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Postgraduate Programme Specification

MSc Environmental Engineering

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MSc Environmental Engineering Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science
Programme Code CIV-MSC-EE UCAS Code HECoS Code 100180 - Environmental engineering - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Part Time or Full Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Part Time - 2 Academic Years
Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Natural and Built Environment

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Engineering (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 18-05-18

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

N/A

Programme Specific Regulations

Students must pass all taught modules of the programme and the dissertation to be eligible for the award of a Master's degree or the Postgraduate Diploma, respectively..

Candidates who fail a module at the first attempt shall be permitted to retake that module at the next available opportunity for a maximum of the pass mark. Only one resubmission of the dissertation will be permitted, for a maximum of the pass mark.

Students who retake a taught module (≤20 CATS) may be permitted to commence their work on the dissertation ‘at risk’.

Students with protected characteristics

The programme includes a variety of site/field visits as part of individual taught modules. In planning and completing these visits, the programme endeavours to make relevant provision for students with protected characteristics to participate in the respective activity.
Individual projects offered by QUB or external parties in fulfilment of the thesis element on the MSc pathway may require site/field and/or laboratory work. Where possible, relevant provisions will be made in planning these activities to accommodate students with protected characteristics. Where this is not possible, alternative projects may be offered to such students to fulfil the thesis element of the MSc pathway.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

To develop the intellectual, practical, and professional skills of the learner in the critical acquisition, analysis, interpretation and understanding of environmental engineering principles and issues in preparation for:- (i) a career in the environmental, consultancy, regulatory, management, and engineering industry, (ii) a position of leadership early in that career, (iii) further study, (iv) life-long learning and an appreciation of the value of Environmental Engineering to a sustainable society.

To develop critical and analytical problem solving skills across a broad range of subjects and transferable skills that relate to literacy, numeracy, computing, team-work, group work, and personal presentations and interactions to prepare graduates for more general employment.

To introduce key concepts of sustainability, sustainable development, and risk-based approaches to the Environment and Engineering.

The MSc Thesis Project work provides opportunity for students to independently formulate ideas and concepts and to communicate them in a clear and supported manner.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Students’ intellectual skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of intellectual skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ intellectual skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is made using unseen written examinations (if required), coursework, individual and group presentation exercises and the extended individual project.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Make effective use of both oral and written skills and be able to communicate effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
(M1, M4, M5, M6 (C6), M16, M17, M18)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ transferable skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of transferable skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ transferable skills are developed through presentation exercises, student and tutor-lead discussions, preparation for oral and written presentations, group-working exercises, and the extended individual project

The assessment of the majority of the transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the degree pathway. Group-working, written and oral communication skills are assessed directly. Practical skills in the use of Information Technology are not formally assessed, although the development of IT skills are integral to the learning and teaching process underpinning the degree pathway and are assessed indirectly.

Competent in using Information Technology and computer skills eg (WP, www, spreadsheets, specialist packages, modelling software).
(M1, M3, M4, M5, M6 (C6), M16, M17, M18)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ transferable skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of transferable skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ transferable skills are developed through presentation exercises, student and tutor-lead discussions, preparation for oral and written presentations, group-working exercises, and the extended individual project.

The assessment of the majority of the transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the degree pathway. Group-working, written and oral communication skills are assessed directly. Practical skills in the use of Information Technology are not formally assessed, although the development of IT skills are integral to the learning and teaching process underpinning the degree pathway and are assessed indirectly.

Capacity to learn
(M16, M18)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ transferable skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of transferable skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ transferable skills are developed through presentation exercises, student and tutor-lead discussions, preparation for oral and written presentations, group-working exercises, and the extended individual project.

The assessment of the majority of the transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the degree pathway. Group-working, written and oral communication skills are assessed directly. Practical skills in the use of Information Technology are not formally assessed, although the development of IT skills are integral to the learning and teaching process underpinning the degree pathway and are assessed indirectly.

Ability to apply transferable skills.
(M1, M4, M5, M6 (C6), M16, M17, M18)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ transferable skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of transferable skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ transferable skills are developed through presentation exercises, student and tutor-lead discussions, preparation for oral and written presentations, group-working exercises, and the extended individual project.

The assessment of the majority of the transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the degree pathway. Group-working, written and oral communication skills are assessed directly. Practical skills in the use of Information Technology are not formally assessed, although the development of IT skills are integral to the learning and teaching process underpinning the degree pathway and are assessed indirectly.

Able to work in a team and understand professional responsibilities.
(M7-9, M15, M16)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ transferable skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of transferable skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ transferable skills are developed through presentation exercises, student and tutor-lead discussions, preparation for oral and written presentations, group-working exercises, and the extended individual project.

The assessment of the majority of the transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the degree pathway. Group-working, written and oral communication skills are assessed directly. Practical skills in the use of Information Technology are not formally assessed, although the development of IT skills are integral to the learning and teaching process underpinning the degree pathway and are assessed indirectly.

Able to exercise independent judgement, autonomy, and personal responsibility in addressing potentially complex situations in professional or equivalent environments (i.e. through their independent Dissertation/Thesis Project for MSc).
(M7-9, M15, M16, M18)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ transferable skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of transferable skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ transferable skills are developed through presentation exercises, student and tutor-lead discussions, preparation for oral and written presentations, group-working exercises, and the extended individual project.

