2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
TRAN5810M Principles of Air Quality Modelling: Local Dispersion
15 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: Christopher Rushton
Email: c.e.rushton@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
The module will equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to understand the atmospheric physical and chemical processes that contribute to the transportation, secondary generation, and deposition of pollutants at local scales. They will:- investigate reasons for high pollutant concentrations and their dependence on emissions, meteorological conditions and local-scale chemical transformations;- learn and use appropriate methods of modelling local atmospheric dispersion in order to carry out environmental impact studies related to air quality.Objectives
On completion of this module, students should:- have an understanding of the physical and local-scale chemical processes in the atmosphere that contribute to the vertical and horizontal transportation, secondary generation and deposition of pollutants.
- investigate the reasons for high pollutant concentrations and their dependence on emissions, chemical transformations, meteorological conditions and the urban form; and to discuss the relevance of these factors to exposure of local populations for the main pollutants NO2, particulate matter, and ozone developed through case study analyses.
- understand the principles of Gaussian dispersion modelling, as well as its limitations and relationships to inputs derived from commonly measured meteorological variables.
- use appropriate methods of modelling local-scale atmospheric dispersion. This will include being able to employ appropriate mathematical equations in case study calculations for point source and traffic-related emissions as well as utilise industry standard computer packages for atmospheric dispersion of relevance to the urban atmosphere for a range of surface geometries and meteorological conditions.
- have an understanding of the influence of urban fluid flows on pollutant concentration patterns within city geometries and the main methods used to model them.
- understand the main human health and broader environmental impacts resulting from atmospheric emissions of pollutants from transport, energy related and industrial sources at a range of local to regional scales ranging from the urban environment to smog formation.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of boundary layer meteorological processes and how these influence the dispersion of pollutants from both ground level and elevated sources;
2. Use appropriate methods of modelling (both mathematical and computational) of the atmospheric dispersion of key traffic and industrial related pollutants and to be able to use them to carry out an environmental impact study related to air quality;
3. Develop a working knowledge of a widely used commercial package for atmospheric dispersion (ADMS). They will be able to use the software to calculate the air quality impacts of traffic emissions sources for a range of meteorological and emissions scenarios;
4. Design an air quality impact screening approach based on appropriate modelling tools which takes account of predominant weather patterns, urban form where appropriate, and sensitive receptors for a given case study;
5. Comment on the consequences of the resulting ground level pollutant concentrations for human health and the environment for a given set of emissions profiles.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Air quality impact assessment of a transport scheme on the production of emissions and dispersion simulations for a range of meteorological conditions.
2. Use a commercially available dispersion package including preparation and critical analysis of input data sets.
3. Develop computational and project design skills.
4. Develop an understanding of the inherent uncertainties in dispersion modelling through sensitivity testing exercises.
5. Independent working including literature searches and report writing.
Competence Standards
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following competence standards:
1. The ability to use Gaussian based dispersion equations to simulate the impact of a particular pollutant emissions scenario on local ground level concentrations for different atmospheric conditions.
2. The ability to clearly present a case study based on the air quality impacts of traffic emissions.
Syllabus
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 6 | 2.00 | 12.00 |
| Practical | 4 | 2.00 | 8.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 100.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students will submit an outline (1 page A4) strategy for their air quality assessment for review in advance of the final deadline.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Report | Coursework | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 22/04/2024
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD