Module manager: Dr Marco-Felipe King
Email: M.F.King@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Entry requirements to the MSc programme
This module is not approved as an Elective
Air quality profoundly affects public health, environmental sustainability, and climate. This module develops your expertise in assessing and managing indoor and urban air pollution, preparing you for careers in environmental consultancy, building services engineering, public health, urban planning, and environmental regulation. You'll gain understanding of airborne contaminants (particulate matter, gases, bioaerosols), their sources, dispersion, and health impacts. The module covers: particle physics and aerosol mechanics; ventilation theory and design; airborne infection risk modelling; urban air quality and transport; environmental justice and inequality; and regulatory frameworks (WHO, EU/UK standards). You'll learn measurement techniques, exposure modelling, and engineering solutions including ventilation systems, air cleaning technologies, and urban design interventions.
The objectives of this module are:
-To develop competence in assessing, managing, and mitigating indoor and urban air pollution through evidence-based engineering and policy solutions.
-To understand the scientific principles governing air pollution, including contaminant sources, aerosol mechanics, atmospheric dispersion, and deposition processes.
-To apply quantitative methods for ventilation design, infection risk modelling (e.g., Wells-Riley), exposure assessment, and pollutant transport analysis.
-To critically evaluate health and environmental impacts of air pollution using current research and regulatory frameworks (e.g., WHO, UK standards).
-To design and assess engineering interventions such as ventilation strategies, air cleaning technologies, urban design, and source control measures.
-To address inequality and justice dimensions in air quality exposure and policy development.
-To communicate technical findings effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences through written, oral, and visual formats.
- To conduct independent and collaborative research investigations on contemporary air quality challenges.
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes (contributing to the AHEP4 learning outcomes):
1. Evaluate sources, dispersion mechanisms, and impacts of indoor and outdoor contaminants, including the scientific principles and transport mechanisms. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M2, M3);
2. Demonstrate critical analysis of engineering solutions such as ventilation and air cleaning technologies, applying analytical methods to assess the fate of contaminants and their mitigation. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M5, M6);
3. Evaluate health and environmental impacts of air pollution with a critical understanding of current research, methodologies, and their uncertainties, demonstrating an integrated approach to problem-solving. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M7, M8);
4. Assess cross-disciplinary challenges in air quality management, employing knowledge of technical and socio-economic solutions in both developed and developing contexts. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M11, M9);
5. Utilise experimental data and models for risk assessment and engineering solution evaluation, critically interpreting data quality and confidence levels. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M3, M12);
6. Understand regulatory frameworks and the professional role in designing and implementing air quality solutions, incorporating sustainable development principles. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M7, M8);
7. Conduct and manage team research into air quality challenges, effectively coordinating and delivering comprehensive research findings. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M16, M17).
8. Communicate complex air quality concepts, technical analyses, and recommendations effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences through written reports, oral presentations, and visual communication (AHEP4 M17).
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
ACADEMIC SKILLS:
SK1. Conduct systematic literature reviews, critically evaluating research methodologies, findings, and uncertainties in air quality studies (Academic - Research and critical thinking)
SK2. Design, execute, and manage independent research investigations, taking responsibility for planning, data collection, analysis, and timely completion (Academic - Self-directed learning and research skills)
SK3. Collect primary data using monitoring equipment, implement quality assurance procedures, and critically evaluate data quality and limitations (Academic - Research methods and data literacy)
DIGITAL SKILLS:
SK4. Apply digital tools for data analysis, visualization, and modelling including statistical software, spreadsheets, and air quality modelling platforms (Digital - Digital proficiency)
SK5. Manage, process, and interpret time-series air quality datasets, assessing measurement uncertainty and confidence levels (Digital - Data literacy and analysis)
CULTURAL SKILLS:
SK6. Collaborate effectively in diverse teams, coordinating research activities, respecting different perspectives, and integrating contributions into coherent outputs (Cultural - Teamwork and collaboration)
SK7. Adapt communication strategies and language for different audiences including technical specialists, policymakers, and non-expert stakeholders (Cultural - Communication across contexts)
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:
SK8. Plan and coordinate team research projects, allocating tasks, managing timelines, and delivering professional-quality outputs (Professional - Project management)
SK9. Communicate complex technical information through written reports, oral presentations, and visual media, demonstrating clarity, accuracy, and professional standards (Professional - Professional communication)
SK10. Make evidence-based professional judgments about air quality interventions, evaluating trade-offs between effectiveness, cost, feasibility, and sustainability (Professional - Decision-making and problem-solving)
SK11. Defend technical work orally, articulating rationale and key findings, explaining methodological decisions, and responding effectively to critical questions (Professional - Oral communication and professional defence)
GLOBAL CITIZENS:
SK12. Evaluate air quality challenges through equity and justice lenses, analysing how pollution burdens and solution benefits are distributed across socioeconomic groups (Global Citizens - Social justice and equity)
SK13. Assess environmental and health impacts of air quality interventions, applying sustainability principles and precautionary approaches particularly for vulnerable populations (Global Citizens - Sustainability and ethical responsibility)
INNOVATION AND ENTERPRISE:
SK14. Identify and formulate research questions addressing air quality challenges, designing appropriate investigation methodologies (Innovation and Enterprise - Problem identification and creative thinking)
SK15. Synthesise evidence from multiple sources to develop evidence-based recommendations for air quality interventions considering technical, social, and economic dimensions (Innovation and Enterprise - Solution development and evaluation)
-Airborne contaminants: sources, physics and behaviour.
-Atmospheric processes and urban air quality.
-Ventilation and indoor air quality.
-Airborne infection risks.
-Bioaerosols in occupational and community settings.
-Regulatory frameworks and professional practice.
-Environmental justice and inequality.
-Measurement and monitoring technologies.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Lectures | 12 | 2 | 24 |
| Seminars | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Practicals | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Independent online learning hours | 6 | ||
| Private study hours | 102.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 41.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Week 2: Sensor training workshop (hands-on practice, troubleshooting guidance)
Week 5: Group project outline submission (1-page, formative) with written feedback on research questions and approach
Week 7: Data analysis workshop with guidance on processing data, calculations, visualizations; students can bring own data for informal feedback
Weeks 3-10: Optional drop-in sessions for individual consultation on investigation progress, group project, or module content
Week 10: Optional dry-run group presentations with peer and staff feedback
Week 11: Q&A during/after group presentations provides real-time feedback on understanding
Week 12: Exam revision class addressing student questions and clarifying concepts
Ongoing: Interactive lectures/workshops provide immediate informal feedback through discussions and in-class problem-solving; small cohort enables personalized verbal feedback
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 03/06/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team