Course Catalogue

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This course examines the terrestrial environment with a focus on pollution sources, pathways and interactions. The course will develop skills in experimental design, environmental data analysis, field and laboratory skills. Terrestrial Environment: Pollutants and Processes is designed to enhance and develop valuable practical, critical analysis and interpretation skills which will provide a strong foundation in experimental and analytical science for both future studies and professional life after graduation.

5 x Lectures (5.5 hrs)

4 x Tutorial (5.5 hrs)

3 x Practical Fieldwork Sessions (16 hrs)

5 x Practical Lab, Computer and Workshop Sessions (12hrs)

Students must have achieved a D or better in any Level 1 Environmental Science and Sustainability course to be admitted to this class.

None

Assessment 1, 25% of overall course grade: A lab report based on the practical water analysis lab session in week 4. The lab report will be 1200 words (±10 %) and will follow a standard scientific report format. (ILOs 1 and 3 )

Assessment 2, 25% of overall course grade: A practical skills assessment on preparation of a calibration graph to determine the concentration of 3 unknown samples. The students will work in pairs and will be assessed on the quality of calibration graph produced by serial dilution of a stock standard solution, and precision and accuracy of the calculation of the unknown samples. (ILO 1)

Assessment 3, 50% of overall course grade: Proposal for contaminated site investigation - Produce a poster introducing a proposal to investigate pollution at a contaminated site. The proposal should build on published information, include a detailed plan for sampling and analysis, (including annotated map, instrumental methods and quality control procedures), and consider pollution mitigation options. (ILOs 2, 3 and 4)

This aims of this course are:

■ To enable students to develop practical laboratory and field analysis skills which are applicable to environmental pollution monitoring, analysis, and remediation.

■ Explore real-world case studies and examples to develop practical skills valued by employers

■ To enhance student understanding of analytical methods in preparation for planning and conducting research projects

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1.Demonstrate proficiency in practical field and lab-based analytical skills

2.Identify appropriate sampling and analytical methods to address real-world environmental issues

3.Apply statistical data analysis techniques to interpret trends and make comparisons in environmental data

4.Create a proposal for investigation and mitigation of pollution at a contaminated site

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.