Module: Environmental Biotechnology Laboratories

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Environmental Biotechnology Laboratories
Module Code	BE256 (ITS) / BTE1006 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Gaetan Thilliez
Module Teachers	Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Magdalena Wislocka, Paul Cahill
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

In this module the student will be introduced to ecology with particular emphasis on plant ecology and environmental microbiology. The student will also develop their expertise and understanding of basic microbiological techniques.The student will work in the laboratory and in the field.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate practical knowledge on sampling techniques
2. Understand the importance of laboratory safety and care of equipment
3. Carry out modern laboratory practices in the study of environmental processes and samples
4. Appreciate the requirements of record keeping, report writing and oral communications
5. Combine theory and practical approaches to problem-solving in the laboratory
6. Analyse experimental data using statistics
7. Experience the demands of working within groups.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Laboratory	54	No Description
Independent Study	71	independent learning
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Assessment of a river water quality - based on macroinvertebrate data
Fieldtrip* to sample aquatic invertebrates from Tolka river at Lucan; analysis of sampled material (identification of aquatic animals using keys and charts) determining of Biotic Index – devised by EPA Ireland river Quality index; writing a final report.

Bio test: toxicity of household cleaning solutions to certain test plant species.
Setting up biotest using two common aquatic plant species (a moss Fontinalis antypyretica and a duck weed) to test toxicity of household liquids (washing up liquid, domestos etc..); comparison of toxicity of the chemicals to the plants tested. Calculation of LC50 and using Student T-test to check potency of the chemicals used. Writing a final report.

Estimation of phytoplankton concentration in samples of pond and river water
Fieldtrip to sample river water for phytoplankton analysis, preparation of water samples for analysis- using sedimentation method, estimation of phytoplankton concentration (diatom) using Sedgwick-Rafter counting chamber. Identification of common species using keys and charts provided. Comparison of two different aquatic habitats in respect of phytoplankton concentration and diversity. Writing a final report.

Estimation of Chlorophyll a in river water samples
Sampling water for chlorophyll a analysis. Preparation of samples: pigment extraction. Spectrophotometric determination of chlorophyll a concentration using DMSO. Interpretation of results, writing final report.

Microbiological analysis of water and soil
Use microbiological techniques to analyse the microbial content of water and soil samples

Identification of bacteria
Use microscopic techniques, selective and differential media and biochemical tests to identify known and unknown bacteria

Determine the effect of antibiotics on the growth of a bacterial culture
Analyse the growth of a bacterial culture in the presence and absence of an antibiotic

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Group laboratory	Environmental Laboratory: reports and in-class test	66%	n/a
Group laboratory	Practical Microbiology Labs: assessment of lab content	33%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Bellinger, G.: 1992, A key to common algae-freshwater, estuarine and some costal species. London.,
Environmental Protection Agency.: 2007, Proposed Quality Standards for Surface Water Classification.,
Fowler, J, Cohen, L., Jarvis, P.: 1998, Practical Statistics for Field Biology.,
Henderson, P.A. .: 2003, Practical Methods in Ecology., Blackwell Publishing,
Croft, P. S.,: 1986, A key to the major groups of British freshwater invertebrates.,

Other Resources

None