GV2ED: Environmental Diagnostics

Module code: GV2ED

Module provider: Geography and Environmental Science; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Professor Elizabeth Shaw, email: e.j.shaw@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 20 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

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 on a topic of current environmental interest, 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. 

Module 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. 

Module content

Indicative Lecture/seminar content 

1. Introduction to Environmental Diagnostics principles 
2.  “Presenting complaints”, symptoms and signs.   
3. Background to forest declines, cause-effect, tipping points and feedbacks, Case study site introduction 
4. Sampling design for Environmental Diagnostics 
5. Environmental indicators (including diagnosing the (tree) patient) 
6. Writing an investigation plan 
7. Field and lab work risk assessment 
8. Data visualisation and analysis 
9. 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 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

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

Study hours

At least 46 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs