Module Identifier | BS21720 | ||
Module Title | MICROBIAL & CHEMICAL MONITORING OF THE ENVIRONMENT | ||
Academic Year | 2000/2001 | ||
Co-ordinator | Professor William Adams | ||
Semester | Semester 1 | ||
Other staff | Mr Alvin Jones, Dr Lesley Manchester, Dr John Scullion | ||
Pre-Requisite | |||
Course delivery | Lecture | 30 Hours | |
Practical | 15 Hours (5 x 3 hours) | ||
Assessment | Exam | 3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper | 70% |
Practical exercise | Continuous assessment of practicals | 30% | |
Resit assessment | 3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper (plus resubmission of failed coursework or an alternative) |
Aims and objectives
To make students aware of the sources and problems caused by the main chemical and biological contaminants that degrade the quality of terrestrial and aquatic systems and the need to set environmental standards; to explain the importance of using appropriate sampling and analytical techniques to quantify problems and to demonstrate that scientific rigour in sampling and analysis is fundamental to the reliable interpretation and assessment of specific problems.
Content
The main classes of contaminants of land, air and water will be identified. The differences in character and properties between these environments will be discussed with particular reference to the setting of environmental standards. The different facets of water quality will be explored particularly in relation to pathogens present, contaminants which increase BOD and potentially toxic elements and compounds. The range of analytical techniques used in monitoring soil and water quality will be outlined but the main focus will be on critical aspects of sampling and methodology which affect the reliability of data prodcued and the conclusions which are based on them.
A series of practicals will give students experience in sampling and data interpretation.
Learning outcomes
On compeltion of the course, students will
Reading Lists
Books
** Recommended Text
Mitchell,R. (1992)
Environmental Microbiology. Wiley & Sons.
Jeffery, G.H., Bassett, J., Mendham, J. & Denney, R.C.. (1989)
Vogels textbook of quantitative chemical analysis. 5th. Longman Scientific & Technical.
Harris, D.C.. (1995)
Quantitative chemical anlaysis. 4th. W.H. Freeman.