Module Details

Module Code: BIOT6008
Title: Environmental Biotechnology
Long Title: Environmental Biotechnology
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to familarise students with aspects of environmental biotechnology such as biological waste treatment systems, bioremediation, environmental legislation and pollution control.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Provide an overview of industrial waste streams and the role of the Environmental Protection Agency.
LO2 Describe the role of microorganisms in waste treatment.
LO3 Describe the use of biotechnological processes to protect the environment.
LO4 Describe the role of industrial hygiene.
LO5 Perform and report on experimental tasks related to the roles of microorganisms in waste treatment.
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
Industrial Waste Management
Hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams. Wastewater. Role of the environmental protection agency. Integrated Pollution Prevention Control License. Environmental Legislation. Environmental Impact Assessments.
The role of microorganisms in waste treatment.
Overview of treatment of sewage/waste water and industrial effluents. Biological nutrient removal. Differences between treatment strategies for potable water and waste water. Landfill technologies and composting.
Biotechnological processes to protect the environment.
Bioremediation, detection and monitoring of pollutants using biosensors. Biofuels.
Industrial Hygiene
Hazards in the workplace. Responsibility of the employer and employee. Control of hazards.
Laboratory Programme
Conduct relevant laboratory procedures and practical skills.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Theory based assessment
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Theory based assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 2,5
Assessment Description
Laboratory practicals and report writing
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 Classroom Instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory Practicals Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-Directed learning 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
  • Gareth G. Evans, Judy Furlong,. (2011), Environmental Biotechnology, J. Wiley, [ISBN: 9780470684177].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bruce E. Rittmann, Perry L. McCarty. (2001), Environmental biotechnology, McGraw-Hill, [ISBN: 9780071181846].
  • Gabriel Bitton. (2011), Wastewater microbiology, J. Wiley, [ISBN: 9780470630334].
  • Barbara A. Plog and Patricia J. Quinlan. (2012), Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene, National Safety Council, [ISBN: 9780879123123].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SAGBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Biosciences 3 Mandatory
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 3 Elective
CR_SAGBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Biosciences 3 Mandatory