CEG8112 : Air Pollution
CEG8112 : Air Pollution
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Sheen Cabaneros
- 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
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
1. To introduce the fundamentals of air pollution with a background on historical perspective on air pollution and a commentary on current air quality policies and standards;
2. To discuss major pollutants, their sources and effects (environmental and health);
3. To introduce the methods to estimate air pollution emission with an emphasis on industrial and roadside sources;
4. To introduce the theory of dispersion of air pollution in the atmosphere;
5. To introduce air pollution control and forecasting technologies;
6. To introduce the issues of indoor air pollution and personal exposure to air pollution; and
7. To discuss the impacts of air pollutants on the planet.
Outline Of Syllabus
1. History of air pollution
2. Current policies, standards and objectives
3. Sources of air pollution
4. Impact of major air pollutants on human health and the environment
4. Monitoring of emissions and air pollutants in ambient air
5. Modelling and control of emission via physics based approaches
6. Indoor air pollution and personal exposure
7. Air pollution from a case study
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
1. A basic understanding of the fundamentals of air pollution with a background on historical perspective on air pollution and current air quality policies and standards. (M1)
2. Knowledge of major air pollutants; their sources and their effects (environmental and health) and how emissions are estimated (M1)
3. Insight into the fate of air pollutants in the atmosphere. (M1)
4. Knowledge of analysing and presenting outputs of air pollution calculations and models to a wide range of audiences. (M2)
Intended Skill Outcomes
1. To be able to estimate emissions of air pollutants with an emphasis on power generation (M3)
2. To be able to estimate air pollution concentrations as a function of source strength, distance from sources, and meteorology. (M3)
3. To be able to estimate health and environmental impacts of changes in air pollution. (M7)
4. To be able to evaluate various policy options in terms of their impacts on emission, air quality and health (M7)
5. To be able to disseminate emission calculation and air quality results to a wider audience. (M17)
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lecture notes and online resources, e.g. pCaPs/ podcasts and/or articles. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | 13 x 1 hour lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 32:00 | 32:00 | Assessed reports on air pollution from roadside sources and impact of the transition to electric vehicles |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | 2x3hr modelling practical. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | 9 x 1hr calculation tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Includes background reading for a full understanding of material |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Learning outcomes will be achieved by introducing knowledge and theory in lectures and by exercising the relevant skills in practical exercises. Practicals will simultaneously review the taught content of the lectures and develop the key intellectual, practical or communication skills.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | 100 | Individual report on air pollution from national power generation for a case study country, feasibility and impacts of transitioning to renewable power generation (2000 words) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Set approximately halfway in the teaching block. Feedback given in class to check knowledge and understanding. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The individual report will also assess computer and literature literacy, data analysis, writing, presentation, time planning and communication skills (M1 M2 M3 M7 M17).
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG8112's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CEG8112's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 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, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.