2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE2460 Contaminated Land Studies: Integrating Business Skills and Science in Consultancy
10 creditsClass Size: 80
Module manager: Dr Christain Maerz
Email: C.Maerz@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
Pre-requisite qualifications
A level in Geology or Geography or a Physical ScienceThis module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Interested in finding out how science is used to solve problems? Thinking about a job in Environmental Consultancy? This module explores the Source-Pathway-Receptor approach as used by governments and regulatory agencies to identify the hazards arising from contaminated land and pollutant migration. The first half of the course starts with an introduction to general aspects of groundwater pollution and the Source-Pathway Receptor concept. This is followed by detailed case studies of the causes and remediation of acid mine drainage in the UK. The latter half of the course reproduces the experience of being a junior environmental consultant required to investigate a site identified by a client as potentially suitable for residential development. You will be shown where there are useful sources of information, and how to use them. A video of the site shows how a walk-over site assessment is carried out and small group meetings are used to provide guidance in writing a Desk Study Report for the client.The course is taught with lectures, seminars and self-study sessions throughout semester 2, and is assessed on the basis of course work only. The taught part of the course is also supported by material on the VLE. The course requires an A level in geography, geology or any physical science.Objectives
On completion of this course, students will understand the behaviour of common groundwater pollutants, and strategies for remediating contaminated land including acid mine drainage sites.They will also understand the processes by which environmental consultancies undertake contaminated land site investigations.
The course will follow all the steps involved in performing a site investigation, including carrying out a desk study, a preliminary site investigation, preparing a site report within sensible time and cost constraints, budgeting, and identifying cost-effective remediation strategies.
Syllabus
Lectures weeks 1-2: Introduction to common ground water pollutants. Details of their chemistry and behaviour in the environment. Remediation of common groundwater pollutants. Introduction to the Source-Pathway-Receptor approach.
Lectures weeks 3-4: Causes and remediation of acid mine drainage
Lectures weeks 5-6: Introduction to business and consultancy skills. Estimating business costs. Contaminated land legislation. Knowledge base required to undertake a site investigation.
Seminar/Lecture week 7: Case studies of land contamination in UK and worldwide. Social, political and ethical implications
Lectures weeks 8-9: Site investigation using desk study materials (e.g. maps, historical records, local authority records, background geology and hydrogeology) and study of documentary film providing details of a field visit. Risk assessment processes.
Seminars weeks 10-11: Small group meetings to discuss preparation of site investigation report and self study.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 14 | 1.00 | 14.00 |
Private study hours | 86.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 14.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 |
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Site investigation report progress meeting week 10Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Report | 1,000 words | 40.00 |
Report | 1,500 words | 60.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 18/09/2018
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