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ES5011   Water in the Environment

Academic year(s): 2017-2018

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

The ability of current and future generations to understand, and predict water quality and quantity requires a solid understanding of the hydrological cycling of water, the interactions between surface and ground water reservoirs, the transport of dissolved components and water quality remediation methods. This module provides the theoretical background to surface and subsurface fluid flow and to the geochemical reactions occurring between water, soils, and sediments. Pollutant transport, bioavailaibility of elements, toxicity and metal and radionuclide transport will be covered within the aqueous geochemistry part of the module. This module provides a combination of the underpinning theory (fluid flow and contaminant transport) with the applied analytical tools required to better understand and ameliorate problems of water in the environment. The module assessment will include numerical modelling of a real contaminated groundwater system.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Undergraduate - Before taking this module you must pass ES3008. Undergraduate students without the prerequisite but with a suitable Chemistry background should be considered. Undergraduate - Before taking this module you must pass ES3008

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 20 hours of lectures, 6 hours of laboratory work and 4 hours of tutorials over the semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 35

Guided independent study hours: 115

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 40%, Coursework (including Technical Brief, Media Interview and Qualitative analysis exercise) = 60%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 40%
Practical examinations : 15%
Coursework: 45%

Re-assessment: 2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr N Allison