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BSEN30240

Academic Year 2024/2025

Waste Management (BSEN30240)

Subject:
Biosystems Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Tom Curran
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will introduce students to fundamental principles of waste management, with particular emphasis on organic wastes. Waste generation and waste characterisation are examined, as are techniques for waste collection, storage, transport, utilisation (including recycling and recovery). The focus of the module is on the application of engineering science to develop integrated waste management systems.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: Explain the waste management hierarchy at national and EU levels. Describe the key waste management legislation. Specify the essential elements to be included in a waste management plan. Calculate land requirements in a nutrient management plan. Describe the principles of composting, anaerobic digestion and incineration. Outline the main features in the design and operation of a modern landfill.

Indicative Module Content:

Key topics: Waste management legislation; Waste management planning; Nutrient management; Composting, anaerobic digestion, incineration, and landfill design.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

40

Autonomous Student Learning

49

Lectures

24

Online Learning

12

Total

125


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Content delivered in lecture format with time allowed for discussion for problem-based learning in groups.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

An Engineering, Science or Agricultural Science background would be beneficial.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
BSEN40320 - Waste to Energy Process&Techno


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Siting and outline design of an integrated waste management facility. Week 12 Graded No
40
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Individual Assignment. Week 14 Graded No
60
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback provided post-assessment.

EPA www.epa.ie
https://www.epa.ie/environment-and-you/circular-economy/

Book: SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities - Moving Forward with the Circular Economy
Edited By Shyama V. Ramani, Hiroshan Hettiarachchi - the link to the ebook should be free through UCD Library...
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003205975/sdg-11-sustainable-cities-communities-shyama-ramani-hiroshan-hettiarachchi
Chapter in above book - the link to the ebook should be free through UCD Library...
How Ireland Reduced its Active Landfills - A true tale of policy-driven change
By Thomas P. Curran, Orna O’Sullivan

IEA Task 36 seminar on valorisation of fly ash https://task36.ieabioenergy.com/publications/webinar-valorisation-of-fly-ash-from-waste-to-energy/

Best practice for waste management (WasteBEMP)
https://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/product-bureau/sites/default/files/inline-files/WasteManagementBEMP.pdf

Name Role
Dr Rajat Nag Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 12:00 - 12:50