Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Competency in maths and chemistry above GCSE level (through undergraduate or work-based training/experience if not at AS or A-level), and some prior background in basic groundwater hydraulics, such as recharge processes, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, groundwater flow patterns

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module will provide an understanding of:
•       the fundamental principles and factors that control and influence groundwater chemistry, rock-water reaction rates, and the application to various operational contexts;
•       how to develop and apply appropriate sampling and analytical approaches to collection and interpretation of hydro-chemical data;
•       the prediction of changes using a range of appropriate modelling approaches.

Outline Of Syllabus

Groundwater in the hydrological cycle
Groundwater – surface water interactions
Governing principles of the occurrence of inorganic solutes in groundwater
Controls on groundwater chemistry I: Dissolution and precipitation
Sampling and analysis of groundwaters, and design of monitoring schemes
Representation, interpretation and interrogation of groundwater chemistry
Practical exercises in representation, interpretation and interrogation of groundwater chemistry
Controls on groundwater chemistry II: pH, acids & bases
Controls on groundwater chemistry III: Sorption, complexation & ion exchange
Controls on groundwater chemistry IV: Redox reactions
Controls on groundwater chemistry V: Tutorial
Organic solutes and colloids and their transport
Controls on groundwater chemistry V: biogeochemical influences
Groundwater microbiological and vulnerability
Predicting changes in groundwater chemistry
Case study: effect of metal precipitation on borehole yields
Case study: Saline groundwater
Principles and application of environmental tracers

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will understand:

•       the influences that control the chemical composition of groundwater
•       the importance of acid-base & oxidation/reduction reactions in natural environments
•       controls on occurrence and transport of organic solutes
•       biogeochemical influences on groundwater chemistry
•       the significance of analytical uncertainty and natural variability
•       the principles of isotope geochemistry to interpret and predict groundwater evolution

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

•       Choose an appropriate sampling and analytical approach to undertake hydro-chemical investigations
•       Represent, interrogate and interpret groundwater chemistry data
•       Use simple equilibrium calculations to describe natural aqueous systems
•       Use simple models to predict changes in groundwater chemistry

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Specialist knowledge and understanding are primarily imparted via lecture classes, supported by computer-hosted reference materials. Subject specific skills are taught through tutorials, and a computer-based workshop.

Students are encouraged and expected to learn through independent reading. They are supported in this by the provision of an extensive, but prioritised, reading list. Observations and discussions during the modelling workshop aid development of understanding.

Subject specific skills are learnt through practice on worked examples based on real life case studies, and participation in, and reflection on, the computer-based workshop using geochemical calculations.

Key skills are practised through participation in the computer-based workshop and in completion of the assessed coursework.

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, calculation methods, data interpretation, and practical application.

The coursework is designed to develop understanding and skills taught during the module through assessment and interpretation of hydrochemical data sets from a case study application.

General Notes

Original Handbook text: