BS21720 - MICROBIAL & CHEMICAL MONITORING OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Module Identifier	BS21720
Module Title	MICROBIAL & CHEMICAL MONITORING OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Professor William Adams
Semester	Semester 1
Other staff	Mr Alvin Jones, Dr John Scullion, Dr Lesley Manchester
Pre-Requisite
Course delivery	Lecture	30 Hours
	Practical	15 Hours (5 x 3 hours)
Assessment	Practical exercise	Continuous assessment of practicals	30%
	Exam	3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper	70%
	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

be aware of and appreciate the significance of the important contaminants that affect the quality of air and land and water resources
have training in a wide range of sampling strategies and the key questions to be resolved before decisions on sampling are made
have an overview of the range of analytical techniques used in environmental monitoring and ve ware of factors affecting accuracy and precision
have achieved competence in transforming and interpreting raw analytical data.

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.