University of Ulster / eLearning / programmes

Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring

Awards

PgDip/MSc

January 2011

The Programme

This programme provides advanced training in environmental toxicology, monitoring techniques and global environmental legislation. It is the only distance learning MSc course on environmental toxicology and pollution monitoring in the UK and is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

The programme is ideal for you if you are already working in the environmental field or wish to pursue a career in this area as it fulfils the demand for trained personnel in the environmental regulatory agencies, in companies subject to such regulation, and in companies involved in providing support services such as monitoring and consultancy.

The specific objectives of the course are to develop an understanding of:
- the general mechanisms of toxicity in humans
- the basis of setting environmental quality standards
- the behaviour of contaminants in water, air and soil
- the main toxicological problems of contaminants in the environment
- the legislative controls on contaminants

Structure and Content

Study for a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or a Master of Science (MSc) Degree:

The PgDip is made up of four taught modules (30 credits per module), 2 modules running each academic year, (one starting in late September and one starting in late January). The four modules accumulate to the award of PgDip in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring (120 credits). At this stage you can take the PgDip Award, continue studying for the MSc (a further research module, 60 credits), or take a break from study and come back up to five years later to complete the research module and receive the full MSc.

PgDip Modules

Environmental Data Analysis (30 credits) EGM802
This module teaches the skills necessary to understand and analyse environmental data. Statistics, environmental modelling and geographical information systems are taught and demonstrated through applied case studies in environmental management.

Environmental Toxicology (30 credits) EGM820
This module will provide the knowledge & skills necessary to understand the impact of chemicals in the environment. Specific areas covered include:
The major toxicants, both organic & inorganic
Sources, pathways & fate of major toxicants
Specific effects on organisms (including humans) physiological & biochemical
Principles of toxicity testing, LD50 & NOEC
Examples of toxicity tests, eg Microtox
Role of biomarkers, examples & development of metallothionein
Examples of active European and US legislation enforcing toxicology testing & levels in the environment.

Pollution Monitoring (30 credits) EGM821
The aim of this module is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor pollution of the environment. The key topics covered are sample collection, chemical and biological methods of analysis, analytical quality control, toxicity tests, data analysis, assessing compliance and critical loads.

Water Management (30 credits) EGM822
This module covers the strategic approach to controlling water and physical freshwater quality, focusing on the catchment scale. Areas covered include, Ecological Monitoring, Water Surveillance Risk Assessment, Water & Waste Water Treatment, European Legislation and The Water Framework Directive, US and Canadian Legislation, Agricultural Pollution and Eutrophication, Forestry and Urban Areas, Groundwater and International Water Quality Management.

Plus (Masters only)
Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring Project (60 credits) EGM826
To obtain an MSc qualification, students are required to complete advanced study under supervision within a specialised area. The project component of the MSc in Environmental Toxicology & Pollution Monitoring provides this opportunity through training in advanced research techniques within an original and hypothesis driven research project. The student, by making an original contribution to their field, develops the skills of postgraduate, independent research, commensurate with an MSc. A demonstration of the professional expertise of the successful student will be in the ability to communicate their findings and contribute to a peer-reviewed journal.

Entry Conditions

Entry to the PgDip:
Applicants must hold a degree in a science related subject or equivalent or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior learning.

International Students –
IELTS overall band 6.0 with no contributing band at less than 5.5 or TOEFL 550 in the paper based-test.

Entry to the MSc:
Students initially register for the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip). Students who complete the PgDip with an overall mark of 50% or higher can proceed to the MSc programme. Students successfully completing the research project with a pass mark of greater than or equal to 70% will graduate with an MSc in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring with distinction. Those who obtain a pass mark of greater than or equal to 50%, but less than 70%, will graduate with an MSc in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring.

Professional Recognition

This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

Careers And Postgraduate Opportunities

Most students on the course are already working in the environmental field. The course aims to be flexible and gives the opportunity to focus in areas of particular interest to the student. Completion of the course will help career development.

Application

Start dates end of September and end of January.

www.ulster.ac.uk/applyonline  

The application deadline is normally end of August for September entry and end of December for January entry.

Contact Details

Linda Allen (E Learning Support)
Tel: +44 (0) 28 7012 3264
Email: l.allen@ulster.ac.uk  

Dr. Richard Douglas (Course Director)
Tel - +44 (0) 28 7012 3116
Email - rw.douglas@ulster.ac.uk  

Duration and Mode of Attendance

PgDip – 2 years
MSc – an additional 2 semesters (3 years in total).

Attendance
All modules are online.

Assessment

Each module adopts a unique strategy that includes one or more of the following:
• On-line multiple choice and short answer progress tests
• Essays, review papers and briefs
• Case study reports, analysis reports and management plans
• Group projects
• Research project

Methods

Teaching Distance learning online delivery.

Fees

Current Fee Information:
PgDip: Home/EU – £2700
PgDip: Overseas - £6540
MSc: Home/EU – £4050 (includes the £2700 already paid for the PgDip)
MSc: Overseas - £9810 (includes the £6540 already paid for the PgDip) 

Any update in fees can be found at: http://www.ulster.ac.uk/finance/fees/.

Additional fees information

The fees section provides detailed information of costs and payment options, however the Ulster finance site should be used as the definitive source of information concerning fees.

• Ulster fees website
• Fees payment policy

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