Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Environmental Spectroscopy & Instrumentation
Module Code	PS420
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To introduce spectroscopic methods used in environmental monitoring To demonstrate how to design environmental measurements and the instrumentation that goes with it.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the experimental apparatus used for a selection of spectroscopic techniques used in environmental spectroscopy.
2. Highlight key properties needed in components of the experimental apparatus.
3. Describe phenomenologically the nature of the light-mater interaction occurring in selected spectroscopic techniques.
4. Compare how the physical characteristics of the sample (temperature and solid/liquid/gas state) affect the spectroscopic features.
5. Interpret experimental data from select spectroscopic techniques used in environmental spectroscopy.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	22	No Description
Independent learning	66	No Description
Laboratory	5	No Description
Total Workload: 93

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

Topics covered.
Emission and absorption, Einstein coefficients, Lambert-Beer's Law.

The electromagnetic spectrum.
Interaction of light and matter.

Spectroscopy of atoms and molecules.
Scattering.

High-sensitive techniques (CRDS, Harriett-cell, photothermal spectroscopy, etc).
Remote sensing techniques.

Sensors and transducers.
Demonstration and use of instruments.

Inner-electron spectroscopic methods and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Measurement of noxious gases and waste.

Experimental design of a measurement campaign.
Data logging, automated detection, AD converters and interfacing.

Spatial and temporal variations of parameters.
Detection of noxious and explosive gases.

Gas analysers.
Dust monitoring Flow meters.

Closed pipe flow measurement.
Effluent measurement.

Ground water measurement.
Soil pH measurement.

Leak detection.
High-temperature measurements.

Radiation measurement.
Ultrasound techniques.

Noise measurement.
Hot topics.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	40%	Examination Weight	60%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Presentation	The student will make a technical presentation on	20%	Week 11
Laboratory	The student will get practical hands-on experience using a spectroscopic technique used in environmental analysis and write a report based on their data.	20%	Week 9

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 1

Indicative Reading List