Module Details
Module Code: |
ENVR S8017 |
Full Title:
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Environmental Biotechnology
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Valid From:: |
Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 ) |
Language of Instruction: | English |
Module Owner:: |
Caroline Gilleran
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Module Description: |
The aims of this module are to explore how organisms (including genetically modified organisms) can be applied to environmental problems and issues including waste management, water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, bioremediation and environmental monitoring.
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Module Learning Outcome |
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
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Module Learning Outcome Description |
MLO1 |
Appraise the influence of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology on environmental monitoring. |
MLO2 |
Examine and define the fundamental principles, operating criteria and design options for the major biological methods used in the treatment of wastewater, drinking water, municipal solid waste, contaminated air and soil. |
MLO3 |
Interpret and compare national and international policies and apply the major legislative and regulatory instruments in relation to water and waste water quality, solid waste management and air treatment technology. |
MLO4 |
Apply practical competence in selected molecular and biotechnological techniques. |
Pre-requisite learning |
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 DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
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No recommendations listed |
Module Indicative Content |
Biotechnology and waste management
EU and national policies on waste management. Biowaste composition. Disposal of solid waste and associated problems – landfill, incineration. Biological waste treatment: MBT, composting, anaerobic digestion.
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Water treatment
Municipal water treatment. Potable water demand and supply, International standards; Drinking water regulations 2000, management of source quality. Quality issues.
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Wastewater treatment
Wastewater composition. Municipal wastewater treatment: Primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. Septic tanks. EU and national policies on wastewater treatment.
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Bioremediation
Contaminated land and water, in situ and ex situ bioremediation techniques. Factors affecting bioremediation. Bioaugmentation techniques using GMOs. Phytoremediation.
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Biotechnology and air pollution control
Biotechnological approaches to air pollution: biofilters, bioscrubbers, biotrickling filters.
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Biotechnology and environmental monitoring
The influence of recombinant DNA technology on environmental monitoring. Biomarkers, biochemical indicators, genetic indicators of pollution, biosensors.
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Sample practical classes
Analysis of BOD, COD and suspended solids in waste water. Toxicity testing using plants. Drinking water quality. Oil bioremediation using microbial cultures. HPLC to detect antibiotics in water.
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Sample site visits
Energy recovery thermal treatment plant, Indaver, Duleek. Large scale industry, Tara Mines, Navan. Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) research facilities at DkIT.
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Module Assessment
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Practical | 50.00% |
Final Examination | 50.00% |
Module Special Regulation |
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AssessmentsFull Time On Campus
Reassessment Requirement |
A 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.
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DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
Workload: Full Time On Campus |
Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
Lecture |
Contact |
Lecture |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
Practical |
Contact |
Practical class |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
Independent Study |
Non Contact |
Independent study |
Every Week |
5.00 |
5 |
Directed Reading |
Non Contact |
Supplementary reading material will be posted on moodle. |
Every Week |
1.00 |
1 |
Total Weekly Learner Workload |
12.00 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
6.00 |
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload. |
Module Resources
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Recommended Book Resources |
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Jördening H.J., Winter, J.. (2005), Environmental biotechnology: concepts and applications., Wiley-VCH.
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Scragg, A. H.. (2005), Environmental biotechnology, 2nd. Oxford University Press.
| Supplementary Book Resources |
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Clark, D.P.. (2012), Biotechnology, Update ed.. Elsevier/Academic, Amsterdam, [ISBN: 9780123850638].
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Madigan et al.. (2011), Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 13th. Pearson Education.
| Supplementary Article/Paper Resources |
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Silva, A.B., Costa, M.F., Duarte, A.C.. (2018), Biotechnology advances for dealing with
environmental pollution by
micro(nano)plastics: Lessons on theory
and practices, Current Opinion in Environmental Science
& Health, Volume 1, p.30–35.
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Sharma, B., Kumar-Dangi, A., Shukla, P.. (2018), Contemporary enzyme based technologies
for bioremediation: A review, Journal of Environmental Management, 210, p.10-22.
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Wang. P., Wang, H., Qui, Y., Ren, L.,
Jiang, B.. (2018), Microbial characteristics in anaerobic
digestion process of food waste for, Bioresource Technology, 248, p.29.
| Other Resources |
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Website, EU database,
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Website, Irish government departments,
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Website, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland,
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Website, Environmental Protection Agency of
Ireland,
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Website, Composting and Anaerobic Digestion
Association of Ireland,
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Journal search database, Science direct,
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