This module investigates national and global environmental issues and explores the relevance of these issues through various threads of enquiry including human population, sustainability, global perspective, urban world, people and nature, and science and values.

1. Discuss the significance of environmental issues at various levels (individual/organisational/sectoral)
2. Identify the role of various environment-related government and non- government organizations
3. Demonstrate an understanding of various national and global environmental issues
4. Work effectively in an enquiry-centred team activity to present salient aspects of environmental issues
5. Assess, evaluate, organise and communicate information on environmentalissues that overarch global sustainability in an accurate and effective manner.

This module outlines the relationship between drinking water quality and public health and presents the main physical, chemical and biological parameters of concern in water supply sources and in drinking water as set out in current legislation.

The module presents the basic principles of water treatment, the various treatment stages of a modern water treatment plant, and the monitoring/management of water sources, treatment systems and distribution systems.

1. Explain the multiple barrier approach to water treatment and protection of public health
2. Identify the main physical, chemical and biological parameters of concern relating to drinking water and the requirements of international and national guidelines and legislation
3. Explain the purpose and describe the operating principles of the various stages of water treatment and the monitoring and management systems required to ensure optimum efficiency and effectiveness of the individual processes and the overall water treatment process, including the distribution system
4. Explain how to carry out an audit/ risk assessment of a water catchment or a water treatment and distribution system and develop appropriate management responses
5. Interpret monitoring data and devise appropriate management responses
6. Identify best international practice in relation to water conservation and devise appropriate water conservation measures for a range of sectors
7. Apply critical thinking and be able to work with limited and/or contradictory data

This module explains in detail the specific requirements of a number of international standards (ISO 14001, ISO 14004 and ISO 19011) and the European Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in relation to the planning, implementation, monitoring, auditing, reviewing and reporting of environmental management systems. In addition to addressing all the issues set out in the standards/regulation, participants are required to apply the theory to address practical issues/situations in the workplace.

1. Review organisations’ published environmental policy statements to assess for conformance with the specific requirements of ISO14001

2. Explain how to carry out an Environmental Review of a facility and select appropriate environmental Objectives and Targets

3. Discuss how to establish, document, implement, maintain and continually improve an Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with the requirements of ISO14001 and/or EMAS.

4. Discuss the factors that should be considered in the planning, execution and subsequent reporting of environmental audits in accordance with the requirements of ISO 19011.

This Module explores how the atmosphere can be polluted by various activities. It investigates the statutory responsibilities of various sectors in preventing air pollution and considers the measures that may be taken to prevent air pollution at an organisational level.

1. Identify the major atmospheric and indoor air pollutants of a chemical nature and the common sources of these pollutants.
2. Discuss the environmental impact of discharging atmospheric pollutants from selected facilities
3. Assess compliance of air quality data and evaluate data with relevant legislative and best practice guidelines
4. Identify various sampling/analysis methodologies that may be used to characterise point source/fugitive air emissions or ambient air quality
5. Devise a strategy (in accordance with ‘best available techniques’ or best international practice) to manage air emissions from selected facilities

This module introduces waste management at national, regional and organisational level. It covers waste classification and the concept of the waste management hierarchy and its application in various sectoral areas. Waste prevention/minimisation, re-use, recovery and disposal options and technologies are addressed and their socio-economic and environmental impacts assessed. The regulatory framework is also presented.

1. Describe the various waste classification systems in common use and evaluate their usefulness in various contexts

2. Describe and evaluate the various mechanisms that are used to reduce the quantity and environmental impact of specified waste streams

3. Identify the operational and compliance monitoring requirements necessary to safeguard the environment from selected large scale waste facilities.

4. Identify the various legislative requirements for producers and holders of waste and for waste hauliers

5. Produce a scientific report suitable for a scientific/non-scientific audience based on a site visit to a waste management facility

6. Evaluate the effectiveness of the application of various waste management frameworks in manufacturing facilities.

This module will give students a foundation in occupational safety and health and highlight the links between environmental issues and health and safety in the workplace.

