignment. Short quizzes throughout the module enable students to monitor the progress of their learning and identify critical topics for their independent study.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

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, data interpretation, and application of the discussed principles and approaches.

The coursework is designed to further develop understanding and skills taught during the module through a written report involving assessment of a water contamination problem, including analysis, evaluation and discussion of their own collected data, and the integration of all data into a conceptual model.

General Notes

N/A