This module introduces the fundamental concepts of aquatic ecology through developing an understanding of the abiotic and biotic interactions of aquatic ecosystems. It includes examples from a range of aquatic ecosystems including estuarine and transitional coastal waters, rivers, lakes and wetlands. The abiotic and biotic components of various aquatic ecosystems are described and reinforced by practical elements covering the sampling and classification of aquatic habitats and their communities.

1. Describe the fundamental ecological concepts of population demographics, regulation of population size, community structure, community interactions and community development of estuary, river, lake and wetland ecosystems
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the biotic and abiotic components of a range of aquatic ecosystems
3. Recognise the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems and explain energy flow and nutrient cycling in a range of aquatic ecosystems
4. Identify and classify aquatic habitats using both Irish and international habitat classification systems
5. Collect and interpret sample data from selected aquatic habitats

This EBL module introduces the student to potable water treatment from water source to tap. It includes associated water quality monitoring within the regulatory framework.

1. Distinguish between various types of water pollutants anddemonstrate a knowledge of various water quality management tools used to protect water resources including the regulatory framework.

2. Conduct in-situ monitoring of raw water; collect surface water samples for laboratory analysis and operate a drinking water treatment plant.

3. Distinguish between the various unit operations within a water treatment plant.

4. Conduct various analytical methods (chemical, physical and biological) for the monitoring of a drinking water treatment process, and generate and record scientific data and maintain appropriate records

5. Incorporate quality control checks in sampling and laboratory practice.

6. Conduct work independently and in groups to operate and monitor a pilot-scale water treatment plant.

7. Maintain a database of results generated.

8. Interpret and statistically analyse scientific data using knowledge of water quality parametric values from relevant legislation. Present findings to a scientific audience.

This subject introduces the learner to law and legislative approaches and to current environmental legal instruments and relevant institutional structures. The learner will be able to address issues associated with environmental regulation and other interventions in the Irish context. The role of the European Union and the Irish legislature in the formation of national environmental legislation is examined as is the role and responsibilities of environmental enforcement agencies. The aim is to provide a sense of how the overall regulatory system operates and might affect an organisation and how it can be used to protect the environment. The importance of environmental compliance is also explored.

1. Give an overview the Irish and EU legislative system, sources of legislation and list and explain key terms and definitions associated with environmental regulation

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of pertinent areas of environmental legislation, including the major obligations/provisions of the main Irish environmental Acts and S.I.s and relevant international legal documents.

3. Explain the legal and institutional framework designed for environmental protection in Ireland.

4. Communicate information regarding environmental legislation in laymans terms.

This module provides an opportunity for students to work in groups and to practice transferable skills. The student will integrate and apply the knowledge in scenarios that are designed to draw on, expand and develop their understanding of issues and content associated with other Modules in the semester and with programme outcomes.

1. Identify knowledge gaps and source and undertake selflearning to fill the gaps.

2. Participate effectively in a structured team environment.

3. Collaboratively solve cross disciplinary problems and reflect on their learning experiences.

4. Employ and interpret scientific data to solve Environmental scenarios.

5. Communicate information in a range of formats to a variety of audiences.

The module will impart the basis of meteorology and climatology, addressing the structure and function of the atmosphere and oceans in balancing earths' energy budget. In combination, the student will gain an appreciation of the human impact on these planetary systems, with measures to mitigate the long-term effects in a range of sectors explored.

1. Describe and illustrate a range of basic fundamental scientific concepts, laws and principles which govern and give meaning to the role and behaviour of the atmosphere, weather and climate.
2. Explain the earths global energy budget, theinfluence of solar radiation and p lanetary-scale motions in the atmosphere and ocean.
3. Explain the key natural and human drivers of climate change.
4. Review the likely impacts and consequences of contemporary climate change.
5. Identify sector level strategies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change.

