ENVR08020 2013 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Full Title
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Transcript Title
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Code
ENVR08020
Attendance
75 %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
08 - NFQ Level 8
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2013 - Full Academic Year 2013-14
End Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
Author(s)
Billy Fitzgerald, Cait Coyle, Noel Connaughton
Programme Membership
SG_SENVI_K08 201300 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Environmental Science
SG_SENVI_K08 201400 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Environmental Science
SG_SSCIE_H08 201600 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
SG_SSCIE_H08 201700 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Description
This module appraises the value of our geological, soil and hydrogeological resources with due consideration to related socioeconomic and environmental aspects. The importance of sustainable development, encompassing the application of satisfactory environmental management practices, is emphasised in order to protect non-renewable, natural resources. Major global land management challenges will be critically assessed through the application of case studies.
The module focuses in particular on the sustainable development and management of water.
A particular focus is also given on clean production methods, green procurement, life cycle assessment (LCA) and the financial appraisal of proposed environmental initiatives.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Explain the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology as set out in a range of international standards and guidance documents
2.
Explain "Cleaner Production" and how this approach differs from conventional approaches to a range of environmental issues
3.
Explain the Green Public Procurement process and Eco-Labels and how these can help to protect the environment.
4.
Apply the Net Present Value approach to assess the financial implications of different environmental projects or options with significantly different costs and benefits over different time horizons.
5.
Evaluate the economic importance of natural mineral resources.
6.
Describe, by means of a multi-disciplined approach, the potential impact of mining on the environment.
7.
Appraise the value of the groundwater resource, identify threats to it and discuss management strategies for its protection.
8.
Distinguish major global challenges with respect to the sustainable use of the soil resource.
Module Assessment Strategies
The module will be assessed using a combination of an end of semester final exam (50%) and continuous assessment (50%).
The first element of continuous assessment (20%) will relate to the topics of green procurement, eco-labels, life cycle assessment (LCA) and financial appraisal of proposed environmental initiatives.
The second element of continuous assessment (20%) will relate to the topics of mineral resources and mining, groundwater resources and the protection of soils.
Module Dependencies
Prerequisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Incompatibles
None
Indicative Syllabus
An appraisal of the socioeconomic importance of national mineral resources.
Environmental impacts associated with poor management in the mining sector.
The importance of the groundwater resource, major risks posed to it, management strategies for its protection and relevant legislation.
Global challenges facing the sustainable management of the soil resource.
Legal framework and organisational structures in Ireland associated with the protection of water.
Review of strategic management plans and reports associated with the various River Basin Districts (RBDs).
Clean technology approaches, including green procurement, life cycle assessment (LCA)
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
50 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
50 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In-class Discussions / Debates, Q & A Sessions and Team Based Assignments | Formative | UNKNOWN | - % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 |
| 2 | Individual or group assignment requiring data acquisition and analysis and preparation of professional report | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 25 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4 |
| 3 | Individual or group assignment requiring data acquisition and analysis and preparation of professional report | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 25 % | OnGoing | 5,6,7,8 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 50 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 |
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Various Acts and Regulations relating to water and soil.
Various reports prepared by River Basin District Boards, Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, and the EPA
ISO 14040 Series of International Standards on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Irish Green Procurement Strategy and EU Eco-label Regulations and technical documents
Dallas, W. (1985). Tara Mines, The environmental Dimension. Trans. Instn. Min. Metall. (Sect. B: Appl. Earth sci.). London.
Fay, D., Kramers, G., Zhang, C., McGrath, D. and Grennan, E. (2007). Soil Geochemical Atlas of Ireland, Ed. Kramers, G. Teagasc and EPA, Wexford.
Schultz,R.W. (1971). Mineral exploration practice in Ireland. Trans. Instn. Min. Metall. (Sect. B: Appl. Earth sci.) London.
Stout, K.S. (1980). Mining Methods and Equipment. McGraw-Hill, New York.
Other Resources
Access to the dedicated Moodle page for the module
Additional Information
None