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ENVB40510

Academic Year 2024/2025

Analyses for Environmental Investigations (ENVB40510)

Subject:
Environmental Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Marcin Penk
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module explores the chemical composition of key environmental media (water, soil, air, biota) and appropriate analytical techniques. The module covers a range of topics, including water quality analysis, soil and plant analyses, stable isotope analysis and eDNA analysis. Students will gain practical experience in sample preparation, chemical analysis, data interpretation and quality assurance. Emphasis is placed on developing practical laboratory skills, but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication of results.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the chemical composition of key environmental media
• Demonstrate understanding of analytical methodologies and instrumentation
• Identify and conduct appropriate chemical analyses for different environmental investigations
• Analyse and interpret chemical data, considering quality assurance and environmental regulations
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills
• Communicate scientific findings effectively

Indicative Module Content:

Lectures/tutorials:
• Air quality
• Composition of water & sampling
• Phosphorus in water
• Nitrogen in water
• Cations and anions, other determinands
• Soil properties
• DNA for environmental investigations
• Stable Isotope Analysis
• Data interpretation

Practicals:
• Safety data sheets, risk assessment etc.; Weighing/pipetting solutions
• Microbial analysis
• Making standards
• Alkalinity/field probes
• Spectrophotometry- Nitrite
• Cations & anions - Dionex (ion chromatography)
• Phosphorus (SRP) and Ammonia (Lachat)
• River sediment collection and analysis
• Soil sampling methods

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Practical

36
Specified Learning Activities

16
Autonomous Student Learning

63
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures; lab/studio work; enquiry-based learning

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

General Chemistry


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
Exam (Open Book): Open book exam in the final week of the trimester Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Laboratory notes (throughout the trimester) Week 10 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Chemistry report (group report + individual abstract) Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 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
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on the individual continuous assessment components within 20 days of their submission.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Jens Carlsson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Elizabeth Conroy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Grace Cott Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Elke Eichelmann Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Olaf Schmidt Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sean Storey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26 Mon 14:00 - 14:50
Spring Workshop Offering 1 Week(s) - 25, 26, 29, 31, 32 Mon 15:00 - 16:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31, 33 Fri 12:00 - 13:50
Spring Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 30 Fri 12:00 - 13:50
Spring Laboratory Offering 2 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 33 Tues 09:00 - 11:00
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