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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2015 - 2016

Module Title Environmental Biotechnology
Module Code BE332
School School of Biotechnology

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Enrico MarsiliOffice NumberX205
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

To introduce the students to waste streams treatment and innovative environmental biotechnologies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the biological methods for wastewater treatment
2. Give examples of the microorganisms role in pollution control
3. Discuss topical issues in environmental science through group work involving oral and written presentations
4. Discuss the environmental feasibility of agrofuels
5. Choose the optimal method for bioremediation of contaminated soil and groundwater
6. Analyse pros and cons of microbial fuel cells for bioenergy production
7. Discuss topical environmental biotechnological applications in a class-wide presentation



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture30No Description
Independent Study95No Description
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

Biological treatment of waste streams:
Air and gaseous waste streams; Water and wastewater; Composting; Landfill

Bioremediation
Fundamental mechanisms of bioremediation; bioimmobilization of metals in groundwater and soils; bioremediation in the field

Agrofuels
bioethanol, fuel from lignocellulosic biomass, environmental feasibility of agrofuels; the biorefinery concept

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs)
Mechanisms of extracellular electron transfer; Bioelectricity production; application to wastewater treatment;

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • R.M. Atlas, R. Bartha: 1998, Microbial ecology : fundamentals and applications, 4th, Benjamin/Cummings, Menlo Park, Calif., 0805306552
  • W.P. Cunningham, M. A. Cunningham, B. W. Saigo: 2005, Environmental science : a global concern, 8th, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, New York, 0072439564
  • B.E. Logan: 2008, Microbial fuel cells, Wiley-Interscience, Hoboken, N.J, 0470239484
  • M.T. Madigan, J. M. Martinko, T.D. Brock: 2006, Brock Biology of microorganisms, 11th, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 0131968939
  • L. Olsson: 2007, Biofuels, Springer, Berlin, 9783540736509
  • B.E. Rittmann and P.L. McCarty: 2001, Environmental Biotechnology - Principles and application, McGraw-Hill International, Boston, 0071181849
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
ESHBSc Environmental Science & Health
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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