ENVR06089 2019 Introduction to Environmental Science
Full Title
Introduction to Environmental Science
Transcript Title
Introduction to Environmental
Code
ENVR06089
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Frances Lucy, Lisa Cronin, Ann-Marie Duddy
Programme Membership
SG_SSUST_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science in Sustainable Food Production
SG_SAGRI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Agri-Food Science
SG_SENVI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Protection
SG_SAGRI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Food Science
SG_SSCIE_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Science
SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science
SG_SSCIE_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science
SG_SSCIE_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science
SG_SAGRI_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Food Science
SG_SSUST_C06 202400 Higher Certificate in Science in Sustainable Food Production
SG_SAGRI_H08 202400 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Food Science
SG_SAGRI_B07 202400 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Food Science
Description
This module investigates global, national and local environmental issues and assesses the role of man in his environment. It introduces the concept of social responsibility and explores the role of the environmental scientist.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Communicate current environmental issues to a scientific/non-scientific audience
2.
Discuss the role of various environment-related government and non- government organisations.
3.
Identify the role of the individual in pollution and pollution prevention.
4.
Plan and execute an environmental survey and present the information gained to a scientific/non scientific audience.
5.
Discuss the role of the environmental scientist in modern life.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
The students will be exposed to a blend of learning activities e.g. lectures, site visits independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address various student learning needs. Moodle will be used to upload educational material e.g. powerpoint presentations and supplementary reading material) and a means of assessment (e.g. uploading assignments and journals).
.
Module Assessment Strategies
During the delivery of this module, self-learning is encouraged among students through the use of comprehensive on-line resources including voice-supported presentations and on-line notes. Regular summative tests are used to encourage engagement with the module, monitor progress and provide feedback. This approach enables the student to take timely corrective action, in the event of failure to achieve the required standard, before the results significantly impact on the final grade.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat assessment, where relevant, will involve assignment and/or short tests that provides evidence that the student has met the subject and topic learning outcomes to the required standard.
.
Indicative Syllabus
1. Communicate current environmental issues to a scientific/non-scientific audience
Global issues (e.g. biodiversity loss, global warming/climate change, fuel crisis, deforestation, desertification, pressure on water resources, etc.)
2. Discuss the role of various environment-related government and non- government organisations.
-Some examples include Environmental Protection Agency. Local authorities, An Bord Pleanala, Teagasc, Cre, Birdwatch Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Marine Institute, Whale and Dolphin Society,
3. Identify the role of the individual in pollution and pollution prevention.
-Resource demands and waste streams from centres of population.
-Water/Air/Soil Pollution
-Water and Wastewater treatment
4. Plan and execute an environmental survey and present the information gained to a scientific/non scientific audience
- Designing and Undertaking an environmental survey.
-Survey methods
-Data collation and presenting results and findings
5. Discuss the role of the environmental scientist in modern life.
-Profile of an environmental scientist and relationship with other environmental stakeholders.
-Typical jobs in environmental science
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Site visits, Q & A sessions, debate | Formative | Performance Evaluation | 0 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| 2 | Exhibition (Poster presentation) | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 30 % | Week 6 | 1,2,3 |
| 3 | Project (Survey) | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 30 % | Week 9 | 1,4 |
| 4 | Short answer questions (x 2 tests) | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 40 % | OnGoing | 2,3,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Flat Classroom | (lectures and site visits) | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Independent Learning | Computer Laboratory | Research, preparing and conducting survey, preparartion of poster presentation | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Research, reflection and reading course notes) | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Pearce, F. (2007) When the Rivers Run Dry: Water-the Defining Crisis of the Twenty-first Century. Beacon Press
Huber, P.W. and Mills, M.P (2005) ‘The Bottomless Well- the twilight of fuel, the virtue of waste and why we will never run out of energy' Technology and Engineering
Spray, S.L. (2006) Tropical Deforestation . Rowman and Littlefield Publishers
Geist, Helmut (2005) The Causes and Progression of Desertification. Ashgate Publishing Limited
McMullan, R. (2002) Environmental Science in Builidngs, 5th Edition. Palgrave MacMillan, Hampshire, England
Journal Resources
Students will be directed to applicable journals where appropriate.
URL Resources
https://www.epa.ie
https://www.seai.ie
https://www.cre.ie
https://www.dccae.gov. ie
https://www.teagasc.ie
https://www.irishstatuebook.ie
https://www.eea.europa.eu/
Other Resources
Access to computer suite for two hours research per week
Bus trip
Additional Information
None