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

Through this unit, student engineers will be able to recognise and explain the interconnectedness between the natural and built environments and society, as a foundation to design sustainable engineering solutions and to be responsible stewards of the Earth. This unit provides an introduction to the physical, geological, hydrological and ecological processes for earth systems engineering, and a holistic systems approach to how these processes respond and interact with each other. The unit covers theories and quantitative techniques to understand interactions between water, air and soil, and the ecosystem response to these interactions.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 core unit in the Civil Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Mining Engineering major sequences
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain the key components of the earth systems, including the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere, and how they relate to engineering practice; (2) describe the processes governing rock and soil formation, and the influence of the atmosphere and

hydrosphere on these processes; (3) articulate the cycle of resource exploration and extraction and how it interacts with the earth system and society; (4) articulate the relationship between the major earth system cycles and their role in providing services to

society; and (5) illustrate the connectivity of the earth system cycles through a case study.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) assignments; and (3) participation and collaborative learning. 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 Liah Coggins
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
workshops: 2 hours 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.
  • 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.