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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Environmental Analysis
Reference ASM031 Version 2
Created August 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved February 2018 SCQF Points 30
Amended August 2021 ECTS Points 15

Aims of Module
To enable students to critically appraise the sources and behaviour of environmental pollutants/contaminants. To evaluate how these pollutants/contaminants interact with biological systems to elicit toxicological effects. To reflect upon experience developed to determine the most effective sampling selection, sampling methodologies and instrumental and bio-analytical techniques to successfully monitor the environment. To select a range of appropriate analytical techniques to solve a given environmental problem and present the findings professionally, as part of a working group.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Critically appraise how physio-chemical parameters of environmental pollutants/contaminants affect their partitioning, biological uptake and biological effects.
2 Critically evaluate a range of techniques used for sample site location, sample selection and collection and then critically appraise suitable instrumentation and bio-analytical methodologies for a given contamination issue.
3 Critically review and plan work on proposed analytical work involving an environmental problem. Carry out the work as a member of a group, interacting confidently and effectively, demonstrating appropriate negotiating and leadership skills and present the findings of the group to a professional standard.

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. Group project work on a given environmental analytical challenge. Solution of an analytical problem appropriate to Environmental Analysis requiring a combination of Laboratory techniques.

Module Delivery
Full-time; the module is delivered by formal lectures with some external speakers and 5 days of laboratory work as part of a designated group solving a given environmental problem. Part-time; mandatory attendance for 5 days in the lab as part of a designated group solving a given environmental problem.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 70 50
Non-Contact Hours 230 250
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 300 300
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: Practical Exam Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 3
Description: Demonstrate competent laboratory planning and analysis of a common environmental contaminant and individual performance in a PowerPoint presentation.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2
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
The first grade represents Component 1 (PE1) equally weighted with the second, Component 2 (CW2). A minimum of Module Grade D is required to pass the module, with compensation of grade E in Component 1 or Component 2 permitted. Non-submission of either component will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A AA, AB, BA
B AC, AD, BB, BC, CA, CB, DA
C AE, BD, BE, CC, CD, DB, DC, EA, EB
D CE, DD, DE, EC, ED
E AF, BF, CF, DF, EE, EF, FA, FB, FC, FD, FE
F FF
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None.
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.

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