Module Catalogue 2013/14

CEG8626 : Petroleum in the Environment

  • Offered for Year: 2013/14
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Martin Jones
  • Owning School: Civil Engineering & Geosciences
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
Pre Requisites
Code Title
CEG8621Molecular Marker Compounds
CEG8625Chemical Analysis of Organic Matter
Pre Requisite Comment

-

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

-

Aims

The aims of this unit are to provide an insight into the environmental problems associated with the production and use of petroleum and what can be done to ameliorate them.

Outline Of Syllabus

Composition of crude oil and petroleum products and naturally occurring hydrocarbons. Sources of hydrocarbon pollution in the environment from conventional and unconventional petroleum exploration and production, transportation and uses as a fuel and feedstock for other products. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – their origins, properties and effects. Oil spills and methods for their remediation and minimisation of their impact. Methods for measuring hydrocarbon toxicity and the effects of hydrocarbon pollution in the environment. Case studies of actual oil spills, including the effects of public perception on actions for the treatment of petroleum pollution. Atmospheric pollutants arising from the use of petroleum products as fossil fuels, their effects and their minimisation.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module students will be aware of how routine petroleum exploration and production activities, and accidental spillages, may result in oil pollution. They will know how this pollution impacts the marine environment and will understand how its toxicity can be determined. Students will understand that waste water is another by-product of petroleum hydrocarbon production and will be aware of some of the treatments used to minimise the environmental impact of this water. They will be familiar with case studies of significant oil pollution incidents. Students will be aware of the atmospheric pollutants that are produced when petroleum hydrocarbons are extracted and used as a fossil fuel, how this could contribute to local environmental problems, global climate change and what steps are being taken to mitigate this.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to interpret geochemical data describing the fate of spilled hydrocarbons in the environment, for monitoring oil spill remediation and for distinguishing hydrocarbon pollutants from different sources.

Graduate Skills Framework

Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: Yes
  • Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
    • Critical Thinking : Assessed
    • Data Synthesis : Assessed
    • Active Learning : Present
    • Numeracy : Present
    • Literacy : Assessed
    • Information Literacy
      • Source Materials : Assessed
      • Synthesise And Present Materials : Assessed
      • Use Of Computer Applications : Present
  • Self Management
    • Self Awareness And Reflection : Present
    • Planning and Organisation
      • Goal Setting And Action Planning : Present
      • Decision Making : Present
    • Personal Enterprise
      • Initiative : Present
      • Independence : Present
      • Problem Solving : Present
      • Adaptability : Present
  • Interaction
    • Communication
      • Interpersonal : Present
      • Written Other : Assessed
    • Team Working
      • Collaboration : Present

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion15:005:00Coursework (essay)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:301:30Exam
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion10:200:20Class test
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture191:0019:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion190:309:30Revision for exam.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical13:003:00Data based practical class
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity191:0019:00Background reading.
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity14:304:30Practical write-up.
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity14:004:00Revision for class test.
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity191:0019:00Lecture write-up.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study115:1015:10Includes reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material.
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Specialist knowledge and understanding are primarily imparted via lecture classes, supported by computer-hosted reference materials and workshops. Subject specific skills are taught through the data-based workshop.
Students are encouraged and expected to learn through reflection and independent reading. They are supported in this by the provision of an prioritised, reading list. Observations and discussions during exercises aid development of understanding whilst a short test at the end of the module (ten-minute-test) enables students to monitor the progress of their learning.
Subject specific skills are learnt through participation in, and reflection on, the data-based practical class.
Key skills are practised through participation in data-based practical classes.

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 Examination902M60Unseen written exam
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M40Essay on aspect of petroleum in the enviornment. 1000 words - approximately 5 hours preparation.
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise1MShort (10 minute) test.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The specialist knowledge and understanding imparted during this module are assessed by means of unseen written examination and a single written coursework item. The examination paper employs a range of approaches in order to accurately assess student abilities. These may include essay, calculation, data interpretation, and multi-part questions.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

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.