WAST07005 2019 Wastewater Enquiry Based Learning
This practical Module covers methods used for analysis and monitoring chemical, physical and microbiological parameters of wastewater treatment processes. Students work in teams and each team is responsible for the maintenance, operation and monitoring the efficiency of treatment of a laboratory-scale wastewater treatment system based on the activated sludge process.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Interpret the operation of a secondary wastewater treatment process and be able to list the various parts of the treatment plant and their functions
Demonstrate the ability to work independently and in groups, safely, to carry out a range of analytical laboratory procedures related to the wastewater treatment process to include microbiological and chemical/physical methods as appropriate.
Solve calculations regarding the design and operation of a wastewater treatment plant
Compile, summarise and present overall results on a data base and in a presentation
Compare compliance with the relevant regulations covering wastewater treatment.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered full-time. This will include enquiry based learning , practicals,and site visits augmented by problem based learning ,directed learning and independent learning.This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and resources. Site visits will be an important part of this Enquiry Based Learning Module . Google doc will be used to upload and collate data for each plant which incorporates teamwork and time management skill.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 100% Continuous Assessment.
Laboratory skills and report-writing ability are assessed as part of the practical work performed during the module. Use of electronic spreadsheet in a timely manner and maintaining Laboratory Record Book in order to assess their record keeping ability. Presentation of laboratory acquired data in groups to assess their team work and presentation skills.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment
Indicative Syllabus
Interpret the operation of a secondary wastewater treatment process and be able to list the various parts of the treatment plant and their functions:
- Site visits will be an important part of this Enquiry Based Learning Module
Demonstrate the ability to work independently and in groups, safely, to carry out a range of analytical laboratory procedures related to the wastewater treatment process to include microbiological and chemical/physical methods as appropriate.
- Maintain, Operate and Monitor the Wastewater Treatment Pilot Plants twice weekly.
Compare compliance with the relevant regulations covering wastewater treatment
- Maintenance and operation of wastewater treatment process. Conduct the following analyses: BOD, COD, Suspended Solids, MLSS, MLVSS, SV, SVI, ammonia, nitrate, orthophosphate, coagulation, flocculation, microbiological examination of activated sludge, denitrification, sludge solids content and compare compliance to relevant legislation
Solve calculations regarding design and operational of wastewater treatment plant.
- Based on the monitoring data collected by the learners and/or provided by a lecturer or extracted from a review of a full-scale plant, calculate critical design and operational parameters such as daily BOD load, population equivalent, contaminant removal rates, hydraulic retention time, organic loading rate, F/M ratio, solids retention time, mass and volume of waste sludge,
Compile, summarise and present overall results on a data base and in a report
- Individual log books and daily work sheets completed by the students
- Utilise Google doc to upload and statistics to collate data to prepare presentation for each plant.This incorporates teamwork and time management skills. Perform calculation of summary statistics on wastewater treatment data using an appropriate software package and represent the statistics in both tabular and graphical forms.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Site Report | Project | Assignment | 10 % | Week 3 | |
2 | Record , collate and present laboratory acquired data | Coursework Assessment | Group Project | 25 % | Week 12 | 4,5 |
3 | Written Laboratory Exam | Coursework Assessment | Closed Book Exam | 30 % | Week 13 | 1 |
4 | Upload results onto an electronic spreadsheet in a timely manner and maintain Laboratory Record Book | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 35 % | OnGoing | 3,4,5 |
5 | Accept feedback and constructive criticism | Formative | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Module Resources
Hurst, C J. Crawford, R. L. Knudsen, G. R. McInerney, M. J. Linda D. Stetzenbach. Eds. 2002. Manual of Environmental Microbiology. Washington, D.C. ASM Pr
American Public Health Association 2005. 21st ed Standard methods for the examination of water & wastewater. Washington, DC :,Centennial ed EPA, 2001. Parameters of Water Quality.
Gray, N.F. (2004). Biology of Wastewater Treatment ( 2nd Edition) Oxford University Press.
EPA (2012). Wastewater Treatment Manuals - Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Treatment. EPA Ireland
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Moodle site and laboratory manual.
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