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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Extended Elective Studies (Environmental Analysis)
Reference ASM012 Version 4
Created June 2017 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved December 2004 SCQF Points 15
Amended September 2017 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To enable students to develop their understanding of the sources, behaviour of environmental pollutants/contaminants and their interaction with biological systems to elicit toxicological effects. To use this knowledge to determine the most effective sampling locations, sampling selection, sampling methodologies and instrumental and bio-analytical techniques to successfully monitor the environment.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Discuss how physico-chemical parameters of environmental pollutants/contaminants affect their environmental partitioning, biological uptake and biological effects.
2 Critically evaluate a range of techniques used for sample site location, sample selection and collection.
3 Critically appraise suitable instrumental and bio-analytical methodologies for a given contamination issue.

Indicative Module Content
Pollution in the environment: Review of natural and unnatural substances, xenobiotics, pollutants, degradation, persistence, accumulation, principal sources and behaviour of pollutants in air, water and land. Environmental regulations. The application of instrumental techniques for environmental monitoring. Environmental sampling methods and biological indicators of pollution. Measurement of key environmental parameters: Dissolved Oxygen, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Organic Carbon, Turbidity, etc. Automated methods: Technicon Auto Analyser, Flow Injection Analysis, laboratory robotics - techniques, advantages and limitations.

Module Delivery
The course is delivered using a mixture of on-line materials, laboratory visit(s), formal/ online lectures and tutorials.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 50 50
Non-Contact Hours 100 100
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Description: Critical review and assessment of methods of sample selection, sampling methodologies, sample storage and instrumental analytical / bioanalytical techniques for a given set of environmental contaminants.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
This module is assessed by one component of assessment as detailed in the Assessment plan. To pass this module, candidates must achieve a Module Grade of D or better.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A Final mark of 70% or greater.
B Final mark of 60% or greater.
C Final mark of 50% or greater.
D Final mark of 40% or greater.
E MARGINAL FAIL. Final mark of 35% or greater.
F FAIL. Final mark of less than 35%.
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module In addition to course entry requirements, students must be familiar with the basic principles of chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy and electrochemistry.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Skoog, D.A., West, D.M., Holler, F.J. and Crouch, S.R. Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry. Current Edition. Cengage Learning.
2 Dean, J.R. Environmental Trace Analysis: Techniques and Applications. Current Edition. John Wiley and Sons.
3 Miroslav, R., Bashkin, V.N. Practical Environmental Analysis. Current Edition. RSC Publishing.
4 Zhang, C. Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis. Current Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781