Module Details
Module Code: |
SCIA S8015 |
Full Title:
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Environmental Chemistry
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Valid From:: |
Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 ) |
Language of Instruction: | English |
Module Owner:: |
Siobhan McCarthy
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Module Description: |
Following this course, students will be able to critically assess and analyse the chemical processes that occur in the environment, with reference to the impacts of various natural and human inferences on associated biogeochemical cycles.
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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 role of environmental chemistry and biochemistry in the geosphere. |
MLO2 |
Evaluate the fundamental processes that drive biogeochemical cycles at a local scale. |
MLO3 |
Evaluate the effects of human-related pressures on biogeochemical cycles at a global scale, including global climate change. |
MLO4 |
Describe and relate aspects of environmental chemistry and biochemistry to the physical environment. |
MLO5 |
Quantify and assess changes in key chemical cycles in the environment. |
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 |
Environment and its chemistry
Structure and composition of main spheres in the environment; inter-relation of different spheres.
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Atmospheric chemistry
Composition of the atmosphere, chemical processes, solubility of atmospheric pollutants in water; large-scale climate effects, including human related climate change, chemistry of acid deposition. Air quality standards. Gas sampling and analytical techniques.
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The lithosphere
Composition and structure; weathering; leaching; soil chemistry; mineral resources and pollution; geochemical solubility.
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The hydrosphere
Chemical composition and physical properties; water cycle; equilibria in aqueous systems; water pollution; large-scale human-related effects e.g. ocean acidification.
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The biosphere
Composition, major and minor elements; toxicology of heavy metals and organic pollutants, bioaccumulation.
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Biogeochemical cycles for various elements.
Biogeochemical cycling of for C, N, P, and S, and effects of human-related pressures.
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Site Visits
Site Visits will be conducted to nearby industry to gain insight into the systems in place which aim to mitigate against environmental pollution. Example industry includes Tara Mines in Navan, Indaver Incinerator in Co. Meath and the Xerox plant in Dundalk.
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Practicals
A range of practicals which addressing issues relating to soil-water chemical interactions and air pollution will be conducted. An empahsis will be placed on the appropriate use of instrumentation for the analyses, identification and quantification of enivornmental consitutents and pollutatants e.g.: Use of AAS to determine the effect of bioremediation on arsenic polluted water; Comparison of CE and HPLC techniques for the determination of a range of antibiotics in waste water.
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Module Assessment
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Course Work | 10.00% |
Practical | 30.00% |
Final Examination | 60.00% |
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 |
Practical |
Contact |
A range of skills will be implemented in the practicals. For example, students will will collect and analyse water and soil samples on the AAS and Lachat for heavy metals and nutrients. Students will design experiments to assess the impact of heavy metals on Gammarus. There will be site visits and fieldtrips to related facilities. |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
Lecture |
Contact |
Lectures will cover the chemical and physical properties and processes of the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. Environmental issues and solutions related to each of the spheres will be evaluated. |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
Independent Study |
Non Contact |
To include student project focused on compilation of news articles on environmental chemistry and biogeochemistry. |
Every Week |
4.00 |
4 |
Directed Reading |
Non Contact |
Relevant literature will be provided through a VLE |
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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Manahan, S.. (2017), Environmental Chemistry, 10. CRC Press, [ISBN: 9781498776936].
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Baird,C. and Cann, M.. (2012), Environmental chemistry, 5th. W.H. Freeman and Co., New York.
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Weathers, K.C., Strayer, D.L. and Likens, G.E. (Editors). (2012), Fundamentals of ecosystem science, Elsevier, Amsterdam.
| Supplementary Book Resources |
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Dunnivant, F.M.. (2004), Environmental laboratory exercises for instrumental analysis and environmental chemistry [electronic resource], ebrary, Inc via DkIT library. Wiley, [ISBN: 978-0-471-488].
| This module does not have any article/paper resources |
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Other Resources |
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Website, Environmental Protection Agency,
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Website, Earth Observatory,
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Website, Copernicus,
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