Environmental Protection

Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Course Details

Course Code	SG_SENVP_O09
Level	9
Duration	2 years
Credits	60
Method of Delivery	Online
Campus Locations	Sligo
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

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Course Overview

Environmental protection is one of the disciplines where there is a steady demand for skilled professionals. It is an excellent area to pursue in further education and you can start now.

The distance learning Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Protection

gives you the framework and tools needed to operate effectively
will strongly position you within the marketplace
will help you to realise your career and educational aspirations.

This flexible programme in the theory and practice of environmental protection is designed for those who have, or who aspire to have, environmental responsibilities but who may lack sufficient formal training in the area. A broad range of environmental topics is addressed and integrated to provide current environmental management, technical and legislative skills to participants covering a range of areas including water quality and supply, ecology, geology, biology, water and waste management and sustainability.

There are six subjects; Waste Management and Resource Efficiency, Energy Systems and Management, Environmental Management, Water Resource Management, Air and Noise Management and Environmental Systems.

Each of the six subjects on the Postgraduate Diploma is a stand-alone 10 credit unit. A participant may choose to opt out of the course and gain single subject certificates for those subjects that have been successfully completed. More often, participants will complete the six subjects on the course and gain the award of Postgraduate Diploma.

A Course Coordinator oversees the entire course to offer support and advice throughout the two years.

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Waste Management and Resource Efficiency The module introduces the learner to waste management and resource efficiency within the municipal and industrial sectors and in accordance with the waste management hierarchy. It covers the current regulatory framework for waste producers and waste management activities. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the major obligations/provisions of the main current Irish legislation that relates to waste management in theindustrial sector. 2. Explain the importance of resource efficiency/sustainable materials management in an industrial facility. 3. Undertake a resource efficiency audit for a specified activity and effectively communicate an action plan to improve resource efficiency. 4. Describe the various elements required for a well functioning municipal waste management system, 5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the major obligations/provisions of the main current Irish legislation that relates to waste management in the municipal sector. 6. Differentiate between the main waste management infrastructure in common use in Ireland and outline how each is managed in order to prevent environmental pollution and optimise materials use in accordance with the circular economy .	10	Mandatory
1	Energy Systems and Management On completion of this module, the student will be able to appraise different energy systems and energy efficient technologies, understand and implement a strategic energy management campaign and make a business case for appropriate energy investments. The module will provide the student with the building blocks to assess an organisation in terms of energy efficiency. It will provide a structured approach to determine opportunities using best practice for a range of sectors/technologies. Learning Outcomes 1. Appraisedifferent energy systems, differentiate between them and critique their performance and impacts on the environment 2. Evaluate the potential benefits from a range of energy technologies 3. Compare energytechnologies and assess their appropriateness for various scenarios 4. Develop and defend a business case for energy management within an organisation 5. Communicate the need and benefit of energy management systems	10	Mandatory
1	Environmental Management In this module, the participant focuses on a small number of topic areas from a selection, mainly in an Irish context. Each participant will be encouraged to critically review and provide personal comment on the strengths and limitations of topical environmental management, policy, regulatory and other fiscal/non fiscal interventions, strategies and approaches. He/she will also consider issues that might influence environmental decision making, such as economic, social and political pressures, limitations of personnel and resources, and the implications of such influences as rhetoric, bias and competing interests. Learning Outcomes 1. Reflect on and identify his/her own learning, identify information gaps and propose a continuing professional development plan. 2. Critically review a selection of published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and compare and contrast with a range of guidelines on publishing scientific papers. 3. Devise an appropriate methodology to carry out an Environmental Review of a facility and select appropriate environmental Objectives and Targets. 4. Devise an appropriate strategy to establish, document, implement, maintain and continually improve an Environmental Management System (EMS) suitable for a range of different organisations. 5. Critically review the Environmental Impact Assessment process at European and National level and suggest ways of improving the process at various levels.	10	Mandatory

