Module Details
Module Code: |
ENVR S8020 |
Full Title:
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Advanced 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: |
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.
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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 |
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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Clean Technology
Fundamentals of clean technology. Integrated pest management and bio-control of plant diseases. Microbial polymer production and bio-plastic technology.
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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.
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Site visits
• Short-rotation willow coppice plantation in Clogherhead.
• Industrial composting yard.
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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.
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Module Assessment
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Course Work | 10.00% |
Practical | 40.00% |
Final Examination | 50.00% |
Module Special Regulation |
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AssessmentsFull Time On Campus
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
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Recommended Book Resources |
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G. Boyle. (2012), Renewable Energy Power for a Sustainable Future, 3rd. Oxford University Press.
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D.P. Clark, N.J. Pazdernik. (2012), Biotechnology, Update ed.. Elsevier/Academic, Amsterdam.
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A. Scragg. (2005), Environmental Biotechnology, 2nd. Oxford University Press.
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S. Silveira. (2005), Bioenergy: Realising the potential, Oxford University Press.
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I. Ahmad, F. Ahmad, J. Pichtel. (2011), Microbes and microbial technology : agricultural and environmental applications, [ISBN: 1441979301].
| Supplementary Book Resources |
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A. Slater, N.W. Scott, M.R. Fowler. (2008), Plant Biotechnology: The genetic manipulation of plants, 2nd. Oxford University Press.
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J.D. Wall, C.S. Harwood and A.L. Demain. (2008), Bioenergy, ASM Press.
| Recommended Article/Paper Resources |
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Abbaszaadeh, A., Ghodadian, B., Reza
Omidkhah, M., Najafi, G.. (2012), Current biodiesel production
technologies: A comparative review, Energy Conversion and Managment, 63, p.128.
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Guo, M., Song, W., Buhain, J.. (2015), Bioenergy and biofuels:History, status,
and perspective, Renewable and Sutainable Energy Reviews, 42, p.712.
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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.
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Vasco-Correa, J., Khanal, S., Manandhar,
A., Shah, A.. (2018), Anaerobic digestion for bioenergy
production, Bioresource Technology, 247, p.1015.
| Supplementary Article/Paper Resources |
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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.
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Yavari, S., Malakahmad, A., Sapari, N.B.. (2015), A Review on Phytoremediation of Crude
Oil Spills, Water, Air & Soil Pollution, p.226.
| Other Resources |
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Website, Department of Communications, Marine and
Natural Resources,
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Website, European Union Law,
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Website, Environmental Protection Agency,
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Website, Irish Bioenergy Association,
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Website, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland,
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Website, Teagasc,
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Website, 'Food and Drug Administration'. FDA,
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