Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 15 x 1 hour lectures |
| Practical | 4 x 2.5 hour practicals |
| Other | 1 x 2 hour workshop |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Report based on data from laboratory practicals and from dataset provided | 50% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Written examination | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 2 Hours Candidates must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. demonstrate a knowledge of the importance of QA/QC procedures.
2. discuss the role of risk assessment in setting environmental standards
3. appreciate the underlying principles and uncertainties associated with common analytical procedures.
4. demonstrate competence in sample analysis
5. undertake data manipulation and interpretation of datasets.
Brief description
This module consists of a series of lectures that introduce students to the basis of environmental standards and some of the problems associated with collecting reliable data for environmental assessment. It considers the entire process from sample collection through laboratory analysis to data interpretation, emphasising the integral link between protocols for investigation and associated environmental standards and the need for quality assurance (QA) procedures.
Content
The differences in properties between land, air and water are discussed with particular reference to the implications for risk assessments associated with the setting of environmental standards (both chemical and biological). Design of monitoring programmes and methods for taking, storing and preparing samples are considered. Principles underpinning a range of techniques (both chemical and biological) used in monitoring soil, air and water quality are outlined and the importance of QA measures emphasised. Overall, there is a strong emphasis on the how methodologies affect the reliability of data produced and their relationship to published environmental quality standards.
Practical classes
A series of laboratory practical classes gives students experience in sample analysis, data processing, QA/QC measures and data interpretation for a case study based on samples taken from a local estuary.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Data handling skills will be developed and assessed in coursework reports |
| Communication | Development of written in the subject, assessed in coursework and examination |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Scholarly review of recent peer-review publications in the topic for practicals, workshops and seminars |
| Information Technology | Word processing, spreadsheet manipulation and presentation of data. Assessed in coursework reports |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Familiarisation with quality control/quality assurance issues essential to career in environmental science |
| Problem solving | Practical classes will provide opportunities to develop problem solving skills and these will be assessed in coursework reports. |
| Research skills | Coursework reports require preparation using library and web resources and this will be assessed. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Subject specific concepts relating to environmental standards and monitoring will be developed and assessed in coursework/ examinations |
| Team work | Group working in laboratory practicals. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5