GV3POL-Environmental Pollution

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Tom Sizmur
Email: t.sizmur@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Human activities have elevated the concentration of potentially toxic elements in the environment. This module will provide you with an understanding of the sources, transport pathways, and toxicity of key environmental contaminants. The practical content will allow you to apply contemporary methods to assess the effects of contaminants in the environment and interpret environmental data.Ìý

Aims:

This module aims to develop an understanding of the mechanisms by which potentially toxic elements contaminate the environment and cause toxicity to biological organisms.Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Summarise complex scientific concepts and contemporary environmental issues for policy makers


• Identify the sources, transport pathways and fate of key contaminants in the environment


• Critically evaluate contemporary techniques for measuring the bioavailability of potentially toxic elements in soil, sediment and water


• Explain the mechanisms by which key contaminants are taken up by organisms and cause toxicity


• Apply bioassays to assess the bioavailability, toxicity and risk of a potentially toxic element


• Evaluate options for remediating contaminated environmental media

Additional outcomes:

This module will provide the opportunity to develop the following transferable skills:

• Teamwork


• Laboratory procedures


• Data handling


• Written presentation

Outline content:

• Contaminants and Pollution


• Potentially Toxic Elements


• Bioavailability


• Ecotoxicology


• Environmental Risk Assessment


• Remediation

Global context:

This module will use case studies from all over the world to demonstrate the effect of contaminants on organisms and processes in the environment. Legislation will be introduced at the UK, and international level.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be delivered through interactive lectures, laboratory practicals and peer feedback workshops.