| Module Title: | Environmental Science |
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| Language of Instruction: | English |
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| Teaching & Learning Strategies: |
This module will be taught in one theory class of one hour duration for 30 weeks and one 3 hour practical per week for 10 weeks. To consolidate lectures and practicals, students will normally be required to carry out assignments and prepare a weekly practical report analysing their own research and results. Any course-related issue or questions that may arise will be discussed at lectures. |
| Module Aim: |
To introduce the student to the fundamentals of environmental science and environmental analysis |
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to: |
| LO1 |
Describe the principles of environmental theory and practice. |
| LO2 |
Appreciate the dynamic interactive nature of the environment. |
| LO3 |
Perform a representative range of physico-chemical analyses of water and waste, applicable to pollution and environmental assessment. |
| LO4 |
Understand and interpret Reports from EPA and other bodies |
| LO5 |
To be able to communicate principles/theory in environmental science in both written and oral formats in an effective and professional manner. |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
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| No recommendations listed |
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. |
| No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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| No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. |
| Successful completion of year 1 or equivalent |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
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The Environment
The four spheres of the environment, dynamic nature and interactions, natural cycles, pollution as an imbalance.The environment and health
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The Lithosphere
Soil formation, generalised chemical composition of mineral (silicates/aluminates) and organic matter (humic/fulvic acids). Soil profiles and horizons, soil texture and ped structure, soil properties :pH, conductivity, cation exchange, nutrient cycling.
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The Hydrosphere
The hydrological cycle. Water sheds/river basins. River and lake structure and zones, groundwater/aquifers, surface water quality (phosphates, nitrates, ammonia, organic matter, dissolved oxygen, BOD and COD), trophic status, eutrophication, pollution sources (point-source v diffuse). Representative sampling. EPA reports. Catchment management.
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Water treatment
Unit processes in treatment of raw water to potable water. Alum coagulation and flocculation, Jar Tests, filtration, disinfection (chlorination/ozone/uv), fluoridation. Residuals. Parametric values, PV. EPA Compliance reports.
Waste water treatment (screenings/homogenation/aeration-activated sludge/trickle filters/anoxic-anaerobic, disinfection), Urban Waste Water Directive
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The Atmosphere
Chemical composition, stratification, ozone, CFCs, greenhouse gases, particulate matter, acid rain, CAFE Directive, air quality monitoring.
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The Biosphere
Biodiversity, invasive species, conservation, Birds/Habitat Directive (SPA, SAC)
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The EPA
Establishment, structure, roles. licencing, IPPC.
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Practical
Practicals will develop skills and compentences in soil and water/waste water analysis. Practicals to include Soil testing for pH, moisture, conductivity, nutrients, texture and organic matter (Walkey-Black method and LOI). Water analysis will include colour, turbidity, conductivity, chloride(Mohr). nitrate (uv method), phosphate (mrp), dissolved oxygen (Winkler), BOD and COD (Hach micro-digestion).
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
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| Continuous Assessment | 10.00% |
| Practical | 40.00% |
| End of Module Formal Examination | 50.00% |
| Special Regulation |
| Students must achieve a minimum grade (35%) in both the practical/CA and final examination. |
| Continuous Assessment |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Open-book Examination |
Exam |
1,2,3,4 |
5.00 |
n/a |
| Presentation |
Students will present a 10 minute presentation on a topic of their choice relating to environmental science |
5 |
5.00 |
Sem 2 End |
| Practical |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Practical/Skills Evaluation |
Practical Log Book |
3 |
40.00 |
Sem 1 End |
| End of Module Formal Examination |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Formal Exam |
3 hour exam |
1,2,3,4 |
50.00 |
End-of-Semester |
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
30 Weeks per Stage |
1.00 |
| Laboratory |
30 Weeks per Stage |
1.00 |
| Estimated Learner Hours |
30 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
| Total Hours |
120.00 |
Module Delivered In
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