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Environmental Chemistry - ENV00027C

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Sylvia Toet
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module provides an insight into key concepts in Environmental Science including the chemical, physical and biological processes in aquatic and terrestrial environments, and enables students to apply the concepts to assess the impacts of human activities on the environment and to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

Professional requirements

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Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module will provide students with an understanding of key concepts in Environmental Science in a series of lectures and seminars which
enable them to apply the concepts in aquatic and terrestrial environments. These fundamental environmental principles will feed into more
advanced modules in years 2 and 3. Students will also develop ‘hands-on’ experience in primary data collection, environmental field and lab
techniques, fundamental environmental calculations, data analysis and report writing. Two Portfolios will be put together based on tasks
associated with the lectures, seminars and practicals during the module, involving exercises on environmental concepts, fundamental
environmental calculations, data handling and analysis and scientific report writing.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content:
Understand and be able to apply to problem solve key concepts of environmental science
Have an awareness of key research methods


Generic and Employability skills:
Be able to undertake environmental experiments in the field and lab and collect high quality data
Be competent in analysing, interpreting and reporting environmental data sets
Be competent in carrying out fundamental environmental calculations
Be able to find and use relevant sources for research and critical evaluation of environmental issues
Have further developed skills to work in a team during field and lab practicals, and to manage their own time

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Portfolio 1 (tasks linked to lectures, seminars and practicals)		 15 hours 30
Essay/coursework
Portfolio 2 (tasks linked to lectures, seminars and practicals)		 N/A 70

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Portfolio (tasks linked to lectures, seminars and practicals)		 15 hours 100

Module feedback

Feedback on individual portfolios is provided as written comments on returned work and the feedback sheet, and via a class feedback
session providing generic information on good practice and actions for improvement. Upon request one-to-one feedback can be provided. A
document with general feedback will also be made available. Work will be returned according to the standard Department of Environment and
Geography turnaround time. Formative feedback during sessions and drop-in sessions and through on-line quizzes and peer-review activities
will further aid development of skills and knowledge and provide opportunity for students to check whether they are on track.

Indicative reading

Andrews, J.E., Brimblecombe, P., Jickells, T.D., Liss, P.S. and Reid, B. (2008). Introduction to Environmental Chemistry, Second edition, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK.

Baird, C. and Cann, M. (2012). Environmental Chemistry, Fifth edition, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, USA.

Jackson, A.R.W. and Jackson, J.M. (2000). Environmental Science – The Natural Environment and Human Impact, Second edition, Pearson Education Limited, Harlow, UK.

Sadava D, Hillis DM, Heller HG & Berenbaum MR (2011). Life - The Science of Biology, Ninth edition, Sinnauer Associates & W.H. Freeman and Company, Sunderland, MA, USA.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.