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of terrestrial ecology through developing an understanding of the abiotic and biotic interactions of terrestrial ecosystems. It includes examples from a range of terrestrial ecosystems including coastal, peatlands and heathlands, grasslands and forests. Students are introduced to the terrestrial environment and life in terrestrial ecosystems. The abiotic and biotic components of various terrestrial ecosystems are described and reinforced by practical elements covering the sampling and classification of terrestrial habitats and their communities.

1. Describe the fundamental ecological concepts of populations, communities and environment interactions of a range of twerrestrial ecosystems (peatland, grassland, forest and coastal)
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the biotic and abiotic components of a range ofterrestrial ecosystems
3. Recognise the dynamics ofterrestrial ecosystems and explain energy flow and nutrient cycling in a range ofterrestrial ecosystems
4. Identify and classifyterrestrial habitats using both Irish and international habitat classification systems
5. Collect and interpret sample data from selectedterrestrial habitats

This module provides an introduction to tabular and spatial data management and analysis. Students are introduced to Cloud Based Geographic Information Systems (GIS On-Line & GISPro). A range of data compilation and data interrogation processes are introduced in order to provide the student with competence in a range of tabular and spatial data manipulation and presentation tasks.

1. Use Cloud based software(GIS On-Line &GISPro) to compile data and interrogate for final Map production

2. Create Point, Line and PoygonFeatureClasses to include editingassociated attributes

3. Work with GIS functions to assign symbology, manage labels and produce customised map documents.
4. Query and find features using logical expressions and spatial relationships.
5. Create finished Maps for On-Line display and embedding within Academic Documents

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a variety of laboratory methods used to assess the microbiological status of environmental samples and to teach them the importance of control and containment in environmental microbiology.

1. Applya range of laboratory skills to perform routine analysis using microbiological techniques

2. Count microorganisms in and on environmental samplesusing a range of laboratory procedures

3. Explain the common methods used to control environmental microorganisms

4. Demonstrate a knowledge ofthe importance of containment of potentially pathogenic environmentalmicroorganisms

5. Outline the risks from air borne biohazards and relate the methods for the detection and control of air microflora

This module emphasises the importance of soil ecosystem services for the production of food and environmental protection, in addition to their value to society. Students are taught fundamental knowledge and practical skills on key physical, chemical and biological soil properties, in addition to their interactions, in agricultural, forest and urban soils. Factors influencing soil formation and the great soil groups are addressed. The module introduces students to the main global threats to soil health and their consequences.

1. Explainkey physical, chemical and biological soil properties.

2. Outline key characteristics ofgreat soil groupsand the influence of the main factors of their formation.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of major global threats to soil health (including their cause, nature and consequences)

4. Interpret fieldand laboratory data relating to key soil characteristics with a critical understanding of the context.

5. Outline the concept of soil ecosystem services and its importance to food production, the environment and society.

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.

1. Interpretthe operation of a secondary wastewater treatment process and be able to list the various parts of the treatment plant and their functions

2. 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.

3. Apply the various analytical methods for monitoring the operation of a secondary wastewater treatment plant in a competent manner

4. Solvecritical design and operational parameters based on direct measurements

5. Organise detailed records of laboratory activities.

6. Compile ,summarise and present overall results on a data base and in a report

7. Compare compliance with the relevant regulations covering wastewater treatment.

In this module we explore the concept of sustainability and the challenge of building a sustainable society. The module will focus specifically on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The student will participate in small interdisciplinary groups to address current environmental problems. Group work will facilitate the understanding of key issues from a variety of perspectives and trans-disciplinary approaches will be explored to address specific sustainability challenges.

1. Recognise the interrelatedness of different disciplines in addressing sustainability issues.

2. Identify individual and group learning needs and develop solutions.
3. Participate in and contribute to team based activities.
4. Communicate sustainability issues to a scientific/nonscientific audience
5. Identify the role of the individual in achieving sustainable futures.

This module will give students a foundation in occupational safety and health and highlight the links between environmental issues and health and safety in the workplace.

