Environmental Sciences

Credit Points

0

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton and Dr Zachary Hickman

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Course Aims: This constitutes an examination of the courses done before Christmas. The courses themselves are assessed using only continual assessment. This examination looks beyond the scope of the modules to assess the ability of students to integrate across courses.

Main Learning Outcomes: Assess student performance under examination conditions.

Structure

None

Assessment

Students will select three examination questions from either Plant Ecology, Global Soil Geography, Environmental Pollution - Atmosphere & Aquatic, Environmental Pollution - Terrestrial, Ecosystem Processes, Microbial Ecology, Environmental Biotechnology.

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Course Aims: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to microbiology and microbial ecology looking at different habitats, microorganisms and their diversity with an emphasis on molecular techniques.

Main Learning Outcomes:
Develop an understanding of microbiology and microbial ecology
Background in relevant methodology, e.g. molecular techniques
Insight into current research carried out at the University
Presentation skills

Content: The course starts with an introduction to microbiology and then covers soil and aquatic microbial ecology, and bacterial, archaeal and fungal ecology. Microbial diversity and ecosystem function are covered with an emphasis on molecular techniques used in research. There is also a computer-based practical on phylogeny.

Structure

Three 2-hour lectures per week
One 1-hour guest lecture
One 3-hour practical

Assessment

Continuous assessment based on a presentation (100%).

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme Paton and Dr Zachary Hickman

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

Course Aims: To enable students to increase and enhance their understanding of atmospheric and aquatic environmental pollution issues, and the management, monitoring and control of those pollutants.

Main Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course, the student should have a greater understanding of:
1. The source, fate and effects of pollutants in atmospheric and aquatic environments
2. How pollutants are identified and transported within these environments
3. How pollutants are controlled and their risks minimised

Structure

Three 2-hour lectures per week
One 4-hour practical per week

Assessment

Continual Assessment: Atmospheric practical report (50%), freshwater practical report (50%)

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor Graeme Paton

Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Overview

The course starts with an introduction to microbiology and then covers soil and aquatic microbial ecology, and bacterial, archaeal and fungal ecology. Microbial diversity and ecosystem function are covered with an emphasis on molecular techniques. There is also a computer-based practical on phylogeny. The course continues with an introduction to environmental biotechnology and then covers reporter and marker genes, biosensors, bioremediation, geomicrobiology, plant biotechnology, and the application of molecular techniques in biotechnology. There is also a tutorial on genetically modified crops and ethics, as well as background on commercial exploitation of biotechnology, and a laboratory-based practical.

Structure

3 two-hour lectures per week, 2 guest lectures, 2 tutorials, 2 three-hour practicals.

Assessment

Continuous assessment based on a presentation (35%) and a grant application (75%); no written examination.

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme Paton

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Course Aims: This course considers several aspects of environmental biotechnology involving microorganisms from a molecular through to a cellular level as well as at a process level.

Main Learning Outcomes:
Develop an understanding of environmental biotechnology
Background in relevant methodology, e.g. genetic modification
Technical skills in a laboratory using a bioluminescence-based biosensor
Insight into current research carried out at the University
Experience of writing a research grant application

Content:
The course starts with an introduction to environmental biotechnology and then covers reporter and marker gene technology, biosensors and ecotoxicity testing, plant biotechnology, biocontrol, geomicrobiology, waste treatment, and the application of molecular techniques in biotechnology. There is also a discussion on genetically modified crops, as well as background on commercial exploitation of biotechnology, and a laboratory-based practical.

Structure

Three 2-hour lectures per week
Two 1-hour guest lectures
One 3-hour practical
One tutorial
One field trip

Assessment

Continuous assessment based on a grant application (100%).

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme Paton and Dr Zachary Hickman

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

Course Aims: To enable students to increase and enhance their understanding of terrestrial environmental pollution issues, and the management, monitoring and control of those pollutants.

Main Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, the student should have a greater understanding of:
1. The source, fate and effects of pollutants in the terrestrial environment.
2. How pollutants are identified and transported within soil and groundwater
3. How pollutants are controlled and their risks identified and minimised. This will be enhanced by the use of risk based computer packages.

Structure

Three 2-hour lectures per week
One 4-hour practical per week

Assessment

Continual Assessment: Computer practical write-up with Case Study Assessment (100%).

Credit Points

0

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Course Aims: This constitutes an examination of the modules done during the second half-session. The modules themselves are assessed using only continual assessment. This examination looks beyond the scope of the modules to assess the ability of students to integrate across modules.

