GV1EENU-Environmental Engineering Microbiology

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Semesters in which taught: Semester 2 module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module focusses on applying microbiology to bioremediation and biodegradation in polluted environments. A series of laboratory sessions accompanies the lectures, and provides key microbiological skills.

Aims:

This module is intended to provide an overview of the concepts, theories and applications in the microbiological remediation of contaminated land and wastewater.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Explain the source and structure of major environmental contaminants


• Understand the theory of microbial degradation of contaminants and its applications in bioremediation and ecosystem restoration


• Evaluate the functional roles of micro-organisms in the biodegradation of pollutants


• Compare the various scientific techniques in applied environmental microbiology


• Conduct laboratory-based, microbiological techniques relevant to bioremediation  

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students should be able to apply their knowledge through technical report writing and group-based oral presentation.

Outline content:

• An introduction to Environmental Engineering Microbiology


• Terms and nomenclature in advanced and applied microbiology


• A focus on eubacteria, archaebacteria and antibiotic resistant bacteria.


• Biodegradation


• Bioremediation: examples and applications in polluted environments


• Phytoremediation: examples and applications in polluted environments


• Waste water remediation

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A combination of interactive lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions. Guided independent study provides time for guided reading as well as consolidating your notes, preparing your presentations and assignments, addressing feedback on formative and summative assessments.

Contact hours:

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Lectures		70
Tutorials		14
Practicals classes and workshops		12
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		10
Wider reading (directed)		20
Exam revision/preparation		5
Peer assisted learning		10
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for tutorials		3
Preparation for presentations		2
Preparation of practical report		10
Completion of formative assessment tasks		5
Revision and preparation		5
Reflection		24
Total hours by term	0	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	40
Written assignment including essay	40
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours (40%) 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One comprehensive written assignment (1500 words), one written report based on laboratory work (1000 words – 40%), one group oral presentation (20%). 

Formative assessment methods:

During the module, the students are given quizzes comprising short and multiple choice questions. These are used to analyse and feed-forward topic by topic, and assist in the preparation of summative assessments.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in July

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022