Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is the third in a vertically integrated series of design units forming the “Design Spine” of the Environmental Engineering Major. You will already have completed GENG1000 Engineering Practice 1 and GENG1010 Introduction to Engineering. You may also have completed GENG2000 Engineering Practice 2.

In this unit, you will work on well-constrained problems in a guided design process. The first step of any design process is to clearly understand the context and specifics of an issue, prior to stepping into the “solution space”. You will explore case studies of key challenges in environmental engineering, with a particular emphasis on analysis of environmental and politico-social data to understand both the broader context and the specific challenge.

The unit draws on the foundational knowledge and technical skills you have developed in years 1 and 2 and will prepare you for the Level 3 unit in the design spine sequence, “Designing as an Environmental Engineer”.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Environmental Engineering major sequence
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify the emerging challenges the environmental engineering profession addresses; (2) access and analyse environmental and politico-social data and utilise them appropriately in the design process; (3) evaluate potential solutions from social, economic, environmental, ethical and regulatory/policy perspectives; and (4) demonstrate awareness of their own learning and educational progress as engineers.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) mid-semester test; (2) individual report 1; and (3) individual report 2. 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)
Dr Qiaoyun Xie
Unit rules
Prerequisites
GENG1010 Introduction to Engineering
and GENG1000 Engineering Practice 1
and GENG1014 Earth Systems Engineering
and Enrolment in
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree
Contact hours
3 hours per week
Note
This background will prepare students to conduct individual “guided design” experiences. These experiences will allow students to identify technically feasible design solutions, to critique solutions from social, economic, environmental, technical and legal perspectives, and generate recommended actions.

Students will be trained in techniques of technical writing and graphical communication and will exercise these skills in writing short “design reports” documenting their solution process and recommendations.

Throughout, students will maintain a reflective journal documenting their learning. They will be asked to summarise the main themes in this journal in an assessed written piece.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.