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BSEN40720

Academic Year 2024/2025

Carbon & Sustainability (BSEN40720)

Subject:
Biosystems Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Sharon O'Rourke
Trimester:
Autumn and Spring (separate)
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will introduce options for natural carbon sequestration in sustainable agri-food systems, the bioeconomy and climate change mitigation. The extent to which natural carbon sequestration measures can be managed, measured and economically valued will be critically assessed. Particular emphasis will be placed on soil carbon sequestration and its dual benefit in sustainable soil management and climate change mitigation.
In the context of sustainable food production, soil carbon management to achieve key soil quality objectives will be explored. Case studies involving soil carbon sequestration in Food Quality Assurance Schemes will be presented both nationally and internationally. Mechanisms of soil carbon sequestration and challenges associated with soil carbon stock measurement, including scaling up from the field/farm to national scale will be explained. The role of Climate Action policy and Agritech start-ups in national soil carbon inventory and soil carbon trading will be explored. Students will actively participate in the evaluation of other natural carbon sequestration measures.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students will be able to;

- identify natural carbon sequestration measures for agri-food, bioeconomy and climate change mitigation.
- critically assess the viability of carbon sequestration measures.
- understand how carbon sequestration is reported in national GHG inventory.
- assess the contribution of carbon sequestration in national mitigation targets.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

19
Tutorial

5
Specified Learning Activities

60
Autonomous Student Learning

30
Total

114

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- This module will be delivered online with scheduled online lectures & tutorials. There will be an opportunity for class-based discussions at stages throughout the module. Recorded lecture materials will be accessible to students who are unable to attend scheduled lectures & tutorials. The group work & end of module seminar components will also be online.
- There is a strong student based learning component in the individual student project where students are required to profile either a natural carbon sequestration measure or a stationary source of carbon dioxide emissions for Ireland or another country.
- Students will critically assess the viability of the selected carbon sequestration or carbon dioxide emission source and present their findings to the class.
- Students will engage in problem based learning in a group based project, allowing students to put newly acquired knowledge from their individual projects into real-world practice.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: A problem-based learning project based on a self-selected topic. Students select either a natural carbon sequestration measure or a negative emission technology measure. Week 7 Graded No
60
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Oral presentation of individual project (self-selected title: natural carbon sequestration measure/negative emission technology measure) in a seminar to the class group. Week 8 Graded No
20
 No
Group Work Assignment: Completion of a group report: Implement a suite of natural carbon sequestration measures & negative emission technology measures to Ireland (problem-based learning). Week 10 Graded No
20
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

A marking Rubric will be available for the student project (worth 60%). Individual student feedback will be offered at draft stage of student project.

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) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 10:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 33 Fri 16:00 - 17:50
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