Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring
About
Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring is aligned to both the Agri-Food and Life and Health Sciences strategic clusters in the DfE Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland. Key skill gaps across Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring have been identified. The course also aligns to DAERA’s Knowledge Framework (2019) by focusing on healthy environments that benefit people, nature and the economy.
This course teaches skills such as pollution monitoring for air, water and land, chemical and biological analysis, bio-assessment, sustainability, water quality, data analysis, impacts of chemicals and legislation and policy.
This course is designed for those with a primary degree in science, or in a related area.
Start dates
23 September 2024 - April 2025 (30 weeks taught). Please note the application deadline to apply for this programme is Monday 16 September 2024.
Delivery format (fully online)
Typically the course will have 5 hours of taught content per week. Those undertaking the course should expect to spend 25 hours per week on the course.
Teaching will be fully online with lecture and practical material being released on a weekly basis. There is strong support from e-tutors on each module who are experienced professionals with industry and/or research expertise in environmental research areas. Suggested reading materials, tutorials and discussion boards facilitate learning and understanding. Assessment is 100% coursework using on-line submission and ranges from reports to essays.
Hardware requirements for study
To complete the programme, all successful applicants must have access to an internet connection, a computer or laptop, a webcam and a microphone. A basic-entry PC or laptop would be sufficient. A computer with at least 8 GB of RAM, with an Intel or similar processor will be sufficient.
Progression
On successful completion of this programme, it is possible to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring.
Contact
If you have any queries about the course, please email GES@ulster.ac.uk.
Modules
The Postgraduate Certificate consists of two modules at 30 credit points each. Modules are offered on a biennial basis and the module being offered is dependent on course start date. The modules below are all part of the Postgraduate Diploma and two of the modules Pollution Monitoring and Water Management, will be taken as part of the Postgraduate Certificate in 2024/2025. Module content may vary depending on course updates and staff availability.
Pollution Monitoring
This module provides the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor pollution of the environment. The topics included are: the key elements of the monitoring programmes for air, water and land; sample collection; chemical methods of analysis, including quality assurance; biological methods of analysis, including toxicity tests and bio-assessment; use of environmental models; statistics, data analysis and assessing compliance and; critical loads. The student gains experience through lectures, supporting documents, directed reading and practicals.
Water Management
This module introduces the theory and practice of water management. It is intended to provide an understanding of current methods of water treatment and distribution, sustainable use of resources and principles of water quality management and legislation. In addition it aims at teaching skills in analysis and interpretation of water quality data and in applying water legislation. Lecture-based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked case study based practical exercises. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of water management.
Environmental Data Analysis
This module will provide new and synthesise existing knowledge and skills necessary to understand and analyse environmental data. Statistics, environmental modelling, geographical information systems and presentation skills will all be taught and demonstrated. The students will put this knowledge into action in the form of worked examples and assessments. Knowledge and evaluation techniques are provided in lectures, skills developed during worked examples and demonstrated by assessments.
Environmental Toxicology
This module provides knowledge and skills necessary to understand the impact of chemicals in the environment. Specific areas covered include: the major toxicants, both organic and inorganic: sources, pathways and fate of major toxicants; specific effects on organisms (including humans); physiological & biochemical principles of toxicity testing; LD50 & NOEC; risk assessment of soils and water; environmental quality standards and toxicity quotients.
Entry requirements
Academic qualifications
You must hold a degree in a science, or other suitable discipline, or demonstrate your ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are over 18 years of age;
- are eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
- are ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
- are a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements