UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is the fourth of a vertically-integrated series of design units forming the “Design Spine” of the Environmental Engineering program.

The unit introduces students to defining environmental engineering design problems. Individually, students interpret a client brief to specify tasks, project outcomes and outputs addressing a real-world environmental engineering problem. Examples of potential problems include development of environmental management plans for local lakes or cumulative impact assessments associated with urban development. Students individually produce a “Call for Tender”, as might be issued by a client seeking consulting services. They then work in teams to write a suitable tender in response. These tenders form the basis for the second phase of the design project (implementation) undertaken in ENVE5552.

Lecturers and guest speakers from industry, and technical experts from e.g. UWA, other universities, Government Departments or CSIRO, support the class in consolidating their knowledge, technical skills and familiarity with legal, policy, ethical and social considerations relevant to the project.

Students receive specific training on giving and receiving feedback, technical writing, presentations, teamwork and related “soft skills”.

Students are expected to contribute professionally to the class through a range of specific activities and by maintaining a high standard of professional conduct.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) synthesize technical literature and professional input to define an engineering problem in the form of a Call for Tender; (2) develop a design work plan that addresses an engineering problem, and includes resources, a budget, consideration of appropriate legislation and standards for environment, health and safety (covering, for example, the EPBC Act 1999, Environmental Protection Act (WA) 1986, Contaminated Sites Act (WA) 2003, the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act (WA) 2007, the Work, Health and Safety Act (WA) 2020 and ISO45001).; (3) communicate the value proposition of the developed work plan as a Tender; (4) consult with stakeholders to inform the development of the design work plan.; (5) employ interpersonal skills to give and receive feedback; (6) work effectively as a team member / leader; and (7) professionally and persuasively communicate design work plan.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) call for tender (individual); (2) tender and tender presentation (group with peer assessment); and (3) professional conduct (individual). Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Sally Thompson

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

62550 Master of Professional Engineering (Environmental Engineering specialisation)

and Successful completion of

( 12 points of Level 4/5 units
and GENG5505 Project Management and Engineering Practice

)
or
Enrolment in

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree and a WAM of at least 50

and Successful completion of

( ENVE3609 Designing as an Environmental Engineer
and GENG3000 Engineering Practice 3

)

Advisable prior study

GENG5505 Project Management and Engineering Practice

Incidental fees

Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Field Trip (estimated cost - 100).