MRes Climate Change Adaptation

In this class, dedicated to the MSc and MRes students in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, students will acquire familiarity with, and practice of, research techniques, and examine different ways of, and gain experience in, presenting research results. The course discusses the key principles, and practical exercises, on both quantitative and qualitative research methods, such as observation methods, survey methods, interviewing techniques and statistical methods. The course also includes discussion of ethical issues. Finally, the course covers writing skills and use of literature, which is relevant to all classes.

This class initially introduces the circular economy as a framework for the development and management of a sustainable 'waste-as-resource' economic system in which production is designed to be restorative and resilient. The class then proceeds to cover a range of contemporary challenges in the practical application of circular economic principles within different sectors, incorporating presentations from leading practitioners in the field.

The implications of the concept of circular economy for research, policy, business practices and societal transformations towards sustainability are explored in detail through a mix of theory, case studies, individual and group project work. This includes consideration of the role of innovation and knowledge production; social trends and consumer behaviour; conservation and sustainable use of energy and material resources; climate change and environmental sustainability; and the design of business models that maximise product life and value retention.

The class discusses the role of individuals and communities in the making and operation of the circular economy. Students are challenged to identify and critically evaluate opportunities to use waste as an economic good and as the basis for commercially, socially and environmentally profitable business initiatives through the application of creative design; as well as the range of business opportunities arising from repair, reconditioning and remanufacturing activities. The class also introduces the key principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), carbon measurement and management.

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) relates to the process of identifying, evaluating, and mitigating the biophysical, social, economic, cultural and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made. This class, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering but open to all MSc and MEng students across the University, introduces the methods used to predict environmental impacts, and evaluates how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions.

The class draws principally on the UK planning context of environmental impact assessment of individual projects (project EIA), but also takes account of EIA experience in other countries and international organisations. Participants evaluate the quality of Environmental Statements (or EIA Reports) and of the EIA process using the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) methodology.

The class discusses how EIA can be used a pro-active design tool for projects and how it can contribute to the enhancement of environmental, social and health issues. Students are also introduced to key principles of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and biodiversity net gain (BNG). Class has the contribution of key practitioners in the field and includes different case studies, such as proposed onshore and offshore windfarms.

In this class, students will:

• gain an understanding of Hydrogeology as a discipline
• discuss and explore the physical mechanisms of water movement in the subsurface
• undertake experiments in the lab that demonstrate key principals of groundwater movement
• explore hydrogeological issues based on case studies

This class aims to provide the student with the ability to:

• recognise the issues relating to overall global water policy and its interactions with other global issues
• discuss the impact of climate change and economic development on water resources and availability
• explore the different implementation issues based on regional case studies
• explore the role of stakeholders on the acceptance and achievement of policy objectives

Students must take the hydrogeology module as a pre-requisite for this module.

This class aims to guide the student to:

• gain an understanding of Groundwater Flow Modelling as a discipline
• provide an introduction to MODFLOW, an industry-standard numerical code for groundwater flow modelling
• provide an introduction to MT3D, an industry-standard groundwater solute transport simulator
• develop groundwater flow modelling skills and understand how groundwater models can be used to refine and understand conceptual models
• learn how to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) to prepare and post-process groundwater flow modelling inputs and results respectively
• develop contaminant fate and transport modelling skills in order to simulate the movements of contaminants in the subsurface

Within the background of land redevelopment (residential, industrial/commercial and gardens/parks), this class aims to provide insights into the remediation of contaminated land, including contaminant mobility and its impacts on contaminated land management and remediation; site-specific considerations; sampling and analysis; exposure and risk assessment; remediation processes; legislation and policy; and the regulatory framework. These issues will be explored in depth in case studies.

This module provides a thorough introduction to the field of Geographical Information Systems and spatial analysis. The course covers the key theoretical principles but it also provides many practical hands-on exercises using current state-of-the-art GIS software. By capturing, manipulating, integrating and displaying digital spatial data, a wide range of different analyses can be carried out, ranging from engineering (e.g. site selection, flood risk, transport planning, impact of construction), environmental science (e.g. soil erosion, health and disease, pollutant transport, hydrology, landscape visual impact assessment, wildlife preservation) to policymaking (e.g. urbanization, deforestation, spatial distribution of crime). The module demonstrates how GIS can be used for spatial query and analysis. Students will develop skills to apply GIS independently to real world datasets and problems.

Successful completion of this module should provide the student with an understanding of:

• environmental forensics as a discipline
• a range of contaminants found in the environment, and their fate and transport
• approach and analytical techniques to determine the responsible parties for contamination found in the environment
• real-world applications of environmental forensics

The class develops knowledge & skills regarding the science, engineering & management of environmental pollution control to protect public health.  These aims are addressed through study of the interface between environmental science and environmental engineering, including risk-based methods. The class includes industrial & government case studies in contemporary air quality management practice.  Student interaction is encouraged through directed reading, project work, student-led question sessions, and structured feedback.

This class, run by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, aims to develop a detailed understanding of treatment processes, as well as the ability to undertake design calculations sufficient to produce a concept and detailed design of a water and wastewater treatment plant. On completion of the course the student is expected to be able to:

• recognise needs of the client and conceptualise appropriate treatment system
• understand water treatment processes, including underlying chemical, physical and biological processes
• understand legislation relevant to water and wastewater treatment and processes required to achieve objectives
• ability to manage imperfect information and uncertainty in design and calculations

This module aims to develop skills of working within a large cross-disciplinary group, on a substantial project over a sustained period of time. The group should consist of individuals at different stages of their studies and from different backgrounds working collaboratively on a common task.

In addition to the group working skills, the participants should apply and further develop specialist skills in their own discipline as well as gaining knowledge of another field. The research outputs should also emphasis and develop the student’s ability to conduct independent research to a high standard.

This class explores the role finance plays in business solvency and sustainability. It will give participants an appreciation of the core issues surrounding finance in business and how to analyse financial data to support decision making. The module aims to:

1. explain the need for and role of finance in business
2. describes the financial tools that are used for making decisions
3. explore different strategies for raising finance and investing

The material will be delivered through a series of online lectures and tutorials (classroom-based), supported by background reading available on myPlace.

This course aims to provide an insight into water quality, water quality objectives and pollution control strategy, and introduce the design and control of water and wastewater treatment processes.

The aim of this class is for students to gain a deeper understanding of the chemistry of building materials. The assumed pre-requisite is some basic knowledge of chemistry and materials science.

Graduates increasingly need highly developed transferable professional skills to prepare for and to gain future employment. This module allows students to design and construct field scale civil engineering structures. Approval of students being able to take this module would be done on case-by-case basis by MSc course leaders as an individualised learning contract.