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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Environmental Analysis
Reference PLM305 Version 1
Created February 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved March 2023 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 key factors related to the pollutants/contaminants in the environment.
2 Critically evaluate the appropriateness of the different techniques available for sampling, preparation and analysis for an analytical problem related to the pollutants/contaminants in the environment.
3 Critically review the results and conclusions from an analytical group project related to pollutants/contaminants in the environment.

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 70
Non-Contact Hours 230 230
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: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Description: Demonstrate competent laboratory planning and analysis of a common environmental contaminant and individual performance in a PowerPoint presentation.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The grade represents Component 1 (PE1). A minimum of Module Grade D is required to pass the module. Non-submission will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None, in addition to the course entry requirements.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Skoog, D.A., West, D.M., Holler, F.J. and Crouch, S.R. 2017. Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry. Seventh Edition. Cengage Learning.
2 Dean, J.R. 2013. Environmental Trace Analysis: Techniques and Applications. John Wiley and Sons.
3 Miroslav, R., Bashkin, V.N. 2006. Practical Environmental Analysis. RSC Publishing.
4 Zhang, C. 2017. Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis. Wiley-Blackwell.

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