BSEN30240
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=BSEN30240&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=ETS2&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Waste Management (BSEN30240)
Subject: : Biosystems Engineering
College: : Engineering & Architecture
School: : Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Assoc Professor Tom Curran
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This module will introduce students to fundamental principles of waste management, with particular emphasis on organic wastes. Waste generation and waste characterisation are examined, as are techniques for waste collection, storage, transport, utilisation (including recycling and recovery). The focus of the module is on the application of engineering science to develop integrated waste management systems.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to: Explain the waste management hierarchy at national and EU levels. Describe the key waste management legislation. Specify the essential elements to be included in a waste management plan. Calculate land requirements in a nutrient management plan. Describe the principles of composting, anaerobic digestion and incineration. Outline the main features in the design and operation of a modern landfill.
Indicative Module Content:
Key topics: Waste management legislation; Waste management planning; Nutrient management; Composting, anaerobic digestion, incineration, and landfill design.
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Specified Learning Activities | 40 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 49 |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Online Learning | 12 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 125 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Content delivered in lecture format with time allowed for discussion for problem-based learning in groups.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:\
An Engineering, Science or Agricultural Science background would be beneficial.
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:\ BSEN40320 - Waste to Energy Process&Techno\ \ \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment(Including Essay): Individual Assignment. | Week 14 | Graded | No | 60 | No |
| Group Work Assignment: Siting and outline design of an integrated waste management facility. | Week 12 | Graded | No | 40 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Summer | No |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Feedback provided post-assessment.
Reading List
EPA www.epa.ie\ https://www.epa.ie/environment-and-you/circular-economy/\ \ Book: SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities - Moving Forward with the Circular Economy\ Edited By Shyama V. Ramani, Hiroshan Hettiarachchi - the link to the ebook should be free through UCD Library...\ https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003205975/sdg-11-sustainable-cities-communities-shyama-ramani-hiroshan-hettiarachchi\ Chapter in above book - the link to the ebook should be free through UCD Library...\ How Ireland Reduced its Active Landfills - A true tale of policy-driven change\ By Thomas P. Curran, Orna O’Sullivan\ \ IEA Task 36 seminar on valorisation of fly ash https://task36.ieabioenergy.com/publications/webinar-valorisation-of-fly-ash-from-waste-to-energy/\ \ Best practice for waste management (WasteBEMP) \ https://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/product-bureau/sites/default/files/inline-files/WasteManagementBEMP.pdf
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Rajat Nag | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 | Mon 13:00 - 13:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Tues 12:00 - 12:50 |