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ESC-20032 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2021/22 Last Updated: 16 February 2022

ESC-20032 - Environmental Analytical Methods
Coordinator: Ian Oliver Tel: +44 1782 7 34956
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

CHE-10044 (Introductory Environmental Chemistry).

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

Effective investigation, management and monitoring of the environment can only be achieved through the design of robust sampling strategies, the use of accurate and precise analytical techniques, and the sound interpretation of data.
This module provides hands-on practical experience and theoretical understanding of experimental design and sampling strategy development, the use of analytical instruments to characterise environmental media (e.g. air, water, soil, biota) and the interpretation of data. The knowledge and skills developed are highly relevant for careers in environmental management, regulation, consultancy and research.

Aims
To enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of sampling strategies and experimental design in environmental science investigations. To provide students with technical knowledge of, and hands-on experience using, a range of analytical equipment for examining environmental media (soil, water, vegetation, air). To facilitate students gaining experience and skills in the manipulation, analysis and interpretation of environmental data sets.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-20032/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

1,2
1
2

Study hours

35 hours of practical sessions, seminars, discussions, quizzes & workshops
115 hours guided independent study and group work

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 50%
Laboratory Portfolio
A portfolio of laboratory reports based on practical sessions where students engage with different analytical instruments used for the characterisation and assessment of environmental media (e.g. soil, water).

2: Group Report weighted 50%
Small Group Consultancy Report
In small groups (e.g. 4), students take on the role of an environmental consultancy firm and produce a proposal document submission that sets out how their 'company' proposes to investigate a specified pollution incident scenario and to evaluate the data obtained, including; i) field sampling strategy, ii) sample processing and preservation methods, iii) laboratory analytical instruments and techniques to be employed, iv) quality control measures, and v) data evaluation approach. Groups will be able to select their preferred pollution incident scenario from a set list. All group members receive the same mark.

Please note that for the 2021/22 Academic Year all programmes will be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there will be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 16 February 2022