Print Syllabus

Syllabus

MX0161 Safe nutrient recycling, 15.0 Credits

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Subjects

Environmental Science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Examination theory	5.0	0001
Examination calculations	3.5	0002
Other compulsory activities	1.0	0005
Laboratory exercises	3.0	0006
Project	2.5	0007

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

\- 120 credits, including 90 credits in natural science

\- Knowledge equivalent to English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school

Objectives

The course intends to provide an understanding of systems for safe recycling of plant nutrients and organic matter from biological waste and wastewater.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the sources, flows and characteristics of biological waste and wastewater,
• describe, with respect to biology and process, aerobic and anaerobic treatment when applied on solid and liquid waste,
• compare the strength and weaknesses of different treatment technologies with regard to complexity, applicability, process and recovered products,
• propose design criteria for technologies and systems recycling resources from biological waste and wastewater,
• explain how treatment factors affect and regulate the inactivation of pathogens and how systems can be managed to result in safe recycling of resources,
• Plan and evaluate systems for treatment and reuse of biological waste and waste water, with regard to microbial risk and environmental impacts of the systems,
• in oral and written form, communicate and present findings of the course assignments.

Content

Subject content

The focus of the course is biological and chemical treatment technologies, with emphasis on the sanitisation aspect, and environmental assessment and microbial risk assessment of biological waste- and decentralized wastewater systems. The course covers: amounts and composition of waste fractions; aerobic and anaerobic treatments for waste and wastewater (e.g. composting, anaerobic digestion, chemical sanitization, infiltration and drainage ponds) from an international perspective. Aspects of treatments and systems covers process microbiology, thermo- and process dynamics, dimensioning, emissions, resource utilisation of e.g. feed and fertilisers, hygiene and practical implementation.

Learning activities

The course uses different teaching methods to promote students'learning and discussions. The course combines theoretical learning from lectures and literature with practical exercises to achieve an in-depth understanding of the subject. The practical exercises include a waste treatment laboratory, a computer exercise on environmental systems analysis and a project work on microbial risk assessment. Other activities are study visits and seminars.

The course exercises the following generic competences:

• problem solving
• scientific methods
• written communication
• teamwork
• creativity

The following activities are compulsory:

Examination, laboratory and computer exercises, oral presentations, study visits and seminars.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

The course is examined written and orally, by passed examination, passed assignments and approved participation at the compulsory parts of the course.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Energy and Technology