The module consists of two introductory units and four specialist blocks covering pollution prevention related to water, noise, air and solid waste. Modelling using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets is an important part of the module. Video programmes show you practice in the field, and legal aspects of pollution control in the UK are outlined. This module will appeal to anyone who wants to specialise in the technical aspects of environmental protection. For ease of reference, technical data and a glossary are included in the study materials. The module is delivered entirely online, thus allowing study worldwide.
Introductory units
The first introductory unit – Essential environmental science – provides the background material for the four main blocks of study. The second one – Financial assessment – offers ways of assessing pollution control options' economic viability.
Block 1: Water pollution control
This block begins with the hydrological cycle, the natural aquatic environment, and components normally present in surface waters. It then considers the types of pollutants that might arise and their impacts on watercourses. The block discusses the principles of biological sewage treatment, sludge treatment, reuse and disposal, and water quality monitoring. Computer modelling is then introduced to reveal the impacts of major pollutants on watercourses (such as carbonaceous material, nitrogen, phosphorus and coliforms). There are several examples to enable you to apply the models to pollution situations that you might come across.
Block 2: Noise control
This block begins by reviewing basic principles and concepts of sound propagation, such as units, criteria and indices. The second section deals with the assessment of noise levels, including the terminology of measurement and various criteria indices. The third section considers outdoor sound (such as transport noise) and factors that affect its propagation. Barriers for noise control are discussed at this stage. The final three sections look at the many options available for noise control: at source, for the pathway between the source and the receiver, with absorption playing a major role, and then noise control at the receiver.
Block 3: Air quality management
This block begins with an introduction to the atmosphere around us. Meteorology, which plays an important part in air quality, is covered next, with the main types of air pollutants, their sources, and their effects on humans and the surroundings. Air pollutants must be measured before control decisions can be made, so the block details the main technologies and systems used to assess pollutants. Control and elimination of air pollutants is a vast topic, and several methods are described. Finally, the block outlines methods of modelling and predicting air pollution in order to carry out environmental impact assessments.
Block 4: Solid waste management
This block concentrates on municipal and similar waste. After reviewing the nature and quantities of waste produced in the UK and India, it discusses the technology and environmental impacts of waste collection, recycling/composting, incineration and landfill. Models are introduced to assist in assessing the environmental impact of these options. Finally, the block considers ways of devising strategies to manage the whole waste stream. It introduces models and other tools to devise and assess alternative strategies from the technical, environmental, legislative and economic standpoints.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
All the study texts and audio-visual material will be delivered via the module website; there are no printed materials. There will be some work involving provided spreadsheets.
A scientific calculator.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
T868 is a compulsory module in our:
T868 is an option module in our:
Sometimes you cannot count a module towards a qualification if you have already counted another module with similar content. To verify any excluded combinations with this module, check with an adviser before registering.
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868) starts once a year – in November.
It will next start in November 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in November 2028.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no entry requirements for this module.
Although this module has no entry requirements, we recommend you have a science or engineering degree.
As the mathematics and chemistry involved in studying this module are significant, you should be familiar with pure mathematics and chemistry at A-level or Advanced Highers standard (or equivalent). Concerning mathematics, the manipulation of equations, plotting of graphs, handling of logarithms and the exponential function, and using a scientific calculator are all important. In terms of chemistry, you should be familiar with chemical equations and their use in numerical problems related to chemical reactions. Revision material will be available on the module website after you register, but in the meantime, you can try our diagnostic quiz to see if you are adequately prepared to study this module.
Written transcripts of any audio components are available, as are printable versions of the online text-based material. Some online material may not be fully accessible using a screen reader, and mathematical and scientific materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 01 Nov 2026 | 30 Apr 2027 | 08 Oct 2026 | Not yet available* |
| *This start date is open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed. We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information in late March 2026. |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
