Module Identifier BS21720  
Module Title MICROBIAL & CHEMICAL MONITORING OF THE ENVIRONMENT  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator Dr John Scullion  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Mr Alvin K Jones, Dr Lesley N Manchester  
Pre-Requisite  
Course delivery Lecture   30 Hours  
  Practical   15 Hours (5 x 3 hours)  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper  70%
Semester Assessment Practical Exercise: Continuous assessment of practicals To be submitted during the first week of term 2.30%
Supplementary Assessment3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper (plus resubmission of failed coursework or an alternative)   

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
On compeltion of the course, students will

Aims

To make students aware of 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 sample analysis and data interpretation.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Lester, J.N. & Birckett, J.W. (1999) Microbiology and Chemistry for Environmental Scientists and Engineers E & FN Spon
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.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5