Module Details

Module Code: ENVI7001
Title: Environmental Sc & Ind Hygiene
Long Title: Environmental Sc & Ind Hygiene
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4220 - Environmental Science
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module describes the different types of pollutants, their interaction and their treatment. Conventional sources of energy are discussed and alternative sources are considered. Also the magnitude of industrial hygiene problems are explored.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the effects of pollution on air, water and soil quality.
LO2 Evaluate the various treatment systems available for wastewater treatment and waste disposal.
LO3 Explain the interaction and impact of microbes within the environment and appraise the applications of genetic modification in environmental biotechnology.
LO4 Compare the energy sources that are currently used and specify strategies for conserving energy.
LO5 Examine the magnitude of industrial hygiene problems and apply industrial hygiene within selected industries.
LO6 Generate and interpret scientific data through laboratory-based experimentation.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Air, Water and Soil Quality
Sources, standards, guidelines & legislation, controls, quality indicators, resource management, sustainable resources.
Waste Treatment
Types of waste, storage of waste, solid, liquid & gaseous wastes, methods of treatment for different waste types.
Environmental Biotechnology
Overview of waste treatment strategies using biological systems. Bioremediation, biofertilisers and biocontrol. Reducing the environmental impact of farming and industrial processes.
Environmental Microbiology
Microorganisms in natural environments; marine & freshwater, terrestrial; pollution indicators, pathogens, sources. Contamination, control.
Genetic Engineering
Applications of genetic modification and GMOs in bioremediation, and disease resistance. Policies, regulations and impacts regarding the use of GMOs in the environment.
Sources of Energy
Types of energy, fossil fuels, peak oil, carbon footprint, renewable energy, bioenergy; solar energy, heat pumps, wind energy, biomass, biofuel, tidal and wave energy, hydropower.
Industrial Hygiene
Origin, development and current legislation, applications in food, healthcare & biopharmaceutical sectors.
Recognition, Evaluation & Control of Hazards
Industrial toxicology, gases, vapours, solvents and particulates, noise, radiation, thermal stress, ergonomics and biological hazards; sampling and methods of control.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Examination of topics covered in pollution, waste treatment and environmental microbiology
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Examination of topics covered in environmental microbiology, energy strategies and industrial hygiene
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 5,6
Assessment Description
Student presentations on findings from laboratory case study
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 5,6
Assessment Description
Laboratory skills, techniques and written report
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Material outlined in syllabus Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Environmental case study Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study, revision questions, presentation preparation Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Pepper, Gerba & Gentry. (2015), Environmental Microbiology, 3rd. Academic Press, San Diego, [ISBN: 9780123946263].
  • Charles Reese. (2015), Occupational Health and Safety Management, 3rd. CRC Press, [ISBN: 9781482231335].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Enger & Smith. (2015), Environmental Science, 14th. McGraw-Hill Education, New York, [ISBN: 9780073532554].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BAGRI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 6 Mandatory
CR_SBIBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology 6 Mandatory