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

2x written assignment @ 30% each (~1500 words)
[Outcomes 1-2 or 1-3, 4 and 6-10]

1 written assignment @ 40% (~2500 words)
[Outcomes 1 - 10]

Pass criteria
Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the subject matter, evidence of reading beyond the VLE study guide together with good use of relevant examples. 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. Assignments are expressed cogently and lucidly. 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 available literature
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, evidence of wide reading beyond the VLE study guide, excellent use of relevant examples. Tasks thoroughly and comprehensively completed
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7

This module is taught entirely by distance learning using Blackboard. In the induction week the students will be given instruction on the use of the Blackboard system, and activities will be released to the students sequentially. The module has 8 "learning" activities, plus one consolidation, revision and final assessment activity. The students should spend 15h on each of the six modules which do not have formal assessment, and 20h on the remaining three activities which do have formal assessment

Environmental Biotechnology, Alan Scragg, Longman 1999

Proceedings of the series of symposia on recycling, held at Dundee, 19-20 March 2001 (separate publications for Recycling of Tyres, Recycling of Glass, Recycling of Paper.

LaGrega, Buckingham and Evans, Hazardous Waste Management, McGraw Hill 1994

This module is divided into a set of 9 activities. You will look at demands for land use (principally for agricultural purposes) and the use of land for filling. Factors such as site selection, control and monitoring will be addressed. The range of waste collection and transport schemes and the management of landfill sites will also be examined along with the influence of legislative and regulatory measures such as the Landfill Tax and EU Directives. You will look at options such as the production of refuse derived fuel (RDF) and composting that could be adopted at landfill sites to reduce amounts going to landfill. We will consider the nature and characteristics of different solid wastes (municipal, hazardous and radioactive), waste minimisation, and the alternatives to landfilling. Other Activities will cover recycling of materials. The content will not only cover current practices and technologies but also R&D into new approaches. We will refer to relevant legislation/regulation (including IPPC) in, for example, the use of scrap tyres in cement kilns on air pollution. We will look at land contamination, especially through mining and industrial activities and oil spills. Some major episodes will be addressed, such as Bhopal and the Sudbury (Ontario) metal smelter. We will go on to examine the nature and characteristics of land contamination in more detail and also methods for its remediation; considering both physiochemical and bioremediation approaches. Examples of successful recovery of contaminated land will be reviewed, particularly by comparison of the UK approach to that of the US Superfund sites. Activity 9 will serve to consolidate learning and will help pull together regulatory, legislative and control aspects of the module.