1. Examine the links between environmental issuesandoccupational safety andhealthissues in the workplace.

2. Identify a variety of hazards in the workplace and apply appropriate control measures.

3. Outline the parameters used for occupational safetyand healthmonitoring.

4. Identify and analyse Irish and EU occupational safety and health legislation.

5. Communicate the need for effective management of health and safety issues in the workplace.

This module describes the use of bioindicators and bioindices in ecological monitoring. This module provides an introduction to ecological monitoring in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It describes the use of bioindicators and bioindices as an essential component of environmental monitoring and in the assessment of environment quality. The module also focuses on the legislative ecological monitoring requirements to assess progress in achieving objectives of a wide range of EU legislation, in particular the EU Water Framework, Birds and Habitats Directives. Biodiversity assessment using a range of biodiversity measures and indices will be taught. Practical work will involve visits to a range of sites to sample, identify and apply a selection of monitoring methods.

1. Describe a range of bioindicators and bioindices that can be used in the monitoring of air, water and terrestrial environmental quality
2. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate ecological monitoring systems currently used for condition assessment for various EU Directives
3. Critique the use of ecological monitoring versus physical and chemical monitoring in assessment of environmental quality

4. Evaluate the ecological condition of freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems using appropriate bioindicators and bioindices
5. Describe biodiversity and its assessment using a range of indices (e.g. similarity, diversity and rarity)

This teaching unit introduces students to the principles underpinning environmental toxicology and to some practical components of common toxicology bioassays.

1. Explaining the underlying principles of environmental toxicology and bioassays

2. Appraising the differential bioactivities of major toxicants of environmental interest

3. Discussing the population and community level effects of environmental toxicants

4. Taking part in and analysing toxicology laboratory experiments

This module describes the nature, sources and composition of contaminants in water, municipal and industrial wastewater as well as end products arising from treatment. The module explains how to monitor and quantify pollutants and monitor the efficiency of technologies employed to ensure compliance with legislation. The module also explains the function and basic design parameters of the most commonly used processes for the treatment of water, wastewater and residuals (sludge).

1. Distinguish betweenpreliminary, primary, secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment processes and assess the capacity of existing treatment processes based on established design criteria.

2. Illustrate the functionof the main treatment processes in typical water treatment plants and assess the capacity of existing processes based on established design criteria.

3. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of a range ofwater and wastewater sludge treatment processes and how these residues should be managed.

4. Assess the appropriateness of a range of intensive and extensive wastewater treatment processes appropriate for on-site treatment of wastewater from domestic and small commercial and industrial operations.

5. Discuss the use of the monitoring of critical control points and the application of a management system approach in the operation and management of water and wastewater treatment facilities.

This module provides participants with an introduction to the principles, practice of environmental ethics, and explores current ideas about responsibility towards our environment. Participants will develop and express their world view as well as study those of others in order that they can understand how various stakeholder groups and society in general view environmental issues. It will contextualise the importance and place of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Overall, this will enable students to cultivate strategies for dealing with likely challenges and issues they could face in relation to environmental ethics.

1. Discuss key ethical issues concerning humanitys relationship with its natural environment.

2. Identify and evaluate relevant ethical assumptions or frameworks involved in current or historical environmental debates.

3. Evaluate the tension between human activity and progess and the demands these place on the environment and be able to formulate rudimentary evaluations and responses to such issues.

4. Demonstrate an evidence-based reflective attitude towards ones personal stance on the environment.

5. Provide clear and concise outlines of key ethical issues concerning the environment.

This module is designed to introduce the learner to the subject of data management as applied to topics in environmental science. The module will first cover data handling, representation and interpretation. The module will introduce descriptive statistics before moving on to cover inferential statistics.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of data handling, representation and interpretation.

2. Make use of descriptive statistics to summarise a data set in an appropriate manner.

3. Apply inferential statistics to make robust judgements about a population of interest by analysis of sample data from the
population.

4. Choose an appropriate statistical approach (descriptive or inferential) relevant to a particular data set in order to make robust conclusions from it.