Main Learning Outcomes: Assess student performance under examination conditions

Structure

None

Assessment

Students will select three examination questions from either Remediation Technology, Conservation in Britain, Biological Conservation in the Tropics, Practical Applications in Environmental Science, Land Use and the Environment on Deeside

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme Paton and Dr Zachary Hickman

Pre-requisites

None.

Overview

Literature review of scientific literature.

Structure

1 one-hour introductory tutorial, 1 two-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

Continuous assessment based on 3 written assessments: 2 short assessments (15% each) and 1 written literature review (70%); no written examination.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

TBC

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Aims: This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the wealth of environmental monitoring methodologies available, and of the ways in which the data acquired from observations can be used to understand the system being studied.
At the end of the course students will be able to identify the most appropriate monitoring methodology for a particular set of environmental indicators, and also to identify the GIS-based method most appropriate to (a) detecting patterns in the acquired data and (b) identifying the relationships between different indicators. Monitoring methodologies studied will be predominantly remote sensing (i.e. satellite, aerial photography) but will also consider ground-based approaches.

Structure

Two 2-hour lectures per week Three 3-hour practical sessions per week,
Additional essay questions

Assessment

100% Continuous Assessment

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Bacteria, archaea, fungi
Microbiological techniques: aseptic techniques, media preparation, culture techniques (aerobic/anaerobic), identification, staining, batch culture, enumeration
Culture collections & maintenance of cultures
Winogradsky columns

Structure

10 three-hour practicals/tutorials.

Assessment

Continuous assessment based on a laboratory notebook (100%), no written examination.

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr L. Page

Pre-requisites

x

Overview

x

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr L. Page

Pre-requisites

x

Overview

x

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr. Zachary Hickman & Prof. Graeme Paton

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Research and investigation project involving (where applicable) project planning, experimental design, sampling design, independent data collection, modelling and interpretation

Structure

No formal contact but regular meetings with supervisory team for the research project as well as technical supervision in the laboratory and/or field (as appropriate).

Assessment

The Environmental Science Research & Investigation project write-up will be in the syle of a manuscript for an agreed academic journal reflecting the particular discipline of the research project conducted. The field/laboratory notebook will also be submitted to ensure that the data are original and collected by the student. Marks are awarded both on account of the quality of the research performed, on the data analysis carried out, as well as the presentation and interpretation of the results. There are two internal University markers, one of them being the project supervisor.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor Andy Meharg

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Aims: To provide a sound insight into the basis of the chemical analysis of selected ecological materials such as plants, soils, natural waters and the atmosphere.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course you should:

1. be able to plan sampling strategies for investigation of any specified environmental problem.

2. have a reasonable knowledge of sampling, subsampling and sample preparation procedures.

3. be capable of working from books and papers, rather than simplified instruction sheets.

4. have a working knowledge of selected modern methods of instrumental analysis.

5. be capable of handling routine analytical calculations.

Structure

3 lectures per week, and 6 full-day practicals.

Assessment

Continual assessment based on weekly practical reports and an essay.

Credit Points

90

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Course Aims:
To demonstrate critical thinking within a selected research subject
To collect, manage and interpret empirical and/or modelled data
To write in a scientific manner similar to that required by peer-reviewed publications

Main Learning Outcomes:
How to manage time and resources in a research project
To review scientific literature
How to link project data to scientific literature findings
To interpret data and present it in a valid and critical manner
To develop a critical appraisal of a research project and place this in a scientific context
To demonstrate written and oral communication as a research scientist
To maintain a laboratory or field notebook

Content: Research project involving independent data collection, modelling and interpretation.

Structure

No formal contact but regular meetings with supervisory team for the research project as well as technical supervision in the laboratory and/or field (as appropriate)

Assessment

The thesis will be in the style of manuscript for an agreed academic journal reflecting the particular discipline of the research project conducted. The field/laboratory notebook will also be submitted to make sure that the data are original and collected by the student. Marks are awarded both on account of the quality of the research performed, on the data analysis carried out, as well as the presentation and interpretation of the results. There are two internal University markers, one of them being the project supervisor.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor Graeme Paton

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

Overview

Research project (laboratory- or library-based) involving review of scientific literature, data collection, modelling and/or interpretation.

Structure

No formal contact but regular meetings with supervisory team for the research project as well as technical supervision in the laboratory and/or field (as appropriate).

Assessment

The assessment will be in the style of a manuscript for an agreed scientific journal in the discipline of Environmental Microbiology. The notebook will also be submitted to make sure that the information/data were collected by the student. Marks are awarded both on account of the quality of the research performed, the data analysis carried out, as well as the presentation and interpretation of the results. There are two internal University markers, one of them being the project supervisor.

