Environmental Science (Waste, Resources and Technology) - Foundation Degree (Lancaster University)

The ethos of these programmes is to embed skills development in terms of knowledge application, mathematical and practical techniques within all modules at every level and to link with employers to ensure that these skills remain current and relevant to industry. Students will develop a range of analytical and scientific skills and practical techniques of enquiry to enable them to apply knowledge, understanding and skills in the workplace. During the course, students will be given the opportunity to identify and solve problems and will be able to communicate their arguments and analysis in a range of ways to different audiences. Experience derived from links with local employers has been used in the design of the programme and so, wherever possible, assessments will include work-based examples. Transferable and graduate skills promoting Lifelong Learning are a key component of the course and will be developed through Personal Development Planning and in the encouragement of student engagement with professional organisations.

A list of modules you will study along with a description of each one is outlined below:

Year 1:

Academic and Digital Literacy - This module will support the development of your academic and digital literacy skills which are not only the key features of successful undergraduate study but will contribute to your achievements across all other modules in your programme. You will, as you work through the module, be expected to; develop knowledge of digital hardware and software to improve and strengthen your Information, Communication Technology (ICT) computer skills; find, interpret, evaluate, manipulate, share present and record information professionally and ethically. You will also develop critical reading and thinking skills which will be applied to your assessed work in all your modules.

Introduction to the Wastes and Resources Industry - This module is intended to present the students with an introduction to the waste and resource industry. It will examine how the industry evolved over the years in response to government policy, regulation and legislation whilst being comprehensive enough to give the students further knowledge and understanding of the roles of different industries and institutions within the industry which are involved in dealing with waste from production, reduction through to disposal.

Science of Wastes and Resources - Through process development and materials engineering, scientists and engineers are tackling the challenge of returning materials back into the cycle of production. The composition of waste is changing as new materials enter the waste stream. Science can be used in order to change these wastes into valuable resources. Science can also be used to determine the best option for recovering resources such as nutrients and minerals, and recovery of energy through incineration to generate heat and/or electricity, or through anaerobic digestion to create biogas. This module explores the physical, chemical and biological concepts and principles relevant to the study of wastes and resources. Laboratory work will develop skills in collecting, recording and analysing data and conducting and reporting investigations.

Sustainable Resources Management - The module is intended to be comprehensive enough to introduce operational, legislative and environmental aspects of effective facility management while at the same time provide you with essential background information and knowledge of waste arising and the historical perspective of waste generation demonstrating the link with economic conditions and the impact of waste minimisation measures. You will also learn about economic instruments and their role in resource management.

Environmental Protection and Managing Waste - An essential part of this module will be looking at the chemical, physical and biological methods used by industry professionals to monitor the quality of water, air and soil within the management zone around the site and beyond in the wider environment. As part of this process, consideration will be given to sampling methodology, for example semi-continuous and continuous monitoring, remote sensing and electronic monitoring. Practical field and laboratory work will be undertaken in order to demonstrate the variety of equipment used by industry. Data gathered will be analysed in the laboratory and then presented using the most appropriate graphical and statistical means. Interpretation, conclusions and evaluation are then carried out in order for you to present a completed report, which may include recommendations for future action and reporting.

Resources from Wastes - The Government wants the UK to move towards a ‘zero waste economy’. This doesn’t mean that no waste exists - it’s a society where resources are fully valued, financially and environmentally. It means we reduce, reuse and recycle all we can, and throw things away only as a last resort. In this module you will learn how to contribute to a more sustainable economy by building waste reduction into design; encourage a culture of valuing resources; and recognise and act upon potential savings through better resource efficiency and preventing waste, to realise opportunities for growth

Year 2:

Work Based and Placement Learning - This module will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a period of work based learning under the direction of an employer and an academic supervisor enabling you to learn and develop in a working environment. The module will provide you with opportunities to develop an understanding of the key factors associated with working in industry and provide a framework for you to evidence key transferable skills gained in the work setting. During your work based learning experience you will be expected to undertake a task or project negotiated between you, your tutor and the employer and set in the context of work and industry.

Environmental Planning, Policy and Law - This module develops understanding of the manner in which policy is made and implemented within the European Union and internationally, and evaluates the agreements, legislation and policies that have been framed. There is a focus on understanding policy formulation, planning processes and implementation in the member states. You will have the opportunity to focus on the UK or other national contexts. You will also be introduced to the basic structure of European and UK law and how this is developed and regulated. You will gain an understanding of the key pieces of European and UK legislation of direct relevance to the waste and resources industry, and their practical implications in everyday waste management.

Biological Treatment Technologies - In this module you will learn that as a result of the Landfill Directive diversion targets and other drivers that the principles of sustainability demand that ‘wastes are treated as a resources’. Advanced Biological Treatment is concerned with the use of relatively new technologies to treat biodegradable wastes using tightly controlled biological processes.The module provides you with essential knowledge of biological and integrated wastes treatment technologies and to introduce you to the terms associated with these. The technologies examined during the module include aerobic digestion (composing techniques); anaerobic digestion; and integrated treatment technologies (systems in general and mechanical biological treatment (MBT) in particular).

Thermal Treatment Technologies - This module provides you with essential knowledge of physical and thermal wastes treatment technologies and to introduce the terms associated with these. The technologies examined during the module include mechanical separation technologies (eg as used in materials recovery facilities); autoclaving technologies; incineration technologies; and advanced thermal treatment.

Managing Environmental Performance in Industry - This module is intended to present the students with an introduction to the principles of environmental performance within industry. It will examine how industry contributes to policy and best practices in dealing with waste, explore how industry complies with legislation and regulation, factors influencing compliance with environmental requirements and the economics of environmental performance. The module will also be comprehensive enough to give the students further knowledge and understanding of the concepts of zero waste, methods of monitoring environmental performance, source reduction and alternative ways of dealing with waste (turning waste into a resource) end of waste criteria.

Managing Risk, Health and Safety in the Wastes Industry - The waste and resources sector comprises a broad range of activities and is a priority industry sector for the Health and Safety Executive given its continued expansion. In this module you will be introduced to the legal and technical aspects of health and safety enforcement and regulatory control mechanisms. Specific case study examples will be used from the wastes and resources sector.