Course overview
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).
Course learning outcomes
- Articulate the role and competencies of an environmental engineer
- Implement a systems approaches to environmental problems, and explain how the earth functions as an integrated system
- Articulate the causes and impacts of an environmental disaster, and implement a systems approach to identify potential mitigating measures
- Recognise, explain and discuss the concepts of resilience and sustainable development
- Articulate a position on an environmental issue from a diverse set of stakeholder viewpoints
- Recognise, explain and discuss the requirements of environmental impact assessments, and be able to write an environmental impact statement for a case study
- 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