ENVR06088 2019 Environmental Quality Systems

Follow documented scientific procedures and approved validation and quality assurance procedures to accurately gather, record, process and communicate scientific information

Respond to problems and opportunities that are likely to be encountered by a technician, working in a structured and managed environment

Choose and apply an appropiate analytical method that is "fit for purpose" for specified environmental samples.

Demonstrate an ability to work competently, confidently and safely in a laboratory setting.

Develop standard operating procedures for environmental sampling, sample storage and analysis.

Demonstrate knowledge of the terminology, nomenclature, and/or classification systems appropriate to quality control

This module will be delivered fulltime. This will include lectures and laboratory practicals augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. uploading assignments). 

Self-assessment tests and other forms of formative assessment are provided to students to check their own progress towards achieving the learning outcomes of the module and to motivate learning. Laboratory skills and report-writing ability are assessed as part of the practical work performed during the module. Regular summative tests are used to encourage engagement with the module, monitor progress and provide feedback. 

Provision will be made for repeat assessment of in-class tests and for written reports where first attempts are deemed to fail to cover the learning outcomes of the Module. 

1. Follow documented scientific procedures and approved validation and quality assurance procedures to accurately gather, record, process and communicate scientific information.

-Standard development and the function of standards development organisations, e.g. International Standards Organisation (ISO), European Standards (EN) and National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

2. Respond to problems and opportunities that are likely to be encountered by a technician, working in a structured and managed environment

-Laboratory Quality Management Systems and ISO/IEC 17025

-Sampling storage and preservation

-Preparation of chemical and microbiological reagents and standards

3. Choose and apply an appropriate analytical method that is "fit for purpose" for specified environmental samples.

-Use of APHA Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater for the quantification of an environmental pollutant 

4. Demonstrate an ability to work competently, confidently and safely in a laboratory setting.

-Risk assessment

-Safety Data Sheets

5. Develop standard operating procedures for environmental sampling, sample storage and analysis.

-Method development and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)

-ISO 5667 (Sampling programmes, collection of samples and chain-of-custody procedures)

6. Demonstrate knowledge of the terminology, nomenclature, and/or classification systems appropriate to quality control

-Quality of results, e.g. meeting objectives, accuracy, precision and reproducibility, limits of detection, etc