1. Identify a variety of hazards in the workplace and apply appropriate control measures
2. Outline the parameters used for Occupational Safety andHealth monitoring in Ireland

3. ExamineOccupational Safety and Healthlegislation in Ireland andidentify the roles of the various stakeholders involved including employers and employees

4. Communicate the need for effective management of Occupational Safety andHealth issuesin the workplace

5. Examine the links between environmental issuesandoccupational safety andhealthissues in the workplace.

This module introduces the learner to current, relevant environmental legal instruments. The learner will recognise issues associated with the implementation of environmental legislation and will be able to identify, explain and evaluate environmental regulation and other interventions and safeguards in an Irish context.

1. Source and interpret environmental legislation.
2. Identify the main Irish environmental Acts and Regulations and outline the main provisions of the key instruments.
3. Appropriately communicate information regarding environmental legislation.
4. Identify current environmental issues and assess and explain to what extent existing legislation addresses these issues.

The module will enable students to evaluate and appraise issues relating to water quality in Ireland today. The activities of man create various pollution sources and associated environmental impacts in Irish river basin districts. Principles of water quality control will be given in terms of best practice, health and safety, and legislation and includes assessment of water quality with a focus on the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive. The module examines water protection measures with respect to intercepting and breaking nutrient transport pathways, and considers how land management activities are linked to nutrient delivery to the catchment. The principles for designing or reviewing a monitoring programme to detect potential impacts of land-use activities on water quality and the interpretation of biological and chemical water quality are included.

1. Define water types, quality, river basin district and water pollution

2. Categorise water pollution sources related to man’s sectoral activities and examine nutrient transport pathways

3. Appraise the impacts of water pollution in Ireland both as an individual and in a teamwork exercise
4. Explain various methods to control water pollution and improve water quality
5. List relevant Irish and European water legislation

The module introduces natural habitats, their community structure and their ecological importance. It will focus on the identification, assessment and management of habitats, the legal framework surrounding them and the implicit value of these resources.

1. Interpret the Heritage Council scheme for classifying habitats in Ireland
2. Explain best practice guidance for habitat surveying and mapping
3. Identify best practice management techniques for threatened habitats & landscapes
4. Evaluate ecological data and incorporate information into professional reports
5. Outline the management of a natural resource

This module covers current energy production and use in Ireland along with its associated fuel-mix. It reviews the energy challenges for an island nation, and the implications for sustainability in Irish industrial, commercial & domestic environments.

1. Assess the roles of the main organisations involved in the generation, delivery and management of energy in Ireland.
2. Differentiate between the mode of operation of renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
3. Explain the concepts of energy use in buildings and the role of ecological building design in energy efficiency.
4. Understand the significance of current EU and Irish energy policies for energy use and generation
5. Interpret energy audit reports and offer suitable suggestions for energy management within a facility.

This module describes the nature, sources and composition of contaminants in municipal and industrial wastewater as well as end products arising from treatment. The module explains how to monitor and quantify pollutants and monitor the efficiency of technologies employed to ensure compliance with legislation. The module also explains the function and basic design parameters of the most commonly used processes for the treatment of wastewater and residuals (sludge).

1. Distinguish between preliminary, primary, secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment processes and assess the capacity of existing treatment processes based on established design criteria.

2. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of a range of water and wastewater sludge treatment processes and how these residues should be managed.

3. Assess the appropriateness of a range of intensive and extensive wastewater treatment processes appropriate for on-site treatment of wastewater from domestic and small commercial and industrial operations.

4. Discuss the use of the monitoring of critical control points and the application of a management system approach in the operation and management of wastewater treatment facilities.

This Module introduces the student to the main requirements of the Irish Planning System, what is meant by Development and Exempted Development, documentation required with a Planning Application, the National, Regional and Local Planning Structures and Organisations and the Planning Application process. The module also includes a detailed review of the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs) to ensure compliance with the European Union Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directives and the associated Irish EIA Regulations.

1. Differentiate between what constitutes Development and Exempted Development and outline the nature and extent of the documentation required for a Planning Application.

2. Identify the main functions and roles of various organisations in relation to the Irish Planning system at National, Regional and Local level

3. Explain how the Irish Planning System can assist in protecting the Environment.

4. Explain the requirements of the Irish EPA Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs).

5. Carry out a Critical Review of an EIS/Development Plan/Planning Report/Planning Permission.