The assessment of the majority of the transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the degree pathway. Group-working, written and oral communication skills are assessed directly. Practical skills in the use of Information Technology are not formally assessed, although the development of IT skills are integral to the learning and teaching process underpinning the degree pathway and are assessed indirectly.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Designed for graduates in specialist areas of engineering, science and agriculture, who wish to broaden and focus their knowledge in the areas of hydrogeology, contaminated land and remediation, landfills and regulatory controls
(M1, M2, M4, M7-9, M13, M15, M16)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ knowledge & understanding are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of knowledge & understanding specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge and understanding is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and group work.

Assessment is made using unseen written examinations If required), coursework, and in oral presentations by both individuals and project groups.

Systematic understanding of Environmental Engineering terms, principles, and critical awareness of current problems and issues
(M1, M2, M4)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ knowledge & understanding are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of knowledge & understanding specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge and understanding is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and group work.

Assessment is made using unseen written examinations (if required), coursework, and in oral presentations by both individuals and project groups.

Computer applications in environmental analysis, modelling and interpretation
(M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M15)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ knowledge & understanding are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of knowledge & understanding specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge and understanding is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and group work.

Assessment is made using unseen written examinations (if required), coursework, and in oral presentations by both individuals and project groups.

Relevant mathematics, environmental science, and engineering technologies
(M1, M2, M3, M4, M5)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ knowledge & understanding are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of knowledge & understanding specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge and understanding is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and group work.

Assessment is made using unseen written examinations (if required), coursework, and in oral presentations by both individuals and project groups.

The role of the engineer in society as regards sustainable development and sustainability issues for Environmental Engineering.
(M1, M7-9, M15)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ knowledge & understanding are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of knowledge & understanding specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge and understanding is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and group work.

Assessment is made using unseen written examinations (if required), coursework, and in oral presentations by both individuals and project groups.

The role of the engineer in protecting the environment from man’s activities, protecting man from the adverse effects of the environment, and remediating/enhancing the environment for man’s well-being.
(M7-9, M15, M16)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ knowledge & understanding are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of knowledge & understanding specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge and understanding is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and group work.

Assessment is made using unseen written examinations, coursework, and in oral presentations by both individuals and project groups.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Apply industry-standard software (e.g. MODFLOW, ArcGIS) to a range of environmental impact problems.
(M1, M3, M5, M15)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ subject specific skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of subject specific skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Student’s practical skills are developed through lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, group exercises and individual project work.

Assessment is made primarily using coursework, in particular through the preparation of written reports (including the MSc thesis).

Prepare descriptive and interpretative technical reports.
(M1, M4, M5, M6, M16, M17)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ subject specific skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of subject specific skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Student’s practical skills are developed through lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, group exercises and individual project work.

Assessment is made primarily using coursework, in particular through the preparation of written reports (including the MSc thesis).

Use equipment and instruments competently and safely.
(M1, M4, M5, M15)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ subject specific skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of subject specific skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Student’s practical skills are developed through lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, group exercises and individual project work.

Assessment is made primarily using coursework, in particular through the preparation of written reports (including the MSc thesis).

Select appropriate risk-based prevention strategies and remediation options.
(M7, M9, M15)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ subject specific skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of subject specific skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Student’s practical skills are developed through lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, group exercises and individual project work.

Assessment is made primarily using coursework, in particular through the preparation of written reports (including the MSc thesis).

Plan appropriate site investigation and characterisation.
(M1, M5, M7-9,M15)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ subject specific skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of subject specific skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Student’s practical skills are developed through lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, group exercises and individual project work.

Assessment is made primarily using coursework, in particular through the preparation of written reports (including the MSc thesis).

Understand the role of other professionals.
(M8, M15, M16)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ subject specific skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, problem-solving scenarios and student presentations. Further opportunity for the development of subject specific skills specifically for the MSc programme is offered by the individual and independent research project work.

Methods of Assessment

Student’s practical skills are developed through lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, group exercises and individual project work.

Assessment is made primarily using coursework, in particular through the preparation of written reports (including the MSc thesis).

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Land & Water Quality CIV7040 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Assessment of Environmental Impacts CIV7059 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 90% 0% 10%
Eng Hydrology and Hydrogeology CIV7048 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 90% 0% 10%
Advances in Environmental Engineering CIV7079 7 10 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 80% 20% 0%
Project Planning for Sustainability ARC7074 7 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Environmental Interaction of Assessment of Marine Renewables CIV7012 7 10 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 90% 0% 10%
Introduction to Renewable Energies CIV7038 7 10 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Computer Modelling of Contaminant Transport CIV7019 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 90% 0% 10%
Project-Environmental Engineering CIV7090 7 60 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
GIS and Spatial Analysis EVP7032 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Skills for Sustainable Development LFE8044 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Water and Wastewater Treatment CIV7021 7 10 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 90% 0% 10%

Notes

Students who retake a taught module (≤20 CATS) may be permitted to commence their work on the dissertation ‘at risk’.