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
Environmental Engineering problems are complex and challenging, with modelling approaches typically playing a central role in evaluation of solutions. Modelling complex environmental systems is thus a core skill of professional Environmental Engineers. This modelling may be analytical, physical, numerical or empirical in nature. This unit introduces students to the modelling process in Environmental Engineering. Models will be developed to understand how a wide range of environmental systems (atmospheric, marine/coastal, hydrological and urban water systems) function and respond to perturbation.
Students work through the modelling process in Environmental Engineering including: model conceptualization; choosing between modelling approaches of various complexities; model construction, including in a numerical programming environment; model calibration and validation; assessment of model uncertainty and sensitivity; critical evaluation of model output; and communication of modelling results to an engineering audience.
This unit will utilise problem-based learning, meaning students will learn about model conceptualization and construction in the context of relevant Environmental Engineering challenges, with real datasets to validate the models developed. It is expected that students will develop their programming skills in this unit in using a numerical programming language for model construction.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 core unit in the Environmental Engineering major sequence
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) develop conceptual models of environmental systems for the investigation and solution of Environmental Engineering problems; (2) translate conceptual models into an analytical, physical, numerical or empirical modelling approach most appropriate to the problem; (3) articulate the limitations, sensitivity and uncertainty of models employed in Environmental Engineering; (4) use collected data to calibrate and validate models of environmental systems; (5) use a numerical programming environment to develop, apply, and present the results of a quantitative model; and (6) communicate to an engineering audience how modelling results are used to inform solution evaluation in Environmental Engineering..
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) case study reports (individual); (2) group project presentation; and (3) take home examination. 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 Ivica Janekovic and Professor Chari Pattiaratchi
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- 2 hours lectures per week and 3 hours practical sessions per week
- 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.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.