Undergraduate - UnitENE4607 - Environmental risk assessment

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Synopsis

This unit aims to synthesize the various components of the Environmental Engineering degree, enabling development of a comprehensive approach to identifying, assessing and planning management approaches to the array of environmental risks associated with engineering. A critical aspect of this unit will be class discussions, where participation in broad ranging debate will be actively encouraged for all students. Communication skills are critical for environmental issues in engineering, as there are commonly differences of opinion with regards to environmental risks as well as their respective solutions. This unit seeks to unify environmental risk assessment in an engineering context.

Outcomes

Re-enforce the role of engineering in sustainable development; understanding of the role of environmental risk assessment in society; knowledge of relevant environmental legislation, policies, industry codes of practice and Australian or international standards; understanding of government, industry and community perspectives on the perceived and actual environmental risks of engineering projects; understanding of key concepts of fault and decision tree analyses; understanding of risk communication; knowledge of relevant occupational health and safety risks; knowledge of environmental toxicology and basis for incorporating into risk assessments; improved critical thinking and analysis skills; application of knowledge of formal risk assessment systems to engineering projects; ability to develop a HAZOP study for a particular project or process; improved major report writing skills; improved oral presentation and verbal communication skills; research skills to find relevant engineering, environmental and other information; improved skills in synthesizing broad-ranging environmental information

Assessment

Class participation: 10%
Projects: 50%
Final Exam (3 hours): 40%.
Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component (assignments, tests, mid-semester exams, laboratory reports) and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Gavin Mudd

Contact hours

2 hours lectures, 2 hours practice classes and 8 hours of private study per week

Prerequisites

Must have passed 120 points

Prohibitions

ENE4601