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Methods of pollution monitoring are developed during this module by tackling a local pollution incident. The regulatory aspects of pollution control, including preventative approaches and integrated pollution control, will be evaluated.

The module will adopt a holistic approach to its subject, integrating scientific, technical, economic, managerial, institutional and political aspects of pollution prevention and control. Pollution monitoring will be the focus of a practical project, involving laboratory analysis of a range of parameters. The students will write up their findings, drawing on the appropriate legislation and policies. Air, water, contaminated land, noise and other forms of pollution will be covered as appropriate in the project, and throughout the module. Methods of preventing and controlling pollution on a global scale will also be examined. The effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol and Carbon Trading will be assessed, as will the impact of European legislation.

i. Knowledge and understanding

On successful completion of the module the student should:

a) understand the main chemical and biological features of a complex pollution incident;

b) understand, and apply to a case study, the regulatory basis of pollution prevention and control in the UK;

c) be able to describe the effect one country's environmental legislation can have on the wider environment;

d) understand the key biological, physical and chemical technologies used to control and mitigate releases;

e) be able to assess the impact a range of contaminants may have on an ecosystem.

ii. Skills

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:

a) analyse and synthesise technical and policy data in order to develop environmental solutions;

b) synthesise information and hence investigate the variability in environmental quality encountered both naturally and after human interference in natural systems;

c) use standard laboratory tests for aspects of pollution monitoring

Staff / student contact: 25% (lectures, practical classes)

Student directed learning: 75%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.