CEG2609 : Research Methods in Environmental Pollution
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Dr Shannon Flynn
- Lecturer: Dr Martin Cooke, Dr Simon Peacock
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
This module will introduce the theoretical and practical aspects of environmental pollution analysis. The aim is to enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the principles and theory of environmental pollution analysis and to provide a training in the use of modern instrumental techniques (such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, Ion-Chromatography and Gas Chromatography) for the geochemical analysis of water, soil and sediment samples.
Outline Of Syllabus
The lectures in this module introduce the theoretical and practical aspects of the sampling of environmental media such as water, soil and sediment. A review of basic chemistry, both organic and inorganic, is taught at the start of the module to ensure that all students have sufficient chemical knowledge to complete the module. Basic analytical concepts are covered, with particular emphasis on the monitoring and interpretation of data quality. Lastly, the operation of analytical techniques such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, Ion-Chromatography and Gas Chromatography are explained, along with the shortcomings of each approach. A field trip and practical classes allow students to collect and analyse a set of samples from a local site and thus to put what has been learned into practise. Data interpretation and data quality are considered during the seminars.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Preparation for and completion of 2 in class tests |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Write up of lab work Completion and write up of lab work |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 7 | 3:00 | 21:00 | Geochemical extraction and analysis |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Computer workshops |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Nenthead or other suitable location. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 24:00 | 24:00 | Follow up to lectures and workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 79:00 | 79:00 | Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for full understanding of material. |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 field and laboratory practical classes, supported by computer workshops. Students are encouraged and expected to learn through independent reading and subsequent reflection. They are supported in this by the provision of a module specific reading list. Practical skills are learnt by active participation in the field and laboratory practical classes. Key skills are practised during the planning and implementation of an environmental pollution study, and in the communication of the results of the study.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 80 | Approx 4000 word report on water chemistry of waters impacted by mining in Nenthead region or other suitable location. |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 20 | 2 in class open book tests (each 50 minutes and worth 10%) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
In class tests will examine the progress of the students in developing the skill to calculate solution concentrations, prepare standards, calculate alkalinity, and determine the quality of data before applying it to their reports.
The specialist skills, knowledge and understanding imparted during this module will then be assessed in a cumulative essay based on the data collected throughout the term. Data are collected and analysed by groups during the field trip and throughout the term in lab and then assessed by an individual report on this work.
The report tests the students' ability to analyse, interpret and present data appropriately for a technical report.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG2609's Timetable