First, an understanding of the fundamental principles of soil science is developed whereby the various soil properties and processes, including storage and transport of water in soil, are explained. This provides a good underpinning to developing an understanding of hydrology. Core principles of hydrology are explored both as theoretical physical science of hydrology and practical hydrological skills, which students gain through hands-on experience and investigations. This knowledge of soil and water sciences forms the essential base for introducing and explaining environmental pollution, including the impact of pollutants on environmental systems (soil, water, plants and air) and human health. It also discusses pollution mitigation and control strategies. Core learning material is provided via Canvas VLE with lectures that are designed to explain fundamental principles and concepts. Employability skills are embedded within the module and specifically include field and laboratory skills that are designed to develop surveying, recording, measuring, sampling, laboratory testing, data analysis, data interpretation and presentational skills.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Fundamental principles and concepts about soil, hydrology and environmental pollution will be introduced during lectures, which will help establish the link between soil, water and pollution within the wider environment. The module will comprise a series of lectures, fieldwork and practicals together with guided reading. Understanding gained through lectures will be further reinforced by fieldwork, practical sessions and guided reading. Staff-led fieldwork will provide experience for hydrological data collection, and soil investigation and sampling techniques. Laboratory based soil and water analysis work builds on the fieldwork and the lectures; supporting workshops will introduce data analysis and interpretation skills. The practical work (field and laboratory) culminates two reports that assess students' skills in field and laboratory data collection, laboratory analytical, data analysis and interpretation and report writing. A final exam paper will assess students' understanding of key module principles and concepts. Employability skills are embedded within the teaching and learning strategy. Specifically, these include field and laboratory skills that are designed to develop surveying, recording, measuring, sampling, laboratory testing, data analysis and data interpretation.
Canvas VLE will be used to support all aspects of learning and teaching, providing a platform for articulating the module syllabus, assessment and feedback, archiving module-related resources (eg. specific reading materials) and a digital discussion platform.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures | 40 |
Scheduled learning and teaching | Practical | 20 |
Scheduled learning and teaching | Fieldwork | 15 |
Scheduled learning and teaching | Workshop | 10 |
Guided independent study | 215 | |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
Summative assessments comprise:
(A) Hydrology fieldwork report (20%, 1500 words)
(B) Soil and water investigation report (30%, 2500 words)
(C) End of module written examination (50%, 2.5 hours)
Formative assessment includes:
(D) In-class tests/quiz to assess students' ability to recollect basic information/knowledge on hydrographs, soil properties and conditions, data quality assurance/control, and chemical analysis.
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
1) Have a comprehension of how the physical, chemical and biological properties/processes of soils are closely interrelated and an understanding of how these properties/processes influence soil fertility and functioning of soil as a dynamic system. | (C) Examination and (B) Soil-Water analysis report supported by formative in-class quizzes and tests (D). |
2) Identify and explain hydrological processes and their interactions. | (C) Examination and Hydrology fieldwork report (A) supported by formative in-class quizzes and tests (D). |
3) Recognise the different techniques for measuring and monitoring hydrological processes, and practice the basic techniques of hydrological data collection and analysis. | (A) Hydrology report. |
4) Evaluate the scientific basis of pollution problems of a variety of environmental media. | (C) Examination supported by formative in-class quizzes and tests (D). |
5) Evaluate the feasibility and limitations of a range of strategies/practices for pollution control and remediation of polluted systems. | (B) Soil-Water analysis report. |
Have gained experience in designing and executing field assessment investigations, including choice of sampling methods, laboratory analyses, quality control and scientific report writing and presentation. | (A) Hydrology report and (B) Soil-Water analysis report. |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Hydrology report | Coursework | 20% |
Soil-water analysis report | Coursework | 30% |
Written examination | Written Examination | 50% |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Robinson M and Ward RC (2017) Hydrology: Principles and Processes. IWA Publishing, London.
Weil RR and Brady NC (2016) The Nature and Properties of Soils (15th edition). Pearson, London.
Alloway BJ (2012) Heavy Metals in Soils (3rd edition). Springer, London
Hooda PS (2010) Trace Elements in Soils. Wiley, Chichester.
Jones JAA (1997) Global Hydrology. Longman, London
Miller GT Jr. (2007) Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions. Thomson Books
Newson MD (2008) Land, Water and Development: Sustainable and Adaptive Management of Rivers (3rd Ed), Routeledge, London.
Shaw E (2010) Hydrology in Practice (4th edition). Spon Press, New York.
Smol JP (2008) Pollution of Lakes and Rivers - a Paleoenvironmental Perspective (2nd edition). Blackwell Publishing, London.
Ward AD, Trimble SW, Burckhard SR, Lyon JG (2015) Environmental Hydrology (3rd edition). CRC Press, London.
Williams I (2002) Environmental Chemistry. Wiley, Chichester.