Module Details

Module Code: PHYS7017
Title: Air Quality Instrumentation
Long Title: Air Quality Instrumentation
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module describes the operation, performance metrics and calibration of a range of sensors and instrumentation used to monitor environmental conditions with particular reference to gas sampling and gas analysis.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the operation of a range of sensors and transducers with particluar reference to air quality monitoring and stack emission testing
LO2 Operate environmental instrumentation and interpret results
LO3 Perform calculations to quantify instrument performance and analyse data
LO4 Interpret and assess 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).
13556 PHYS7017 Air 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
Sensors:
Ambient analysers vs stack emissions. Gas measurement using electrochemical, paramagnetic, optical including NIR, Plasma techniques. Particle detectors and counts, humidity, moisture content, filters. Mass spectrometers to include Time of Flight, Magnetic sector, Quadrupole. Resolution and sensitivity. Applications.
Manufacturer specifications
Data sheets, calibration protocols and operating conditions. EPA regulations, MCERTS (Monitoring Certification Scheme)
Sampling techniques
Collection and storage of environmental gas samples. Automated sampling, isokinetic sampling.
Lab Programme
Operation of a range of sensors. Data acquisition and analysis. Calibration of sensors.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Experiment and report
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
Assessment
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
Assessment
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 Experiment and report 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 1.50 1.5
Lab Contact Experiment Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Directed study Every Week 1.00 1
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
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Thad Godish, Wayne T. Davis, Joshua S. Fu. (2015), Air Quality, 5th. CRC Press, [ISBN: 9781466584440].
  • Jeremy Colls, Abhishek Tiwary. (2009), Air Pollution: Measurement, Modelling and Mitigation, 3rd. CRC press, [ISBN: 978041547932].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • EPA. (2017), National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme 2017-2022, [ISSN: 978-1-840].
  • EPA. (2017), Air Quality in Ireland 2016, [ISSN: 978-1-840].
  • EPA. (2017), Air Emissions Monitoring Guidance Note #3 (AG2).
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SESST_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology 5 Mandatory