Introduction to Environmental Analysis

Code:

AMB1001

Acronym:

AMB1001

Level:

100

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Environmental Sciences

Instance: 2018/2019 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Environmental Sciences and Technology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:CTA	58	Plano estudos a partir do ano letivo 2016/17	1	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

CHEMISTRY MODULE Students are provided with a solid background in fundamental aspects of reactions in aqueous solutions (acid-base and precipitation), as well as standard methods for the examination of water (pH, alkalinity, conductivity and hardness).

GEOLOGY MODULE It is intended that the student learn how to: a) Work with topographic field maps, including coordinates and scales; b) use a compass in orientation in the field and to measure geological structures; c) represent a topographic cross-section; d) drawn the limits of an hydrographic basin e) analyse "in situ" several environmental parameters to qualify a river.

 

 

Learning outcomes and competences

Learning outcomes and competences:

- know the general properites of aqueous solutions

- know acid-base and precipitation reactions

- Water categories

- Quality characteristics

- Parameters of water quality (pH, alkalinity, conductivity and hardness)

- Reading and interpreting military maps at 1: 25 000.

- Know how to convert a numeric scale graphics and vice versa, and know how to solve problems involving other scales.

- Know how to make topographic profiles with the vertical axis scale equal to or different from the scale of the map.

- evaluate the physical conditions of a sedimentary environment and predict the evolution.

- To develop critical thinking, encouraging critical analysis of the experimental results obtained and to learn basic report writing skills

 

Working method

Presencial

Program

CHEMISTRY MODULE  

1. Water quality.

2. Acid-base reactions.

3. Acid-base titrations.

4. Precipitation reactions.

TP1 - Water pH; TP2 - Water conductivity ; TP3 - Water hardness: TP4- Water alkalinity.

GEOLOGY MODULE

1. Field maps interpretation. Geographic coordinates. Graphic and numerical scales (read and convert one in another). Positioning in the field and on a map.

2. Delimitação de uma bacia hidrográfica representada numa carta. Exercícios com visadas. Observação e interpretação de cartas geomorfológicas.

3. Sampling sediments and water.

4. Grain size analysis of the sedimentos and stathystical procedures.

5. Exercises with the main statistical parameters for the evaluation on the the physics of the environment, and prediction about evolution of the depositional system. 
 

Mandatory literature

Chang Raymond; Química. ISBN: 84-481-4527-5
Mendes Benilde; Qualidade da água para consumo humano. ISBN: 972-757-274-X
Instituto Geográfico do Exército; Manual de leitura de cartas, 2004
J.A. Rebelo; As Cartas Geológicas ao serviço de desenvolvimento, Instituto Geológico e Mineiro

Complementary Bibliography

Harris Daniel C.; Quantitative chemical analysis. ISBN: 0-7167-2881-8
José A. Martinho Simões e outros; Guia do Laboratório de Química e Bioquímica, LIDEL, 2000. ISBN: 972-757-146-8

Teaching methods and learning activities

CHEMISTRY MODULE The theoretical-practical lessons will use the expository method, as well as the tutorial supervision for the resolution of exercises. Laboratory practical classes, working in groups.

GEOLOGY MODULE Theoretical and theoretical-practical lessons.

 

 

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	10,00
Teste	60,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Trabalho laboratorial	10,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	93,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

To be eligible for final evaluation students must attend at least 75% of the programmed classes. Students not eligible will be excluded.

Calculation formula of final grade

OVERALL FINAL MARKS

CHEMISTRY MODULE (Q): The final mark of this module is the average of the marks obtained in the practical sessions, which includes the practical performance as well as laboratory reports. Moreover, an individual assessment will be carried out at the end of the module.

GEOLOGY MODULE (G): The final mark of each one of these modules is the obtained from a written final test.

The final (overall) classification, NF, corresponds to the weighted average of the marks obtained in each of the 2 modules (NQ and NG) and will be calculated according to the following equation: NF = [(NQ x 0,5) + (NG x 0,5).

The students with a classification ≥ 9.5 points (0/20 points) will be approved. The minimum grade obtained in each module must be 7.0 points, for approval.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

The assessment of special cases will be considered by the Jury, taking into account the peculiar circumstances of the student.