Module Details

Module Code: ZENV C3100
Module Title: Environmental Science
Title: Environmental Science
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: Kieran Germaine
Domains:  
Module Description: To introduce the student to the fundamentals of environmental science and environmental analysis
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the principles of environmental theory and practice.
LO2 Perform a representative range of physico-chemical analyses of water and waste, applicable to pollution and environmental assessment.
LO3 Demonstrate an understanding of and interpret Reports from EPA and other bodies
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
The Environment
The four spheres of the environment, dynamic nature and interactions, natural cycles, pollution as an imbalance.The environment and health
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.
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.
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
The Atmosphere
Chemical composition, stratification, ozone, CFCs, greenhouse gases, particulate matter, acid rain, CAFE Directive, air quality monitoring.
The Biosphere
Biodiversity, invasive species, conservation, Birds/Habitat Directive (SPA, SAC)
The EPA
Establishment, structure, roles. licencing, IPPC.
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).
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment60.00%
Practical40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students must obtain a minimum grade (35%) in their combined CA
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students must obtain a minimum grade (35%) in their combined CA
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Sem 2 End Learning Outcomes  
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will present a 10 minute presentation on a topic of their choice relating to environmental science
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem 1 End Learning Outcomes 2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 35% in their practicals and must obtain a minimum grade of 40% when CA and Practicals grades are combined.
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Laboratory Contact Practical class 12 Weeks per Stage 2.50 30
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Independent learning 30 Weeks per Stage 2.37 71
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • EPA. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Reports and Manuals.
  • G. Tyler Miller,Scott Spoolman. (2018), Environmental Science, Cengage Learning, p.544, [ISBN: 9781337569613].
  • Gary W. vanLoon,Stephen J. Duffy. (2017), Environmental Chemistry, Oxford University Press, p.560, [ISBN: 019874997X].
  • M. Radojevic,Vladimir Nikolaevich Bashkin. (2006), Practical Environmental Analysis, Royal Society of Chemistry, p.457, [ISBN: 0854046798].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: