6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
Department of Civil Engineering
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
Introduce concepts of sustainable development, the demands of population and economic growth, industrialisation and urbanisation, energy demand and usage, and human environmental disturbance. Two environmental case studies will be covered in detail, designed to illustrate by way of example many of the considerations that underpin many environmental issues/conflicts/ethics. These are climate change and sustainable cities. The multi-disciplinary nature of environmental problems is emphasised together with the need to understand and communicate with other professional and community groups.
Outcomes
Objectives:
- Develop an appreciation of the range and magnitude of environmental issues
- Develop an understanding of the different possible perspectives on environmental issues
- Understand the effects of population growth and urbanisation
- Understand community concerns about the environment
- Understand the role of the environmental engineer in society, and with respect to environmental issues
- Understand the importance of environmental ethics
- Understand the conceptual basis of sustainability
- Learn to integrate conflicting viewpoints regarding environmental issues
- Begin to integrate environmental criteria into engineering project work
- Develop skills in information retrieval and analysis
- Develop skills in the oral and written presentation of technical information.
Assessment
Examination: 50% + Group project: 35% + Tutorial involvement 5% + Two individual assignments:10%
Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component 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.
Workload requirements
3 hours lectures, 2 hours tutorial classes and 7 hours of private study per week
See also Unit timetable information