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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Enviromental Biotechnology Laboratories
Module Code BE256
School School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Brid Quilty
Semester 2: Brid Quilty
Autumn: Brid Quilty
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
In this module the student will be introduced to ecology with particular emphasis on plant ecology and environmental microbiology. 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.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Laboratory54No Description
Independent learning time71independent 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 techniques.
Use of selective and differential media to distinguish between bacteria.

Microbiological analysis of water.
Aerobic colony count using the spread plate technique.

Glucose assay.
The GOD-PAP assay.

Bacterial identification.
Use of colony and cell characteristics, biochemical testing including API strips for bacterial identification.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report (s) (written / oral)Assessment of a river water quality - based on macroinvertebrate data5%n/a
Report (s) (written / oral)Bio test5%n/a
Report (s) (written / oral)Estimation of phytoplankton concentration in samples of pond and river water5%n/a
Report (s) (written / oral)Estimation of Chlorophyll a in river water samples5%n/a
Report (s) (written / oral)Microbiological techniques5%n/a
Report (s) (written / oral)Microbiological analysis of water5%n/a
Report (s) (written / oral)Glucose assay5%n/a
Report (s) (written / oral)Bacterial identification5%n/a
In Class Testn/a50%n/a
Practical/skills evaluationn/a10%n/a
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
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
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
ESHBSc Environmental Science & Health
Timetable this semester: Timetable for BE256
Date of Last Revision26-JAN-09
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