GV1DENU-Our Dynamic Earth

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Semesters in which taught: Semester 1 module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Steve Robinson
Email: j.s.robinson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module focusses on basic microbiology and associated biogeochemical cycles. Relevance to contemporary environmental and waste management issues will be addressed; e.g. climate change and landfill practices.

Aims:

This module provides an overview of key concepts in basic microbiology and biogeochemical cycles in the environment, and applies the theories to real-world issues in waste management and global climate change.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, the students will be able to:

• Define and explain commonly used terminology in pure and applied microbiology


• Discuss major microbiological processes that occur in the environment


• Describe the processes involved in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen


• Describe how concepts and applications in microbiology are important in the environmentally sustainable design and management of land fill sites


• Explain the role of microbiological and other processes in our understanding of climate change

Additional outcomes:

The students will develop key skills in the critical appraisal of scientific information, written communication, time management and the use of technical vocabulary.

Outline content:

• The history of microbiology and basic terminologies


• Microbiology and biogeochemical cycles: the C and N cycles.


• Landfill design and management: regulations and restrictions


• Applied microbiology in environmentally sound landfill management


• Applied microbiology and related processes in drinking water security and climate change.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A combination of lectures and tutorials