Skip to main content
nounstudy
EMT304

Hazardous Substances Management

  • Sciences
  • 300 level
  • 3 credit units
  • 59 pages
  • 5 units

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.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
45 hours
Maths
Basic
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Tutor Marked Assignments
  • Final Examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

EMT304 · UNIT 1: The Nature, Origin, Identification, and Classification of Hazardous Substances

A substance is hazardous only if the level of any of these properties is above a threshold defined in regulations made under section 74 of the Act. Wherever possible, thresholds have been based on internationally recognized measures. The Act also controls compressed gas containers whether or not the gas itself is hazardous.

What you should be able to do

  1. Understand the nature, origin, and classification of hazardous substances.
  2. Identify the sources and pathways of hazardous substances in the environment.
  3. Evaluate different disposal methods and technologies for hazardous waste.
  4. Analyze the impact of hazardous substances on soil, plants, water, and human health.
  5. Apply regulations and laws governing hazardous and toxic substances.
  6. Assess environmental factors affecting the choice of disposal sites.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Environmental Health Officer
  • Waste Management Specialist
  • Safety Officer
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Regulatory Inspector
Where it is applied
  • Waste Management
  • Environmental Protection
  • Manufacturing
  • Agriculture
  • Public Health

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 1: Introduction

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

    The unit covers a wide range of hazardous substances and their properties, requiring memorization and understanding of complex chemical interactions.

  • Module 1: Introduction

    Unit 2: Sources and Pathways of Hazardous Substances

    Understanding the various exposure pathways and how they affect different populations requires critical thinking and analytical skills.

  • Module 1: Introduction

    Unit 3: Hazardous Substance Treatment and Disposal

    The unit requires understanding of complex chemical and biological processes used in treating hazardous waste, which can be challenging without a strong science background.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 46 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 1: The Nature, Origin, Identification, and Classification of Hazardous Substances · 3 hours

      Understand the definition of hazardous substances.. Identify the characteristics that make a substance hazardous.. Explore examples of hazardous substances in everyday life..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 2: Sources and Pathways of Hazardous Substances · 3 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..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 3: Hazardous Substance Treatment and Disposal · 3 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..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 4: Analysis of Hazardous and Toxic Substances · 3 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..

  5. Week 5Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 5: Regulations and Laws Governing Hazardous and Toxic Substances · 3 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..

  6. Week 6Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 1: The Nature, Origin, Identification, and Classification of Hazardous Substances · 3 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 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..

  7. Week 7Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 3: Hazardous Substance Treatment and Disposal · 3 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..

  8. Week 8Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 4: Analysis of Hazardous and Toxic Substances · 3 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..

  9. Week 9Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 5: Regulations and Laws Governing Hazardous and Toxic Substances · 3 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..

  10. Week 10Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 1: The Nature, Origin, Identification, and Classification of Hazardous Substances · 4 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..

  11. Week 11Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 2: Sources and Pathways of Hazardous Substances · 4 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..

  12. Week 12Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 3: Hazardous Substance Treatment and Disposal · 4 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..

  13. Week 13Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 4: Analysis of Hazardous and Toxic Substances · 4 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..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts.
  • Develop diagrams illustrating the pathways of hazardous substances and their effects.
  • Practice applying regulations to specific scenarios, such as waste disposal and transportation.
  • Review tutor-marked assignments and identify areas needing further study.
  • Focus on understanding the environmental factors affecting disposal site selection.
  • Create concept maps linking treatment technologies to specific types of hazardous waste.

Questions students ask about this course

What is EMT304 about?

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.

How many units does EMT304 have?

EMT304, Hazardous Substances Management, has 5 units across 1 module, over 59 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is EMT304?

EMT304 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Sciences.

Is EMT304 hard?

EMT304 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does EMT304 take to study?

About 45 hours of study, spread across its 5 units.

How is EMT304 assessed?

EMT304 is assessed by Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.

What can I do with EMT304?

Environmental Health Officer, Waste Management Specialist, Safety Officer, Environmental Consultant and Regulatory Inspector.

More courses in Sciences

CIT310

Algorithms and Complexity Analysis

2 credit units

Open CIT310
CIT344

Introduction To Computer Design

3 credit units

Open CIT344
ESM343

Climate Change And Environment

2 credit units

Open ESM343