Program Overview

Freshwater Quality Monitoring with Biota and Particulate Matter

Course Fact File

• Code: EV6017
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: CPD Module
• Fees: €400 (€800 for Non-EU applicants)
• Closing Date: Applications closed
• Course Delivery Method: Online
• Credits: 5
• Start Date: Applications closed

Outline

Water quality has traditionally been assessed on the basis of physical and chemical measurements but numerous alternative approaches based on the flora and fauna of surface waters have also been proposed. The main approaches used in biological and ecological monitoring are described and the scientific basis behind such methods is considered in order to identify the key criteria for their successful implementation in water quality monitoring programmes. The key biogeochemical processes in rivers and lakes, emphasising the critical information required to interpret water quality monitoring data, are also presented.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Identify the influences of human activities on biological communities in surface waters
• Propose, with reasons, suitable indicator organisms in rivers and lakes
• Distinguish between biological communities and individual species as approaches for water quality monitoring
• Identify the influences of human activities on composition and behaviour of particulate matter in rivers and lakes
• Select examples of use of particulate matter to monitor contamination in rivers and lakes

Practicalities

• Total Marks: 100
• Continuous Assessment: 100 marks (2 MCQ tests, 50 marks each)

Requirements

• A BSc in Environmental Science or similar subject
• A relevant professional qualification
• A portfolio of work and experience in the area of water quality monitoring
• Candidates who do not hold a BSc will be judged on a case-by-case basis as to their suitability for the programme, subject to the approval of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science
• Candidates, for whom English is not their primary language, should possess an IELTS of 6.5 (or TOEFL equivalent) with no less than 6.0 in each individual category

Fees and Costs

• The fee for this module is €400
• Applicants from low-income countries that are part of the GEMS/Water programme should contact the programme coordinator for information about fee concessions
• The fee for Non-EU applicants is €800

Similar Courses

• EV6012 Freshwater Monitoring Programme Design
• EV6013 Quality Assurance for Freshwater Quality Monitoring
• EV6014 Data Handling, Assessment & Prestat. Freshwater Quality Monitoring
• EV6015 Water Quality Monitoring & Assessment in Rivers, Lakes & Reservoirs
• EV6016 Water Quality Monitoring & Assessment of Groundwater
• EV6017 Freshwater Quality Monitoring with Biota and Particulate Matter