Module ENGI46715: Environmental Engineering

Department: Engineering

ENGI46715: Environmental Engineering

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
• This module will give students the knowledge and skills appropriate for a career in environmental engineering, environmental management or further graduate study.

Content

• Environmental economics.
• Environmental law and policy.
• Contaminant transport.
• Water pollution
• Wastewater treatment
• Water treatment
• Air quality control
• Geological storage of CO2
• Environmental impact assessment
• Uncertainty analysis.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the economic difficulties associated with sustainable development
• Understand the need to translate ecosystem services like carbon storage and water storage into cost benefit models
• Understand the strengths and limitations of law and policy with respect to environmental protection
• Develop simple mathematical models to describe reactive transport of contaminants in the environment
• Size and design key aspects of wastewater and potable water treatment plants
• Understand a range of air quality control issues
• Estimate the CO2 storage capacity of a geological formation
• Prepare an environmental impact assessment
• Propagate parametric uncertainty through environmental models.
• AHEP4 Learning Outcomes:
• In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module.
• M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (exam assessed).
• M2. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (exam assessed).
• M7. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire lifecycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts.

• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply environmental management principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
• International and local perspective
• Cultural awareness
• Commercial awareness
• Environmental awareness
• Earth's natural resources
• Environmental monitoring and management
• The role of the professional in society.

• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods
• Solve numerical problems using computer or non-computer techniques
• Critical analysis
• Research capability
• Engage with the professional world
• Practical competency
• Independent learning
• Numeracy, IT and information skills
• Opportunity identification.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module content is delivered through lectures and reinforced by Formative Problem Sheets and Problem Classes, equipping students with the required problem-solving capability.
• Throughout the academic year, students will be required to submit Formative Problem Sheets via the virtual learning environment to monitor and consolidate their understanding as the course progresses.
• Students will attend one Discussion Class in the Michaelmas term and a second in the Epiphany term. These sessions provide an opportunity to consolidate material covered in lectures and to receive guidance and support from a demonstrator.
• At the start of the academic year, students will complete a benchmark test to assess prior knowledge and highlight areas needing further consolidation. This diagnostic activity directs students towards appropriate revision resources and independent study.
• A mock examination will be held in the Epiphany term to provide a formative, exam‑style experience. Students may then discuss their performance informally with academic staff, either during Office Hours or an Academic Adviser session, and receive targeted feedback ahead of the summative assessment.
• A further Revision Class will be held ahead of the main examination period to support students in preparing for their final assessments.
• Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.
• Students are encouraged to engage with staff Office Hours for one‑to‑one or small‑group discussion of any aspect of the module. These sessions are offered weekly during teaching, timings are published on Learn Ultra.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment is provided by means of formative problem sheets, benchmark test and mock examinations.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.