This Masters Level module will allow students to understand the role that advanced waste management technologies can play in helping the UK to achieve sustainability in wastes management.

The module is predicated on the philosophy that the future UK waste management industry will be one that promotes the minimisation of wastes at all levels, and utilises waste as a resource for the manufacture of products, of an appropriate quality, quantity and price, in a dynamic market.

The module will act to encourage the necessary cultural change within the waste industry and places an emphasis on problem solving as well as the acquisition of knowledge.

The module will be made available to any university FREE OF CHARGE who would like to use it.  Universities will only be able to advertise the course as containing the CIWM/Defra Material if they are CIWM Accredited.  For more details on accreditation please see below.

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The module primarily focuses on the management of biodegradable wastes, particularly those associated with municipal solid wastes.

Students will gain an understanding of the science and technology behind advanced waste management processes; an appreciation of the financial, social and institutional factors that may restrict the adoption of particular technologies, including public perception and the communication of risk; a knowledge of the factors influencing the location of new waste management facilities; and an appreciation of the research, development and demonstration that will be required to make selected processes commercially viable.

The module will also provide a basis for students wishing to undertake primary research into the development and adoption of new technologies for the management of biodegradable municipal waste.

The module consists of 6 units:

• Unit 1 - Introduction to Advanced Technologies for Sustainable Wastes Management
Provides a background to waste management (eg waste categories, composition, production, variations over of time) and how it fits with sustainable development before introducing the students to the urgent need for a ‘step change’ in waste management arrangements in the UK.

• Unit 2 - Physical Processes
Provides all students with essential knowledge of physical waste management technologies and to introduce the terms associated with these. Physical resizing and separation operation technologies are reviewed in detail.  Original application(s) and drivers as well as the technology of the different operations are also covered.  The science of autoclaving and plant examples are reviewed and other emerging physical processes are explored.

• Unit 3 - Biological Processes
Provides all students with essential knowledge of biological and chemical processes and to introduce the terms associated with these.  The Unit then builds on this knowledge and introduces the different technologies in this sector.  For example, the different configurations of the technology, the range of outputs, their possible markets, and process risks and benefits.

• Unit 4 - Thermal Processes
Provides all students with essential knowledge of thermal processes and to introduce the terms associated with these.  The Unit introduces the technologies in this sector, such as mass burn incineration, gasification and pyrolysis.  It goes on to cover the different configurations of the technologies, emissions, the range of outputs, their possible markets, and process risks and benefits.

• Unit 5 - Intergrated Waste Management Systems
Provides all students with essential knowledge of integrated processes and to introduce the terms associated with them.  The unit then introduces the different technologies in this sector, the different configurations of the technology, the range of outputs, their possible markets, and process risks and benefits.

• Unit 6 - Decision Making
Provides students with information about the many non-technical aspects that must be considered when planning new waste management facilities.

For a full list of the Learning Outcomes associated with each unit please see the course outline attached below.

The module is available free of charge to any University who wishes to incorporate it into their courses.  Once a university has registered with CIWM, a DVD of materials will be sent.  The DVD consists of PowerPoint lectures, lecture support notes, sample questions and answers, technology videos, and reading lists/web based reference materials.

Universities are able to incorporate all or part of the materials into their courses (undergraduate or postgraduate) however if they wish to advertise these materials as the Defra/CIWM New Technologies Material, the course will have to be 'CIWM Accredited' - details on Academic Accreditation can be found by clicking here.

We are asking course tutors to register their interest in the course by filling a form.  In order for us to keep track of the courses that may be incorporating this material, please could tutors avoid sharing discs, and request individual copies.

Request a copy of the Module DVD

MSc Module Exemplar Course Outline

Example Material