This module covers current energy production and use in Ireland along with its associated fuel-mix. It reviews the energy challenges for an island nation, and the implications for sustainability in Irish industrial, commercial & domestic environments.

1. Assess the roles of the main organisations involved in the generation, delivery and management of energy in Ireland.
2. Differentiate between the mode of operation of renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
3. Explain the concepts of energy use in buildings and the role of ecological building design in energy efficiency.
4. Understand the significance of current EU and Irish energy policies for energy use and generation
5. Interpretenergy audit reportsandoffer suitable suggestions for energy management within a facility.

This module introduces waste management at national, regional and organisational level. It covers waste classification and the concept of the waste management hierarchy and its application in various sectoral areas. Waste prevention/minimisation, re-use, recovery and disposal options and technologies are addressed and their socio-economic and environmental impacts assessed. The regulatory framework is also presented.

1. Describe the various waste classification systems in common use and evaluate their usefulness in various contexts

2. Describe and evaluate the various mechanisms that are used to reduce the quantity and environmental impact of specified waste streams

3. Identify the operational and compliance monitoring requirements necessary to safeguard the environmentfrom selected large scale waste facilities.

4. Identifythe various legislative requirements for producers and holders of waste and for waste hauliers

5. Produce a scientific report suitable for a scientific/non-scientific audience based on a site visit to a waste management facility

6. Evaluate the effectiveness of the application of various waste management frameworks in manufacturing facilities.

This Module introduces the student to the main requirements of the Irish Planning System, what is meant by Development and Exempted Development, documentation required with a Planning Application, the National, Regional and Local Planning Structures and Organisations and the Planning Application process. The module also includes a detailed review of the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs) to ensure compliance with the European Union Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directives and the associated Irish EIA Regulations.

1. Differentiate between what constitutes Development and Exempted Development and outline the nature and extent of the documentationrequired fora Planning Application.

2. Identify the main functions and roles of various organisations in relation to the Irish Planning system at National, Regional and Local level

3. Explain how the Irish Planning System can assist in protecting the Environment.

4. Explain the requirements of the Irish EPA Guidelines on the Information to be contained inEnvironmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs).

5. Carry out a Critical Review of an EIS/Development Plan/Planning Report/Planning Permission.

Students are required to undertake a period of work placement in a relevant Company/Organisation at the end of 3rd Year. This module aims to prepare students for this work placement. Guest speakers are also invited to address the class on a regular basis on a range of current topics.

1. Identify their preferred career choice(s) and indicate the modules and skillsthat may be potentially beneficial in achieving such a role.

2. Prepare a CV and cover letter, specific to the role being applied for.

3. Identify the key stages of the recruitment and selection process and demonstrate appropriate interview skills.

4. Understand the performance and behaviour appropriate to the contemporary workplace.

5. Discuss the employment and other opportunities that are available in their chosen field.

Students are required to undertake a period of Work Placement in a relevant Company/Organisation at the end of 3rd Year and make a presentation to their peers and staff for examination. Students must also maintain a log during their placement and present a written report for evaluation.

1. Contribute fully to the day-to-day operations of a scientific industry, or other scientific work setting.

2. Communicate scientific information in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

3. Behave ethically, in a range of work settings.

4. Identify knowledge gaps and source and undertake self-learning to fill the gaps.

5. Recognise and respect the views of others.

6. Present and engage in debate relating to general scientific issues.

7. Develop a capacity for social responsibility.

8. Reflect on own practices.

The purpose of this module is to introduce the learner to the core concepts and basic skills utilised in analytical chemistry. The learner will gain key skills in the assessment and implementation of analytical methods and interpretation of analytical data.

1. Define basic analytical theory and apply this to environmental samples.

2. Describe suitable instrumental techniques for the analysis of environmental samples.

3. Evaluate suitable sampling and sample pre-treatment for the determination of organic and inorganic pollutants in environmental samples.

4. Appraise and report data generated from instrumental analysis of environmental samples.

5. Implement basic instrumental techniques and analytical methodologies in the analysis of environmental samples.