The module will contain some preparation activities through distance learning, but the major part will be a week residential course. Practical sessions will be held in the morning and afternoon and you will need to complete 8 exercises over the week. Some tutorial sessions will be held in the evening to assist you with your report writing. It is anticipated that 36h will be devoted to the distance learning activities prior to the one-week session which will contain 24h of contact in practical sessions plus 3h in tutorial sessions. The remaining 87h will be student- centred, with much of the time directed towards writing of laboratory reports.

A range of practical exercises are offered, with the student having some choice of emphasis, especially with regard to the specific area of the environment to be studied. Since the practical exercises are designed to support the modules in air, water and land pollution, at least one of the choices will need to be from each of the air, water and terrestrial environments. Some distance learning activities will be posted within the VLE to provide background information on many of the analytical techniques that you will encounter. A list of practical exercises will also be posted on the VLE for you to make your selection prior to commencing the course. Some of the experiments (such as the determination of SO2 content in air samples) will be carried out on an individual basis, whilst others (such as comparison of production of pollutants in coal samples) will involve teamwork. As part of the overall practical programe, you will also investigate issues relating to the reliability and validity of data.

This list of texts must be considered indicative:

Principles of Instrumental Analysis, 4th edition Skoog and Leary, Saunders 1992

Chemical Analysis (Modern Instrumental Methods and Techniques), Rouessac and Rouessac , Wiley 2000

You will need access to an appropriately equipped laboratory for practical sessions.

A suitable computer that is able to access the WWW, the University server and Blackboard
Library facilities as necessary

Practical reports (best 5 from 8) @ 50% (1,3-5,7)
(information as to what is required for a particular write-up will provided in the modular handbook and the practical schedule)
Performance in laboratory (use of equipment, involvement in team working) @ 25% (2,6)
Short assignments set as part of the activities for the Blackboard preparation work @ 25% (1,5, 7)


Pass criteria
Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the subject matter, evidence of further reading, development of satisfactory laboratory techniques. Tasks competently completed
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7

Merit criteria
A very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Reports are written cogently and lucidly. Practical work is of good quality, evidencing well-focussed observations and the addressing of all of the obvious key questions. Evidence of sound reading and a thorough critical analysis of the results and method
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7

Distinction criteria
Originality and creativity in response. Accurate and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Practical work of excellent quality with strong evidence of taking responsibility and group leadership. Reports are written with critical analysis of the results and methods, with evidence of comparison with alternative methods. Conclusions should demonstrate initiative and originality
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7