Module Details

Module Code: PHYS6038
Title: Water Quality Instrumentation
Long Title: Water Quality Instrumentation
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 7 programme(s)
Module Description: This module deals with the operation, performance metrics and calibration of a range of inline instrumentation used to monitor water quality, both waste water and potable.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Operate inline water testing instrumentation.
LO2 Explain the operation of a range of sensors and transducers with particluar reference to monitoring water quality
LO3 Describe and perform calibration procedures
LO4 Perform calculations to quantify instrument performance and analyse data
LO5 Interpret manufacturer specifications with respect to instrument operation and performance
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).
13458 PHYS6038 Water Quality Instrumentation
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
Water quality measurement
Water quality sensors: temperature / pH / flow / dissolved solids / turbidity / conductivity / dissolved oxygen / chlorine / flouride / TOC / phosphates and nitrates levels. Description of appropriate sensor, mode of operation, type of output etc.
Sensor performance
Fundamental technologies to include electrochemical, optical and photometric. Sensitivity, accuracy, resolution, hysteresis, drift and offsets of a range of sensors. Mathematical analysis of sensor performance
Manufacturer specifications
Data sheets, calibration protocols, operating conditions
Lab Programme
Operation and analysis of a range of sensors used to monitor water quality.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
LAB assessments
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2,4,5
Assessment Description
Examination of lecture material
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,4,5
Assessment Description
Examination of lecture material
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 Course material Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Experiments Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Course material Every Week 3.00 3
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Directed Study Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Study Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Experiment and assessment Every Week 0.00 0
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • American Water Works Association. (2012), Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater, 22. [ISBN: 0875532357].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • EPA. (2017), Drinking Water Report for Public Water Supplies 2016, p.44.
  • EPA. (2017), Water Quality in Ireland 2010-2015, p.68.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SCHQA_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance 3 Elective
CR_SESST_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology 3 Mandatory
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 3 Elective
CR_SCHEM_7 Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry 3 Elective
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 3 Elective
CR_SPHYS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 3 Elective
CR_SCHEM_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Chemistry 3 Elective