LAB06001 2013 QUALITY SYSTEMS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS
Full Title
QUALITY SYSTEMS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS
Transcript Title
QSEI
Code
LAB06001
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
LAB - Laboratory
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
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, Lil Rudden, Ann-Marie Duddy
Description
This module provides good laboratory practice skills and quality control systems required by an environmental scientist undertaking environmental investigations.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Follow documented scientific procedures and approved validation and quality assurance procedures to accurately gather, record, process and communicate scientific information
2.
Respond to problems and opportunities that are likely to be encountered by a technician, working in a structured and managed environment
3.
Choose and apply an appropiate analytical method that is "fit for purpose" for specified environmental samples.
4.
Demonstrate an ability to exercise independent technical judgement and to engage in scientific dialogue
5.
Demonstrate an ability to work competently, confidently and safely in a laboratory setting.
6.
Apply basic numerical and statistical analysis skills
7.
Develop standard operating procedures for environmental sampling, sample storage and analysis.
8.
Operate a range of laboratory equipment handle chemicals and samples safely
9.
Demonstrate knowledge of the terminology, nomenclature, and/or classification systems appropriate to quality control
Module Assessment Strategies
Self-assessment tests and other forms of formative assessment are provided to students to check their own progress towards achieving the learning outcomes of the module and to motivate learning. Laboratory skills and report-writing ability are assessed as part of the practical work performed during the module. Regular summative tests are used to encourage engagement with the module, monitor progress and provide feedback.
Module Dependencies
Prerequisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Incompatibles
None
Indicative Syllabus
- Standard development and the function of standards development organisations, e.g. International Standards Organisation (ISO), European Standards (EN) and National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
- Laboratory Quality Management Systems and ISO/IEC 17025
- Method development and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
- ISO 5667 (Sampling programmes, collection of samples and chain-of-custody procedures)
- Sampling storage and preservation
- Preparation of chemical and microbiological reagents and standards
- Quality of results, e.g. meeting objectives, accuracy, precision and reproducibility
- Quality Records
- interview skills
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project (Risk assessment) | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 15 % | Week 8 | 1,2,4,5,8 |
| 2 | Presentation (on development of specified SOP) | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 25 % | Week 10 | 1,2,4,7,8,9 |
| 3 | Interview | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | Week 11 | 2,3,4,9 |
| 4 | Practical Evaluation (record-keeping + calculations) | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | Week 11 | 1,3,6,9 |
| 5 | Short Answer Questions | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | OnGoing | 2,6,9 |
| 6 | Performance Evaluation (Feedback) | Formative | UNKNOWN | - % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 |
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
American Public Health Association (APHA) (2005) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. (Eaton A.D., Clesceri L.S., Rice E.W., Greenberg A.E., Franson M.A.H. Eds.) APHA, Washington, D.C.
NSAI (2005), Quality Management Systems - Fundamentals and Vocabulary, Dublin.
Peach, R.W. (2002), The ISO9000 Handbook. MCGrath-Hill, London.
Other Resources
Lecture notes
Handouts
Moodle page
Additional Information
None