University of the
West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJNL-20-2 Title: Environmental Analytical Techniques Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:
Faculty Committee approval: Q&S Committee (School of Life Sciences) Date: June 2010
Approved for Delivery by: N/A
Valid from: September 2010 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Entry Requirements:
N/A
Excluded Combinations:
None
Learning Outcomes:
The student will be able to:
- discuss the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of air, water, wastewater and soil;
- describe the fate of contaminants in the environment;
- describe the impact of contaminants on organisms and human health;
- gain practical experience in a range of analytical techniques;
- describe and compare the use of contemporary analytical technques.
Syllabus Outline:
Natural characteristics of water, air, soil, and sediments. Principles of contamination and pollution. Point and diffuse sources of contaminants. Environmental quality guidelines, standards and objectives for air, water, wastewater, soil, and sediments. Contamination of air, water and land by hazardous inorganic and organic chemicals.
Environmental fate of contaminants. The physical, chemical and biological processes that influence the retention and degradation of contaminants. The impact of contaminants on organisms. Health effects due to exposure to contaminants such as hydrocarbons, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, nano particles and radionuclides.
Introduction to environmental analytical Instrumentation. Techniques for measuring the physical, chemical, and biological parameters of water and wastewater, the atmosphere, soil and sediments.
Laboratory analysis of field samples using a range of analytical techniques such as IR, AAS, ICP-OES, HPLC, GC, GCMS, ion-selective electrodes and geiger counters. Analysis and interpretation of environmental data. The limitations and sources of error associated with analytical measurements and the analysis of contaminants.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The module will be taught by a combination of interactive lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals and filled visits, all of which will be integrated through the use of Blackboard. Laboratory-based analytical practicals will be used in parallel to lectures to help marry practice and theory. Students are expected to self-study in their own time to help develop a deeper understanding of the subject. Full support will be given in this regard.
Reading Strategy:
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Any essential reading will be indicated clearly, along with the method for accessing it, e.g. students may be expected to purchase a set text, be given or sold a print study pack or be referred to texts that are available electronically, etc. This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
If further reading is expected, this will be indicated clearly. If specific texts are listed, a clear indication will be given regarding how to access them and, if appropriate, students will be given guidance on how to identify relevant sources for themselves, e.g. through use of bibliographical databases.
Indicative Reading List:
Allsopp, M., Costner, P. and Johnston, P. (2001). Incineration and Human Health. University of Exeter. Greenpeace.
Barraclough, D. (2007). UK Soil and Herbage Pollutant Survey. UKSHS Report No. 1. Introduction and Summary. Environment Agency, Bristol, UK, June 2007, 48 p.
Chapman, D. (1996). Water quality assessments: A guide to the use of biota, sediments and water in environmental monitoring. UNESCO/WHO/UNEP,
available at www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/resources/wqa/en/index.html)
Dean, J.R. (2003). Methods for Environmental Trace Analysis. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diaz-Ramos, S., Stevens, D.L., Jr and Olsen, A.R. (1996) EMAP Statistical Methods Manual. Rep. EPA/620/R-96/002, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, NHEERL-WED, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.
Girard, J.E. (2010). Principles of Environmental Chemistry. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 687 p., ISBN 978-0-7637-5939-1
National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection (2007) Pollution Handbook, NSCA, Brighton.
OU Course Team, Environmental Control and Public Health Units, 11,12 & 13, (1993) The Open Univ Press.
OU Course Team, Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Control, (1995).The Open Univ. Press.
Radojevic, M. and Bashkin, V.N. (1999). Practical Environmental Analysis. The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge.
Stevens, D. L., Jr. and A. R. Olsen (2004). Spatially-balanced sampling of natural resources. Journal of American Statistical Association 99(465): 262-278.
Assessment:
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%
FIRST ATTEMPT
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
EX3 |
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Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
CW1 |
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CW2 |
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Second Assessment Opportunity (Resit) further attendance at taught classes
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
EX3 |
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Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
CW1 |
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CW2 |
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EXCEPTIONAL SECOND ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)