Environmental Sciences (PgDip)

Course Structure

1. Induction week and Introduction to environmental science, 5 credits: This module will act as an introduction to the MSc programme and provide grounding in some of the key concepts. Teaching comprises seminars, activities and fieldtrips designed to introduce the course, the staff, the University and current environmental issues.GIS will form a core component of this module.
2. Environmental and chemical analysis, 5 credits: This module covers the operating principles of a range of techniques that are used in the chemical analysis of environmental samples. Students will have the opportunity to apply the techniques to a range of environmental sample types such as sediments and waters. Techniques include: classical methods of analysis (e.g. titration), electrometric methods (conductimetry, potentiometry), optical methods (colorimetry, atomic spectroscopy), and chromatography (ion chromatography, gas liquid chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography), assessment of method performance, quality control and quality assurance. Visits to laboratories in other institutions are included.
3. Hydrology and Groundwater quality, 5 credits: This module comprises lectures, seminars, fieldwork and practical work (mapping and data handling) relating to water in the environment. After an introduction to the hydrological cycle and water balances, it outlines the fundamentals of hill slope hydrology, river flow and its relationship to catchment characteristics, before going on to consider aspects of hydrogeology, such as aquifer characteristics and groundwater flow and surface water \x96 groundwater interactions. The module then considers groundwater chemistry and water quality, which are then related to specific pollution problems and management options. This module links closely with ES 7041: Environmental Chemical Analysis.
4. Earth system science I: Deep time, 5 credits: This module covers the scientific basis necessary to understand environmental and climate change through Earth history. Topics include an introduction to the Earth\x92s timescale, evolution of the early Earth, the role of plate tectonics and volcanism in Earth system science, weathering and environmental chemistry in the Archean, evolution of the atmosphere, extreme environmental change, mass extinction events in Earth history and causes and consequences of major glaciation events. The module provides the tools to read and comprehend the scientific literature relating to environmental change throughout geological time. A series of computer based problem solving practical classes will introduce the topic of radiogenic isotopes and geochronology. Lectures on specific topics, their wider consequences and practical significance will be developed through whole class discussions.
5. Earth system science II: Environmental and climate change, 5 credits: This module covers the scientific basis necessary to understand Environmental (including Climate) change from first principles. Topics include the biogeochemistry of carbon and nitrogen, ocean circulation, heat and mass transfer fundamentals, as well as the tools to read and comprehend the scientific literature providing evidence of changes occurring through time. Lectures on specific topics and their wider consequences will be developed through whole class discussions on their practical significance.
6. Environmental policies, 5 credits: The application of successful management strategies requires a wide knowledge of the environment and the pressures on it. This module introduces students to environmental policy making and implementation through lectures, expert and practitioner-led workshops, set readings and research activities. Examples of environmental policy will be covered at a range of scales from global to local, involving public, private and civil society actors. The module will encourage critical analysis of environmental policy tools, techniques and outcomes, and develop group work and policy briefing writing skills.
7. Waste and Energy management in Urban Environments, 5 credits: This new module introduces current issues in urban management and sustainability. Topics include technical, operational and environmental aspects of waste management in cities, including site visits and workshop style discussions of material. The waste management component will be delivered by Dr Tim Walker, Head of waste management at Belfast City Council. A second part of the module will focus on energy management.