Environmental Forensics, 15 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• give examples of methods for describing the history of contaminated areas,
• understand and explain environmental forensic investigation processes, including sample handling, measurements and quality assurance and quality control,
• describe statistical methods for data processing using multivariate analysis such as principal component analysis,
• describe source appointment models and chemical fingerprinting methods,
• explain how stable isotopes can be used for source identification in environmental forensics, and
• give examples of transport models for distribution of contaminants in the environment.

Competence and Skills
After completing the course the student should be able to

• independently plan and carry out an environmental forensic investigation,
• use statistical methods and models to trace and identify the source of contamination,
• demonstrate skills in data processing and interpretation of results, and quality assurance and quality control in forensic investigations, and
• demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communication of environmental forensic investigations.

Judgment and Approach
After completion of the course the student will be able to

• assess the quality of environmental forensics investigations.

Content

The course gives a theoretical background to environmental forensics, including site documentation, chemical analysis, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), source identification, statistics, chemical fingerprinting and transport models. The laboratory experiments combine the use of chemical analysis together with statistical methods and models for source identification, spatial or temporal distribution. In addition to the above topics case studies are included where students are planning everything from the design of an environmental forensic investigation to the final reporting of results. Topics in relation to sustainable development will be discussed.

Examinations and grades

Theory, 6 credits (Code: A004)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Practicals, 4 credits (Code: A005)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Project/Case Studies,, 5 credits (Code: A006)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

The final grade of the course is based on the grade on Theory provided that Practicals and Project/Case Studies are Passed.

Modes of assessment

• Theory (code A004): Written exam
• Practicals (code A005): Ongoing examination in an environmental forensics investigation in forms of practical labs and presentation of results
• Project/Case Studies (code A006): Ongoing examination in forsm of participation in project/case studies, oral and written presentation of the case stuider report

Absence from Mandatory Course Component
If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

45 Credits in Chemistry, including Analytical Chemistry. Additionally another 15 Credits in Chemistry or Biology.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The languages of instruction are Swedish and/ore English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

-

Additional Reading

O'Sullivan, Gwen & Sandau, Court (Latest edition)
Environmental Forensics for Persistent Organic Pollutants
Elsevier

Petrisor, Ioana Gloria (Latest edition)
Environmental Forensics Fundamentals: A practical guide
CRC Press Inc

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Laboratory instructions and other materials will be provided.