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EMT304Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Hazardous Substances Management

This course introduces students to the principles of hazardous substances management, emphasizing the dangers and regulations surrounding toxic materials. It covers the nature, origin, and classification of hazardous substances, their sources and pathways, and various disposal methods and technologies. The course also examines the analysis of hazardous substances, their impact on the environment and human health, and the legal frameworks governing their management. It aims to equip students with the knowledge to manage hazardous substances effectively.

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45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Hazardous SubstancesToxic WasteEnvironmental ManagementWaste DisposalRegulations

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Nature of Hazardous Substances

2

Origin of Hazardous Substances

3

Classification of Hazardous Substances

4

Sources of Hazardous Substances

5

Pathways of Hazardous Substances

6

Hazardous Waste Treatment Technologies

7

Hazardous Waste Disposal Methods

8

Environmental Factors Affecting Disposal Sites

9

Effects on Soil and Plants

10

Effects on Water and Aquatic Life

11

Effects on Human Health

12

International Regulations

13

National Regulations

Total Topics13 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

Tutor Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Health Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Waste Management Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Safety Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Regulatory Inspector

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Waste ManagementEnvironmental ProtectionManufacturingAgriculturePublic Health

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 1: The Nature, Origin, Identification, and Classification of Hazardous Substances

3 study hours
  • Understand the definition of hazardous substances.
  • Identify the characteristics that make a substance hazardous.
  • Explore examples of hazardous substances in everyday life.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 2: Sources and Pathways of Hazardous Substances

3 study hours
  • Examine natural sources of hazardous substances like radon and arsenic.
  • Investigate synthetic sources from households, industries, and agriculture.
  • Discuss the impact of human activities on the increase of synthetic substances.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 3: Hazardous Substance Treatment and Disposal

3 study hours
  • Study biological methods like composting and anaerobic decomposition.
  • Learn about physical methods such as drying, screening, and filtration.
  • Understand chemical methods including oxidation, reduction, and neutralization.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 4: Analysis of Hazardous and Toxic Substances

3 study hours
  • Analyze the effects of heavy metals on soil properties and microbial communities.
  • Discuss how hazardous substances affect plant growth and crop yields.
  • Examine the impact of pollutants on soil parameters and vegetal loss.
Week
5

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 5: Regulations and Laws Governing Hazardous and Toxic Substances

3 study hours
  • Study the Basel Convention on the Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes.
  • Examine the Bamako Convention on the Ban of Import into Africa.
  • Understand Nigeria's national regulations, including the Harmful Waste Decree of 1988.
Week
6

Module 1: Introduction

6h

Unit 1: The Nature, Origin, Identification, and Classification of Hazardous Substances

3 study hours
  • Review the nature of hazardous substances and their potential harm.
  • Revise the sources and pathways through which hazardous substances spread.
  • Practice identifying hazardous substances using labels and safety data sheets.

Unit 2: Sources and Pathways of Hazardous Substances

3 study hours
  • Review natural and synthetic sources of hazardous substances.
  • Understand exposure pathways, including exposure points and routes.
  • Discuss the role of air, water, soil, and biota as exposure mediums.
Week
7

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 3: Hazardous Substance Treatment and Disposal

3 study hours
  • Study biological treatment methods like composting and enzyme treatment.
  • Examine physical treatment methods such as drying and filtration.
  • Understand chemical treatment methods including oxidation and neutralization.
Week
8

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 4: Analysis of Hazardous and Toxic Substances

3 study hours
  • Analyze the effects of hazardous substances on soil properties.
  • Discuss the impact of heavy metals on plant growth and crop yields.
  • Examine the effects of hazardous substances on water and aquatic life.
Week
9

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 5: Regulations and Laws Governing Hazardous and Toxic Substances

3 study hours
  • Study international regulations like the Basel Convention.
  • Examine regional regulations such as the Bamako Convention.
  • Understand national regulations, including Nigeria's Harmful Waste Decree.
Week
10

Module 1: Introduction

4h

Unit 1: The Nature, Origin, Identification, and Classification of Hazardous Substances

4 study hours
  • Review the sources and pathways of hazardous substances.
  • Discuss the environmental factors affecting the choice of disposal sites.
  • Practice identifying and classifying hazardous substances.
Week
11

Module 1: Introduction

4h

Unit 2: Sources and Pathways of Hazardous Substances

4 study hours
  • Review the various treatment technologies for hazardous substances.
  • Discuss the different disposal methods and their environmental impacts.
  • Understand the importance of proper waste management practices.
Week
12

Module 1: Introduction

4h

Unit 3: Hazardous Substance Treatment and Disposal

4 study hours
  • Review the effects of hazardous substances on soil, plants, and water.
  • Discuss the health consequences of exposure to toxic substances.
  • Understand the importance of environmental monitoring and analysis.
Week
13

Module 1: Introduction

4h

Unit 4: Analysis of Hazardous and Toxic Substances

4 study hours
  • Review international and national regulations governing hazardous substances.
  • Discuss the roles of different stakeholders in waste management.
  • Understand the importance of compliance and enforcement.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts.

2

Develop diagrams illustrating the pathways of hazardous substances and their effects.

3

Practice applying regulations to specific scenarios, such as waste disposal and transportation.

4

Review tutor-marked assignments and identify areas needing further study.

5

Focus on understanding the environmental factors affecting disposal site selection.

6

Create concept maps linking treatment technologies to specific types of hazardous waste.

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