Year 2

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Water Resource Management This module investigates the effects of anthropogenic activities on water resources and explores the various measures that are used to control water pollution problems (including the regulatory framework). Treatment processes at water and wastewater treatment plants are covered together with practical calculations for the design and operation of these plants. Learning Outcomes 1. Communicate the environmental impact of specified anthropogenic activities on selected waterbodytypes.. 2. Describe and differentiate between the impact of discharging specified pollutants to a waterbody. 3. Demonstrate an applied knowledge and understanding of salient areas of legislation related to water and wastewater quality, including the major obligations/provisions of the main Irish environmental Acts and S.I.s. 4. Describe and evaluate the usefulness of various water quality managment tools/measuresused to protect water resources 5. Scrutinise the roles of stakeholders involved in water resources 6. Describe and differentiate between the unit processes used within water and wastewater treatment plants and perform practical calculations relating to theoperation of these systems.	10	Mandatory
1	Air and Noise Management This Module explores the characteristics of polluted air and investigates the effect that anthropogenic activities have on the pollution cycle. Practical air pollution assessment and the various control mechanisms that may be applied are investigated. This Module also reviews the theory of noise, its effects in the environment, monitoring and noise control. Learners will conduct a noise survey and interpret results. The regulatory context is also explored. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the main sources and impacts of environmental noise related problems using the appropriate terms and units of measure. 2. Explain the main sources of air emissions and their impacts using the appropriate terms and units of measure. 3. Analyse data, using appropriate calculations where necessary, and identify and evaluate issues (including technical, compliance and socio economic) arising from the analysis assess. 4. Design a sampling/analysis methodology to meet the requirements of an investigative monitoring programme. 5. Plan and conduct a monitoring survey and report appropriate technical information regarding such investigation(s). 6. Distinguish between the various air quality management tools used to protect air quality . 7. Evaluate and propose solutions in relation to the management of environmental air and noise problems and justify selections. 8. Demonstrate an applied knowledge and understanding of pertinent areas of legislation.	10	Mandatory
2	Environmental Systems This module describes living and non‑living components of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems which are used to interpret the human impact on ecological systems at both local, national and international levels. It will provide the student with a deeper understanding of the role ecological processes play in regulating and managing the earth's resources. It will provide a comprehensive understanding of the ecological value of systems provided by natural capital and the earth's ecosystem services. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate the facts, concepts and principles associated with geological andedaphic environmental processes. 2. Evaluate and interpret the fundamentals and interactionsof a broad range of natural ecosystems (e.g. terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine, coastal and marine ecosystems and habitats) 3. Devise and executean independent assessment of environmental impacts associated with anthropogenic activities and pollution pathways in a natural ecosystem (e.g. river system, peatland,coastal sand dune system) 4. Apply concepts and skills to interpret potential and actual disturbances to ecosystems on both local and global scales 5. Appraise current key issues impacting on ecosystems at a global level 6. Appraise and evaluate the application of current and proposed environmental legislation in the management of environmental systems	10	Mandatory

Examination and Assessment

Waste Management and Resource Efficiency, Energy Systems and Management, Water Resource Management, Air and Noise Management are examined by continuous assessment and by a final written examination which account for 50% and 50% respectively. Environmental Management and Environmental Systems are assessed 100% by coursework; there is no end-of-subject examination. Examinations take place in January and May and are generally held on a Saturday.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

There is one (occasionally two) workshop per subject. The workshops take place on a Friday or Saturday.

Progression

Upon achieving honours in the Postgraduate Diploma you may continue onto the Master of Science in Environmental Protection which is a dissertation and takes one academic year. The MSc enables students to specialise in an area of their choice.

Download a prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Participants must have one of the following academic qualifications:

1) Hold an honours degree (L8) in science or engineering or other relevant cognate area awarded by a recognised degree awarding body or ,

2) Hold a relevant ordinary degree (L7) in science or engineering other relevant cognate area and have obtained a minimum of three years relevant post-qualification experience.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €4800

Further information on fees

Careers

You will be qualified to work in a very wide range of areas such as environmental management, enforcement, waste management, energy management, wastewater treatment, noise and air quality and research and development. The career opportunities in this field are varied and include working in industry, environmental consultancy, education and regulatory authorities.

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

The course is ideally suited to anyone who wishes to enhance their knowledge and understanding within a specific environmental area. Past participants have come from from areas such as industry, services, regulators (EPA, local authority, Uisce Éireann, IFI, EHOs, etc), semi-state bodies, education, consultants, NGOs and individuals who have a keen interest in the environment.