CEME 1001 - Introduction to Environmental Engineering

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

This subject provides an introductory overview to different aspects of Environmental Engineering. The interconnectedness of the environmental system is emphasized, including concepts of sustainability, resilience, pollution (air, water, noise and solid waste), community engagement, and legislative and regulatory requirements. Students will be required to document the causes and impacts of a historical environmental disaster, engage in a community debate on a controversial development proposal, and write an environmental impact statement for a large infrastructure project (e.g. mine site, new hospital).

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CEME 1001
    Course Introduction to Environmental Engineering
    Coordinating Unit School of Civil, Environmental & Mining Eng
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assessment Assessment, in-class quiz
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Dmitri Kavetski

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1 Articulate the role and competencies of an environmental engineer
    2 Implement a systems approaches to environmental problems, and explain how the earth functions as an integrated system
    3 Articulate the causes and impacts of an environmental disaster, and implement a systems approach to identify potential mitigating measures
    4 Recognise, explain and discuss the concepts of resilience and sustainable development
    5 Articulate a position on an environmental issue from a diverse set of stakeholder viewpoints
    6 Recognise, explain and discuss the requirements of environmental impact assessments, and be able to write an environmental impact statement for a case study
    7 Recognise, explain, discuss, apply and critically analyse environmental impacts related to air pollution, water pollution, changed flow regimes, noise pollution and waste, as well as potential mitigation options
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer.
    The course is designed to develop the following Elements of Competency: 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.6
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    2,4,5

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    4

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    .

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    .

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    All necessary course material will be made available on MyUni. Several assignments will require further research, and students should
    make use of the University of Adelaide library and resources (e.g. databases) therein.
    Online Learning
    In light of continuing challenges associated with COVID-19 in 2022, this course will make extensive use of digital technology. All course material will be made available through the MyUni portal, including pre-recorded lectures, quizes and assignments, and other relevant material. Moveover, this system will be used for all important course announcements.

    Weekly workshops form a core element of the learning experience, and will be organised as face-to-face experiences. If you are not able to attend the face-to-face workshop please contact the course coordinator as soon as possible.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course will involve recorded online lectures each week, combined with a two-hour "workshop" session that will comprise a mix of
    interactive class discussions, small group discussions, presentations, debates and related activities. Participation in these workshops is
    mandatory and will be assessed. In addition to these activities, you'll be expected to do online activities including viewing modules and pre-reading; all relevant online material will be made available via MyUni. Project tutorials are also scheduled each week, and are designed
    to support you in preparing for your assignments.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Week Topic of Lecture
    Week 1 Introduction - What is an Enviornmental Engineer?
    Week 2 Systems Approaches for Environmental Engineers
    Week 3 When Things Go Wrong: Case Studies of Enviornmental Failures
    Week 4 System Resilience
    Week 5 Sustainability
    Week 6 Community Engagement and Community Debate
    Week 7 Introduction to Enviornmental Impact Assessments
    Week 8 Air Pollution
    Week 9 Water Pollution
    Week 10 Waste
    Week 11 Noise Pollution
    Week 12 Changed Flow Regimes
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Weighting Individual/Group Formative/ Summative
    Date Learning Outcome
    Weekly online quiz 1% each (10% in total) Individual

    Formative

    Weekly 1,2,3,5,6
    Workshop participation 1% each (10% in total) Individual Formative Weekly 1,2,3,4,5,6
    Assignment 1: 'The Anatomy of an Environmental Disaster' 20% Group Summative Week 3/4 2
    Assignment 2: 'South Australian nuclear fuel cycle' 20% Individual Summative Week 5/6 4
    Assignment 3: 'Green Steel' or equivalent 40% Group Summative Week 13 5
    * The specific due date for each assessment task are subject to change, for enrolled students please refer to MyUni for the latest information.

    In accordance with the Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy, Procedure 1a. i: An exemption from the stated requirement that group assessment activities total no more than 30% has been granted.

    Assessment Detail

    Submission
    All submissions will be electronic, through MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

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