Module Details

Module Code: ENVR S8020
Full Title: Advanced Environmental Biotechnology
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Caroline Gilleran
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: This module provides students with a detailed understanding of how biological systems, ranging from bacteria to plants, achieve environmental remediation, convert biomass to energy, can be used in the detection and monitoring of contaminants and produce biopolymers.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Critically assess and analyse the theory and practice of molecular genetic and molecular biology approaches to environmental and ecological problems.
MLO2 Compare, contrast and evaluate the fundamental principles, operating criteria and design options for the major methods of production of sustainable energy from biomass and clean technology.
MLO3 Explain, apply and assess recombinant DNA techniques in the production of novel plants and microbes to enhance environmental remediation.
MLO4 Apply the obligations of the major legislative and regulatory instruments in relation to energy recovery from biomass and solid waste management.
MLO5 Formulate informed views on current global and national environmental issues.
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).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Environmental Monitoring
Molecular biology and genetic principles, and their application in environmental monitoring. Research applications of molecular techniques in the field of behavioural and evolutionary ecology. Critical analysis and understanding of traditional and molecular methods to identify prokaryotes in air, soil and water samples, and environmentally important processes, such as pesticide degradation. Study and identification of biomarkers and biosensors in the environment.
Bioenergy
The energy problem, sources of biomass, feedstock sustainability, global patterns of biomass use. Thermo-chemical conversion of biomass – solid biomass fuels, pre-treatment, direct combustion, gasification and pyrolysis. Anaerobic digestion - Biogas. Liquid biofuels – Bioethanol and biodiesel production. E.U. and national legislation, global utilisation and production.
Bioremediation
Bioremediation strategies, biochemical pathways of biodegradation, applications of molecular biology in bioremediation, metals bioremediation, gaseous bioremediation, phytoremediation, phycoremediation. Risks sssociated with GMOs: Potential impacts on the environment and human health.
Clean Technology
Fundamentals of clean technology. Integrated pest management and bio-control of plant diseases. Microbial polymer production and bio-plastic technology.
Sample practical classes
•The use of enzyme electrodes and modern biosensors. •Fermentation of paper waste to bioethanol. •The production of biodiesel from cooking oil. •Production of bioplastic from potato starch. •Protein profile analysis of various fish species.
Site visits
• Short-rotation willow coppice plantation in Clogherhead. • Industrial composting yard.
Workshops/Tutorials
Sample Workshop Topics: Environmental topics making headlines. Students identify a recent environmental biotechnology news story and try to get behind the headlines to distinguish fact from fiction. Student-led debate on the ethics and the potential costs and benefits of plant biotechnology. How healthy is eating fish? A discussion on the bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants in fish. Student-led debate on food versus fuel.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work10.00%
Practical40.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Alternating workshops and tutorials will promote critical thinking and familiarise students with current global and national environmental and sustainability issues. Workshops will facilitate student-led debates and discussions.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Weekly laboratory practicals and site visits will serve to re-emphasise topics covered in lectures. Students will be assessed using a variety of methods including submission of formal reports, in-class quizzes and presentations.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 120
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination

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
Practical Contact Practical class Every Week 3.00 3
Lecture Contact Formal lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Tutorial/discussion Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Study Non Contact Independent study Every Week 4.00 4
Directed Reading Non Contact Supplementary reading material will be posted on moodle Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 12.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • G. Boyle. (2012), Renewable Energy Power for a Sustainable Future, 3rd. Oxford University Press.
  • D.P. Clark, N.J. Pazdernik. (2012), Biotechnology, Update ed.. Elsevier/Academic, Amsterdam.
  • A. Scragg. (2005), Environmental Biotechnology, 2nd. Oxford University Press.
  • S. Silveira. (2005), Bioenergy: Realising the potential, Oxford University Press.
  • I. Ahmad, F. Ahmad, J. Pichtel. (2011), Microbes and microbial technology : agricultural and environmental applications, [ISBN: 1441979301].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • A. Slater, N.W. Scott, M.R. Fowler. (2008), Plant Biotechnology: The genetic manipulation of plants, 2nd. Oxford University Press.
  • J.D. Wall, C.S. Harwood and A.L. Demain. (2008), Bioenergy, ASM Press.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Abbaszaadeh, A., Ghodadian, B., Reza Omidkhah, M., Najafi, G.. (2012), Current biodiesel production technologies: A comparative review, Energy Conversion and Managment, 63, p.128.
  • Guo, M., Song, W., Buhain, J.. (2015), Bioenergy and biofuels:History, status, and perspective, Renewable and Sutainable Energy Reviews, 42, p.712.
  • Leung, D.Y.C., Wu, X., Leung, M.R.H.. (2010), A review on biodiesel production using catalysed transesterification, Applied Energy, 87, p.1083-1095.
  • Vasco-Correa, J., Khanal, S., Manandhar, A., Shah, A.. (2018), Anaerobic digestion for bioenergy production, Bioresource Technology, 247, p.1015.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Sims, R.E.H. Mabee, W.,Saddler, J.N., Taylor, M.. (2010), An overivew of second generation biofuel technologies, Bioresource Technology, 101, p.1570-1580.
  • Yavari, S., Malakahmad, A., Sapari, N.B.. (2015), A Review on Phytoremediation of Crude Oil Spills, Water, Air & Soil Pollution, p.226.
Other Resources