ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor A Meharg

Pre-requisites

CM 1013 or CM 1014, CM 1509 and either SS 2002 or EV 1505 or PL 3303

Notes

This course extends over 6 weeks only.

Overview

This course aims to give students a sound insight into the composition of environmental samples and the methods used for their analysis. At the end of the course, you should be able to make sensible decisions in the planning of analytical sampling strategies to meet the needs of any specified environmental analytical problem related to the soil/plant/water system. You should have a reasonable knowledge of sample preparation procedures, sub-sampling methods and sub-sample dissolution techniques. You should have a basic grasp of key soil chemical processes and how they are quantified and a sound understanding of how to obtain reliable analytical results using a selection of modern instrumental methods of analysis. Methods include spectrophotometry and colorimetry, fluorimetry, flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, high pressure liquid and ion chromatography, total organic carbon carbon analysis, electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and flame and plasma atomic emission spectrometry. You should also have a grasp of approaches to automation of analytical methodology and be capable of handling routine analytical calculations.

Structure

6 weeks, Thread I - 3 one-hour lectures per week, 5 six hour practicals and 1 two-hour tutorials during the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment on essay, laboratory reports and class presentation (100%).

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Wilson

Pre-requisites

Available only to those taking the Environmental Science Honours Degree.

Overview

An independent research project, under the supervision of a member of staff. The candidate is required to deliver a short seminar on the results of the work, publish a web site and to submit a thesis. As a preparation for the project, candidates are expected to attend a residential team building course held over 2 days in week 12.

Structure

Independent work.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Evaluation of the thesis, web-site and seminar and an oral examination.

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Wilson

Pre-requisites

Available only to those taking the Environmental Science (Physical Science) Honours Degree.

Overview

An independent research project, under the supervision of a member of staff. The candidate is required to deliver a short seminar on the results of the work, publish a web site and to submit a thesis. As a preparation for the project, candidates are expected to attend a residential team building course held over 2 days in week 12.

Structure

Independent work.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Evaluation of the thesis, web-site and seminar and an oral examination.