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton and Dr Zachary Hickman,

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

Course Aims:
To enable students to understand the application of their discipline in the work environment
To use key skills in presenting information and making informed and strategic programmes
To understand how businesses operate and reach decisions

Main Learning Outcomes:
Have a broad understanding of the environment in a real world context
To appreciate decision making strategies
To understand how to validate information and consider source reliability
To explain environmental auditing
To develop an environmental management system

Content: This is a tutorial based course with the engagement of external stakeholders both from Government and Private Industry. There is a description and application of environmental management and auditing and the needs and directions of future intentions. Basic aspects of EIA, EMS and appropriate auditing are covered by means of case studies. Learning is supported by means of electronic resources.

Structure

Two 2-hour tutorials and 1 external speaker per week

Assessment

Continual assessment: Defining the term carbon taxation and how to implement a strategy (50%), case study of an environmental management system for an individual business, written report and presentation (50%)

Credit Points

40

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

Course Aims:
To demonstrate critical thinking within a selected research subject
To collect, manage and interpret empirical and/or modelled data
To write in a scientific manner similar to that required by peer-reviewed publications

Main Learning Outcomes:
How to manage time and resources in a research project
To review scientific literature
How to link project data to scientific literature findings
To interpret data and present it in a valid and critical manner
To develop a critical appraisal of a research project and place this in a scientific context
To demonstrate written and oral communication as a research scientist
To maintain a laboratory or field notebook

Content: Research project involving independent data collection, modelling and interpretation.

Structure

No formal contact but regular meetings with supervisory team for the research project as well as technical supervision in the laboratory and/or field (as appropriate)

Assessment

The thesis will be in the style of manuscript for an agreed academic journal reflecting the particular discipline of the research project conducted. The field/laboratory notebook will also be submitted to make sure that the data are original and collected by the student. Marks are awarded both on account of the quality of the research performed, on the data analysis carried out, as well as the presentation and interpretation of the results. There are two internal University markers, one of them being the project supervisor.

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Course Aims:
To demonstrate critical thinking within a selected research subject
To collect, manage and interpret empirical and/or modelled data
To write in a scientific manner similar to that required by peer-reviewed publications


Main Learning Outcomes:
How to manage time and resources in a research project
To review scientific literature
How to link project data to scientific literature findings
To interpret data and present it in a valid and critical manner
To develop a critical appraisal of a research project and place this in a scientific context
To demonstrate written and oral communication as a research scientist
To maintain a laboratory or field notebook

Content: Research project involving independent data collection, modelling and interpretation.

Structure

No formal contact but regular meetings with supervisory team for the research project as well as technical supervision in the laboratory and/or field (as appropriate)

Assessment

The thesis will be in the style of manuscript for an agreed academic journal reflecting the particular discipline of the research project conducted. The field/laboratory notebook will also be submitted to make sure that the data are original and collected by the student. Marks are awarded both on account of the quality of the research performed, on the data analysis carried out, as well as the presentation and interpretation of the results. There are two internal University markers, one of them being the project supervisor.

Credit Points

3

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton and Dr Zachary Hickman

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Course Aims:
To review the scientific literature linked towards a research subject
To demonstrate critical thinking within a selected research subject

Main Learning Objectives:
To review and understand scientific literature
To demonstrate written communication as a research scientist
To develop a critical appraisal of published research.

Content: Literature review of scientific literature

Structure

No formal contact but regular meetings with supervisory team for the research project

Assessment

Written literature review; there are two internal University markers, one of them being the project supervisor

Credit Points

90

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Course Aims:
To demonstrate critical thinking within a selected research subject
To collect, manage and interpret empirical and/or modelled data
to write in a scientific manner similar to that required by peer-reviewed publications

Main Learning Outcomes:
How to manage time and resources in a research project
To review scientific literature
How to link project data to scientific literature findings
To interpret data and present it in a valid and critical manner
To develop a critical appraisal of a research project and place this in a scientific context
To demonstrate written and oral communication as a research scientist
To maintain a laboratory or field notebook

Content: Research project involving independent data collection, modelling and interpretation.

Structure

No formal contact but regular meetings with supervisory team for the research project as well as technical supervision in the laboratory and/or field (as appropriate)

Assessment

The thesis will be in the style of manuscript for an agreed academic journal reflecting the particular discipline of the research project conducted. The field/laboratory notebook will also be submitted to make sure that the data are original and collected by the student. Marks are awarded both on account of the quality of the research performed, on the data analysis carried out, as well as the presentation and interpretation of the results. There are two internal University markers, one of them being the project supervisor.