This module is designed to enhance and further strengthen students' ability to apply their knowledge of GIS in solving particular environmental scenarios. It does this by providing students with a scientific understanding of the important principles in relation to pollutant transport and degradation in the environment. The module also facilitates students in using both computational and computerised approaches to environmental fate modelling, and in understanding the role and relevance of environmental fate modelling in the prediction of environmental impacts and human/ecological risk.

Selected Environmental Case Studies in GIS. Introduction to transport and degradation of chemicals in the environment. Mechanisms of pollutant transport: air, surface water, groundwater, soil. Air Sources: source parameters, meteorology, buoyancy, topography, gaussian mathematics, deposition. Surface Water Sources: source parameters, river hydrogeometry, dispersion, mixing, low depth & velocity, diffusion. Groundwater: hydraulic conductivity, gradient, advection, diffusion. Pollutant Degradation Pathways: bioaccumulation, biodegradation. Analysis of Degradation Rate Data: zero, first, second order, integral method. Environmental Fate Scenarios: Screen3 model application. UN Sustainability Goals: Application of the various environmental modelling approaches to managing air and water quality thus ensuring good health, well-being and a safe environment for all ages in society.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Apply knowledge of geographical information systems in the evaluation and analysis of key environmental data in the areas of air, water and global environmental quality. 2. Synthesise new data sets to aid in modelling environmental scenarios. 3. Identify and differentiate between the basic parameters required for the transport of selected pollutants in each of the environmental compartments, namely air, soil and water. 4. Calculate a series of parameters in relation to pollutant dispersion in each of the environmental compartments. 5. Distinguish between the mechanistic pathways for pollutant degradation. 6. Apply appropriate degradation rate equations to specific environmental fate scenarios. 7. Computationally predict pollutant concentrations at specified distances from emission sources as a function of time. 8. Demonstrate a knowledge of selected environmental fate modelling software. 9. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches to predicting environmental fate scenarios. 10. Evaluate the usefulness of the environmental & GIS modelling approach as a means of assisting with the continued implementation of the UN Sustainability Goals, particularly in the areas of clean air, water & sanitation, good health & well-being and sustainable city living.

On successful completion of this module, students will appreciate the potential of predictive modelling to be used as a tool in the study of potential human and ecological impacts of pollution.

On successful completion of this module, students will demonstrate laboratory skills in the areas of environmental fate prediction and geographical information system modelling software.

This module will be taught during the semester via a formal blend of interactive lectures and laboratory practicals. Within this timeframe, this module is designed to ensure a significant opportunity for students, during lectures, to develop their fundamental abilities in the application of GIS systems and environmental fate modelling techniques to practical situations. The module will allow the student to develop their creative abilities in the context of solving particular environmental scenarios. In the context of graduate attributes, it is envisaged that this module will aid students in becoming more curious and knowledgeable in the broader context of environmental prediction and how that feeds into the selected UN Sustainability Goals of clean air, water & sanitation, good health & well-being and sustainable city living. It will also develop their sense of personal and social responsibility around current environmental issues, helping them to deal with environmental situations in a more rational, open-minded and evidenced based manner. The interactive nature of the module, which will involve significant group work, will facilitate each student in developing a strong intra- and interpersonal collaborative skillset. Students will also find a significant opportunity to enhance their communication and presentation skills through the medium of oral presentation mode.