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ESC-20032 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

ESC-20032 - Environmental Analytical Methods
Coordinator: Ian Oliver Tel: +44 1782 7 34956
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

none

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Effective investigation, management and monitoring of the environment can only be achieved through the design of robust sampling strategies, the use of accurate and precise analytical techniques, and the sound interpretation of data.
This module provides hands-on practical experience and theoretical understanding of experimental design and sampling strategy development, the use of analytical instruments to characterise environmental media (e.g. air, water, soil, biota) and the interpretation of data. The knowledge and skills developed are highly relevant for careers in environmental management, regulation, consultancy and research.

Aims
To enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of sampling strategies, experimental design, analytical techniques and data interpretation and evaluation in environmental science investigations. To provide students with technical knowledge of, and hands-on experience using, a range of analytical equipment for examining environmental media.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-20032/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Use a range of analytical techniques and instruments relevant to the analysis of the composition of various environmental media (soil, water, air and vegetation): 1,2,3
Analyse and interpret environmental data from both primary and secondary data sources: 1,2
Design sampling and analysis strategies for investigating a wide range of environmental issues, incidents and accidents: 3

Study hours

Lectures 12h
Laboratory experiments 10h
Data analysis / Computer workshops 4h
Directed reading and assessment preparation 124h

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Report weighted 40%
Report based on a laboratory experiment 2000 words
Each student writes a 2000 word report based on one of the eligible laboratory experiments conducted in class (students can select from a number of options).

2: Laboratory Report weighted 20%
Laboratory Report
Individually, students complete an analysis report (short technical report, ~1,000 words)) based on a laboratory investigation conducted in class.

3: Research Proposal weighted 40%
Small Group Consultancy Proposal 2000 words
In small groups, students select one of the pollution scenarios set out in class and write a 2000 word proposal for an investigation into that scenario incident covering: sampling strategy, sampling methods, sample processing and preservation, chemical analysis, quality control, and data evaluation approach.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026