BSEN30240 Waste Management

Academic Year 2024/2025

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.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

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
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

49
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 Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Work Assignment: Siting and outline design of an integrated waste management facility. n/a Graded No

40
Exam (In-person): Written exam. n/a Graded No

60

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