GV2ED-Environmental Diagnostics

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Elizabeth Shaw
Email: e.j.shaw@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Environmental Diagnostics refers to the identification and analysis of the state of the environment and the factors that are affecting it.�� Through a case study, this module will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the principles and techniques used in environmental diagnostics.�� ��The module will cover sampling and data quality objectives in environmental diagnostics, the measurement and monitoring of environmental parameters, including physical, chemical and biological environmental indicators. The module will also cover the presentation and interpretation of environmental diagnostic data.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the principles and techniques used in environmental diagnostics, including: sampling and data quality objectives; measurement and monitoring of physical, chemical and biological environmental indicators; presentation and interpretation of environmental diagnostic data.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Understand the principles and techniques used in environmental diagnostics for monitoring the health of the environment.


2. Design and execute a field-based sampling and monitoring regime to enhance understanding of an environmental problem


3. ��Select and follow appropriate laboratory protocols for sample preparation and analysis


4. Present and interpret environmental diagnostic data and evaluate its limitations and uncertainties.


5. Communicate effectively the outcome of an environmental diagnostic investigation in a clear and concise manner.

Additional outcomes:

Teamworking, oral communication; lab and fieldwork health and safety issues.

Outline content:

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Lecture/seminar content

• Introduction to Environmental Diagnostics principles


• ��“Presenting complaints”, symptoms and signs.��


• Background to forest declines, cause-effect, tipping points and feedbacks, Case study site introduction


• Sampling design for Environmental Diagnostics


• Environmental indicators (including diagnosing the (tree) patient)


• Writing an investigation plan


• Field and lab work risk assessment


• Data visualisation and analysis


• Writing a research note

Field and (wet/PC) lab content

• The symptoms and signs: tree health indicators (practice)


• Physico-chemical indicators (practice)


• Biological/ecological indicators (practice)


• Field sampling and monitoring at case study site


• Supervised (lab) time: analysis of samples


• Data visualisation and analysis

Global context:

This module considers environmental and ecosystem processes and phenomena that are relevant to the state and functioning of the earth system.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered via a combination of lectures/screencasts, field visits and practical sessions