Environmental Assessment
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CHEE2040 | Chemical and Environmental Engineering | 2 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- CHEE2040
- School
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
The course develops through practical application an understanding of the principles and methods of Environmental Assessment. In semester 1 the course provides a structured approach to site investigation, methods of assessing risk on a site and how to interpret and presenting findings. It will include: the basis of site investigations, safety, technique selection, data interpretation and reporting; sampling methods for soils, rocks and water, interpretation and reporting. Semester 2 prepares the students for a practical field experience in environmental impact assessment, site investigation, safety in practice, and inherently safe design. On the field course groups of students plan, manage and undertake field tasks in site investigation and environmental impact assessment. The tasks are open ended challenges some of which involve budgeting and technique selection.
Re-Assessment: The module will be re-assessed through 100% individual coursework (essay or assignment).
Target Students
Students registered in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering only.
Classes
- One 8-hour practicum
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 14 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 15 weeks
- One 8-hour field studies
Lectures and practicals - 2hrs per session for 21 sessions
Assessment
- 10% Coursework 1: Site investigation, desk study map collation and short summary report (1 page)
- 10% Coursework 2: Site visit and observations and short report (1 page)
- 30% Coursework 3: Phase 1, Desk Study site investigation report
- 5% Coursework 4: Field course team building site investigation task
- 20% Coursework 5: Field course Phase 2 site investigation (in the field) and report
- 25% Coursework 6: Field course Environmental Impact Assessment exercise and public presentation
Educational Aims
This module will enable students to undertake Environmental Assessment in the form of Site Investigation and Environmental Impact Assessment.Learning Outcomes
A1 Underpinning mathematics, science, and associated engineering disciplines:
A1.2.4 Have a basic understanding of relevant principles from engineering disciplines commonly associated with chemical engineering.
Demonstrated by application of understanding of basic principles to complete a phase 1 site investigation (Assessed via Coursework's 1, 2 and 3)
A2 Chemical Engineering Principles:
A2.5.3 Understand systems thinking, including the interdependence of elements of a complex system, being able to synthesise a conceptual multi-step process and apply analysis techniques to it.
A2.6.4 Be able to apply systematic methods for identifying process hazards (eg HAZOP), and for assessing the range of consequences (eg impact on people, environmental reputation, financial, security).
Demonstrated by ability to plan, undertake and report on inherently complex environmental impact and risk assessment tasks (assessed in Courseworks 1,2,3 phase 2 site investigation and coursework 5 EIA). Demonstrated by the generation of a conceptual site model of source-pathway-receptor and risk assessment assessed in Coursework 3 the phase two site investigation
A2.6.6 Have knowledge of the local legislative framework and how it is applied to the management of safety, health and environment in practice and in the workplace, from the perspectives of all involved, including operators, designers, contractors, researchers, visitors and the public.
As evidenced by considering local legislative frameworks in the context of an Environmental Impact Assessment Consider environmental, social and economic impact within the context Environmental Impact. Assessment and Site Investigation. Assessed via Coursework 3 and Coursework 5
A2.7.1 Understand and be able to apply the principles of sustainability (environmental, social, economic) and the ability to apply techniques for analysing the interaction of process, product and plant with the environment and minimising adverse impacts.
As evidenced by designing mitigation measures as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (Assessed via Coursework 5)
A3 Chemical Engineering Practice:
A3.2.4 Be aware of relevant legal requirements, codes or practice, and industry standards governing engineering activities, including personnel, health and safety, contracts, intellectual property rights, product safety and liability issues, and be aware that these may differ internationally.
As evidenced by application of the BS5930-2015 for site investigation (Assessed via Coursework 3 and 4, 5)
A3.2.15 Have undertaken research and/or development project work that provides opportunities for: application of research methods, including structured design of experimental work; originality and experience in dealing with uncertainty and new concepts and/or applications.
Assessment and Site Investigation.
A4 Chemical Engineering Design:
A4.2.9 Be able to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies.
As evidenced by evaluating risk using inherently uncertain or incomplete data and modify design decision on this basis within the context of an Environmental Impact Assessment (Assessed via all coursework as most environmental data is inherently incomplete and uncertain).