GVMEVP-Environmental Pollution

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Tom Sizmur
Email: t.sizmur@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Human activities have elevated the concentration of potentially toxic elements in the environment. This module will provide you with an understanding of the sources, transport pathways, and toxicity of key environmental contaminants. The practical content will allow you to apply contemporary methods to assess the effects of contaminants in the environment and interpret environmental data.Ìý

Aims:

This module aims to develop an understanding of the mechanisms by which potentially toxic elements contaminate the environment and cause toxicity to biological organisms.Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of complex scientific concepts by summarising contemporary environmental issues for policy makers


• Critically evaluate a wide range of research literature at the forefront of contemporary environmental issues.


• Identify the sources, transport pathways and fate of key contaminants in the environment


• Critically evaluate contempor ary techniques for measuring the bioavailability of potentially toxic elements in soil, sediment and water


• Explain the mechanisms by which key contaminants are taken up by organisms and cause toxicity


• Apply bioassays to assess the bioavailability, toxicity and risk of a potentially toxic element


• Evaluate options for remediating contaminated environmental media

Additional outcomes:

This module will provide the opportunity to develop the following transferable skills:

• Teamwork


• Laboratory procedures


• Data handling


• Written presentation

Outline content:

• Contaminants and Pollution


• Potentially Toxic Elements


• Bioavailability


• Ecotoxicology


• Environmental Risk Assessment


• Remediation

Global context:

This module will use case studies from all over the world to demonstrate the effect of contaminants on organisms and processes in the environment. Legislation will be introduced at the UK, and international level.Ìý

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be delivered through interactive lectures andÌýlaboratory practicals.Ìý

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

40% - You will be required to write a two-page ‘Environmental Brief’ on a subject of your choice relevant to environmental chemistry.

20% - To support this brief you will be asked to provide an annotated bibliography of the scholarly literature used to explore the topic and compile the brief.

40% - You will be provided with a list of questions (akin to exam questions) to answer within short period of time.

Formative assessment methods:

Interactive lectures and homework assignments will provide the opportunity for you to practice exam-style questions and receive instant feedback on performance.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: