Coursework
Master of Engineering (Environmental)
- CRICOS Code: 069275C
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What will I study?
Overview
The Master of Engineering (Environmental) is a 2–3 year degree (full-time) depending on your prior study.
Course structure
First year
In your first year (or equivalent) you’ll complete foundation engineering subjects – tailored to students from a non-engineering background. If you’ve completed the Environmental Engineering Systems major in your bachelor’s degree, plus the required maths and science subjects, you’ll receive creditfor these foundation engineering subjects and start in second year.
Second and third year
In the second and third year of the program (or equivalent), you’ll focus on your chosen engineering discipline. As an environmental engineering student you will be guided in designing and building sustainable solutions to environmental problems, and focus on climate change, water scarcity and bushfire management.
You’ll undertake an industry, design or research project and gain the skills and knowledge to practice as a professional engineer.
Industry, design and research subjects
Internship subject
Build your skills and work experience through our academically credited Internship subject. Running over 10–15 weeks, you could intern for a catchment management, conservation and natural resources, resource planning and management or a waste and water organisation.
Creating Innovative Engineering subject
Work on a real-world innovation challenge with an industry mentor through our Creating Innovative Engineering subject.
Infrastructure Engineering Research project
Work alongside our world-leading environmental engineering researchers in our Infrastructure Engineering Research Project subject. Work on an industry partnered project, or pursue your own exploratory research. You’ll have the opportunity to present the findings to the public at our annual engineering showcase, the Endeavour Engineering and IT Exhibition.
Integrated Design subjects
Be guided by experienced engineers in preparing an infrastructure design proposal in our Integrated Design – Infrastructure subject. Learn how to scope a design to meet society’s needs including suburban precincts, transport systems or water and renewable energy supply systems. Alternatively, you could learn how to design civil infrastructure including railway stations, trains, airports and stadiums with our Integrated Design – Civil subject.
Sample course plan
View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this degree.
Semester 1 entry
Year 1
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
Year 2
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
Year 3
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
elective
12.5 pts
elective
12.5 pts
elective
12.5 pts
Explore this course
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this degree.
Core
Students must complete the following subjects (75 points):
- Engineering Mechanics 12.5 pts
The aim of this subject is to provide an introduction to modelling the stresses and deformations that occur when axial, torsional and flexural loads are applied to a body in static equilibrium, as well as the translational and rotational motions that eventuate in a body subject to different load applications. This material will be complemented with laboratory and project based approaches to learning.
The subject provides the basis for all the mechanical engineering subjects that follow. The calculations introduced in this subject are the most common type of calculations performed by professional mechanical engineers in all sectors of the industry.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics to be covered include free-body diagrams; equilibrium; force systems; stresses and strains; coordinate systems; statically indeterminate systems; flexure; bending under combine loads; torsion; power transmission; kinematics; relative motion; particle kinetics; impulse and momentum; vibration; rigid body motion; angular impulse and momentum; work and energy.
- Fluid Mechanics 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject is integral to the understanding of fluid physics from a theoretical and real-world application basis. This is examined in the discussion of pipe flow, pumps, mixing tanks, momentum balances and related concepts. Pipe flow material includes fluid statics, manometry, the derivation of the continuity equation, mechanical energy balances, friction losses in a straight pipe, Newton’s law of viscosity, pipe roughness, valves and fittings, simple pipe network problems, principles of open channel flow, compressible flow, pressure waves, isothermal and adiabatic flow equations in a pipe, and choked flow. Pump material includes centrifugal pumps, derivation of theoretical head, head losses leading to the actual pump head curve, calculating system head, determining the operating point of a pumping system, throttling for flow control, cavitation and net positive suction head (NPSH), introduction to positive displacement pumps, affinity laws and pump scale-up. Mixing tank material includes stirred tanks, radial, axial and tangential flow, agitator types, vortex elimination, the standard tank configuration, power number and power curve, dynamic and geometric similarity in scale-up. Momentum balance material includes examination of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, Multi-dimensional fluid flow-momentum flux, development of multi-dimensional equations of continuity and for momentum transfer, Navier-Stokes equations, application to tube flow, Couette flow and Stokes flow. We will visit computational fluid dynamics and real-world applications for fluid mechanics concepts.
- Engineering Mathematics 12.5 pts
This subject introduces important mathematical methods required in engineering such as manipulating vector differential operators, computing multiple integrals and using integral theorems. A range of ordinary and partial differential equations are solved by a variety of methods and their solution behaviour is interpreted. The subject also introduces sequences and series including the concepts of convergence and divergence.
Topics include: Vector calculus, including Gauss’ and Stokes’ Theorems; sequences and series; Fourier series, Laplace transforms; systems of homogeneous ordinary differential equations, including phase plane and linearization for nonlinear systems; second order partial differential equations and separation of variables.
- Environmental Eng Systems Capstone 12.5 pts
AIMS
This capstone subject involves an investigation and problem-solving project which will require students to apply a broad knowledge to realistic problems typical of what would be expected with employment in the environmental engineering industry. The subject revolves around the engineering education framework - CIDO: conceive, design, implement, operate, with the addition of 'monitor and evaluate'. Students will apply skills developed in other subjects to a single overarching project that will run through the entire semester. Focusing on urban stormwater management, the project will require the students to develop a conceptual and quantitative model of a small-scale environmental engineering system (i.e. a biofiltration system). The students will then build and operate these systems and undertake monitoring and analysis of their behaviour to provide a critical appraisal of the original model. Having characterised the system, interpretation and evaluation of the impacts of a scaled up system on associated human and non-human stakeholders will form part of an evidence based report. Students will also be expected to critically evaluate the quality of their model, assumptions, data and analysis. The subject will be supported by specialised lectures and workshops.
- Earth Processes for Engineering 12.5 pts
AIMS
In this subject students will be introduced to physical earth processes and their engineering applications and implications. In particular, the subject concentrates on engineering aspects of climate, water and soils and their interactions. Simplified modelling and relevant analytical techniques are introduced throughout the subject. The students will learn about fundamental material required for later year subjects such as CVEN30010 System Modelling and Design, CVEN90044 Engineering Site Characterisation and CVEN90050 Geotechnical Engineering.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Climate and seasonality; carbon cycle, global water cycle and catchment water cycle; rainfall, infiltration, runoff and evapotranspiration; catchment processes and stochastic rainfall modelling; soil identification; landscape forming processes; basic soil mechanics; earth engineering stability; revision.
- Intro to Sustainable Water Management 12.5 pts
This subject aims to analyse the key concepts underpinning the sustainable use of water within the context of integrated river basin management. Lectures draw on extensive experience in water and river basin management, particularly in Australia and China including guest lecturers from industry practitioners. The subject focuses on the analysis of complex water resource systems that involve multiple sources of water supply and multiple water uses including agriculture, urban, industrial, recreation and the environment. The subject builds on students’ knowledge of sustainability, economics and resource management.
While the principles of resource management are learnt in the context of water and river basins, they can be applied in a range of natural resource management scenarios. Students contemplating a career in any aspect of natural resource management will find this subject of value.
- Analysis of Biological Data 12.5 pts
A capacity to interpret data is fundamental to making informed decisions in everyday life. The design of experiments, analysis, and interpretation of biological data also lie at the very heart of the scientific enterprise. You cannot be a scientist without an understanding of data and design. This subject introduces you to fundamental concepts in data science for biology, with emphasis on modern statistical methods. Drawing on real biological problems and datasets, as well as drawing on data collected by the class, the lectures cover foundational concepts in experimental design and statistical modelling. The subject emphasises hands-on problem solving. As well as a solid grounding in statistical methodology, you will also develop practical skills, developing your capacity to design experiments, collect data, and analyse those data using the R statistical environment.
Selective
Choose one of the following 12.5 point subjects.
- Critical Communication for Engineers 12.5 pts
Critical Communication for Engineers (CCE) addresses the skills vital for professional success. Problem analysis skills and being able to present solutions effectively to your engineering peers, leaders and the broader community are a powerful combination. These are the focus of CCE.
They are challenging skills to learn—and you will likely work to improve them throughout your career. Effective communication is not merely about how to write a report or to give a formal presentation. Developing a strong argument—having something insightful to communicate—is essential for capturing the attention of an audience. This requires developing good interpersonal skills for gathering information and testing ideas.
The subject is divided into four ‘topics’ presented in sequence through the semester. Each topic is self-contained and dedicated to a different engineering issue. There is an assessment for each topic, meaning that you will be able to apply what you have learned from one topic to the following topics. This way, you will have a lot of opportunities to practise and develop your analytical and communication skills.
- Creating Innovative Engineering 12.5 pts
The aim of this subject is to give participants both practical experience in, and theoretical insights into, elements of engineering innovation.
The subject is intense, challenging, experiential and requires significant self-direction. Participants will work on an innovation project sponsored by a local organisation.
A key theme is that the individual cannot be separated from the technical processes of engineering innovation. The impact of both individual and team contributions to the engineering and innovation processes will be examined in the context of real world challenges.
Creating Innovative Engineering (CIE) and its companion subject, Creating Innovative Professionals ENGR90039 (CIP), are delivered by the University's Innovation Practice Program. To learn more about the Program, including the range of organizations that have participated as sponsors, examples of past projects and to hear students talk about their experiences in taking CIE/CIP, please go to the Innovation Practice Program’s website.
All project sponsors will require that students maintain the confidentiality of their proprietary information. Some project sponsors will require students to assign any Intellectual Property created (other than Copyright in their Assessment Materials) to the University. The projects may vary in the hours needed for a successful outcome.
- Creating Innovative Professionals 12.5 pts
This subject aims to give participants theoretical frameworks, practical insights, and preliminary skills to work in their chosen profession in contexts where determining what problem to work on is an important complement to knowing how to solve that problem.
Participants will develop these understandings, insights and skills by working in teams on a strategically-important innovation challenge sponsored by an industry organisation. This subject is similar to Creating Innovative Engineering (ENGR90034), but is designed for students seeking a multi-disciplinary learning experience.
Participants will learn theories of human-centred innovation and apply them in their project. They will learn how to work in teams and use those skills to deliver the project. They will learn to conceptualise their career as an innovation project, and how to apply the innovation skills and theories presented in the subject to their own careers.
The subject is challenging, experiential and requires significant self-direction.
Creating Innovative Professionals (CIP) and its companion subject, Creating Innovative Engineering ENGR90034 (CIE), are delivered by the University's Innovation Practice Program. To learn more about the Program, including the range of organizations that have participated as sponsors, examples of past projects and to hear students talk about their experiences in taking CIE/CIP, please go to the Innovation Practice Program’s website.
All project sponsors will require students to maintain the confidentiality of their proprietary information. The University will require all students (except those working on projects sponsored by the University itself) to assign any Intellectual Property they create (other than Copyright in their Assessment Materials) to the sponsor of their project.
Core
Students must complete the following subjects (100 points):
- Civil Hydraulics 12.5 pts
AIMS
Students that successfully completely this subject will have the skills to practice under a chartered engineer to analyse problems and propose designs in the field of civil and environmental hydraulic engineering. Analysis of water flow in natural and constructed channels is studied in the river hydraulics module. This gives students the fundamental tools to learn techniques such as flood prediction, the design of channels for water movement in irrigation, and the prediction of water levels in channels in environmental flow studies. The movement of water and sediment along coasts due to wave action and currents is the focus of the coastal hydraulics module. An understanding of wave processes in coastal and surf zones is an essential starting point for the design of coastal structures such as piers, groins and jetties. With impending sea level rise, this will be a significant area of civil engineering practice for the foreseeable future. In the third module, the focus will be on processes of sediment transport and geomorphological change in rivers and coastal waters. The ability to analyse these processes can lead to graduates working in the area of river engineering, where for example the erosion of sediment from bridge abutments must be controlled. It is also important in ecological modelling where the movement of sediments and entrainment in water can impact on the habitat of stream biota.
The subject will draw on students’ existing knowledge of fluid mechanics, systems modelling, statistics, engineering mathematics and geomorphology gained from undergraduate or other preparatory study.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- River Hydraulics: revision of basic concepts of steady-state open channel flow and extend this with applications in natural river channels, time dependent behaviour and flood hydraulics
- Coastal Hydraulics: basic wave theory and processes including in the surf zone
- Sediment Transport and Water Quality: mechanisms and models of particulate and solute transport in rivers and coastal environments.
- Environmental Systems Modelling & Design 12.5 pts
This subject is the capstone for the Environmental System major in the Bachelor of Science. It addresses the major steps in environmental engineering design using the systems approach and builds on knowledge gained in subjects including Engineering Mathematics, Fluid Mechanics and Earth Processes for Engineering and assumes a familiarity with concepts of sustainability and engineering systems.
Engineering systems are often highly complex, especially environmental systems which are often not well understood. Engineering design of models of such systems pose significant challenges since the models typically involve a large number of decision variables (and therefore a large number of potential solutions), multiple competing objectives and are often subject to various constraints.
Factors that influence the design process include logical problem formulation which facilitates a systematic approach to problem solution, analysis of the model to identify optimal design solutions and investigation of model performance. The final decision-making process can be further complicated by the fact that different stakeholders may have different or conflicting preferences.
- Monitoring Environmental Impacts 12.5 pts
AIMS
The subject has a strong practical component with a five-day field camp during the week before the mid-semester break involving student-led environmental monitoring. There is also a semester long project to design and implement an environmental monitoring program supported by weekly practice classes.
Component skills taught in this subject:
- Conceptualising environmental responses
- Selecting and using environmental measurement techniques (considering scale issues)
- Analysis of environmental monitoring data.
This subject is a critical foundation for a career for environmental engineering but is also relevant to civil and other engineering disciplines where environmental impacts of engineering projects must be addressed to ensure sustainable engineering solutions.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Selection of measurement techniques and consideration of measurement scale, conceptualising environmental responses to human activities, environmental sampling and monitoring design, systematic review of causal evidence, statistical analysis of environmental effects, risk assessments for occupational health and safety during environmental field programs.
- Quantitative Environmental Modelling 12.5 pts
AIMS
Environmental problems are highly complex and challenging to analyse and are often addressed through modelling. Being skilled at environmental modelling is a core professional requirement for an Environmental Engineer. This subject focuses on environmental modelling methodology including the steps of model conceptualisation, model construction, model evaluation and model application using a range of energy, water and waste models. The subject complements ENEN90032 Environmental Analysis Tools and ENEN90028 Monitoring Environmental Impacts which provide other core environmental engineering skills. It provides modelling skills for a wide range of discipline based subjects such as ENEN90006 Solid Wastes, ENEN90034 Environmental Applied Hydrology and ENEN90027 Energy for Sustainable Development. The subject is of particular relevance to all Environmental Engineers but is also of relevance to a range of engineering and environmental analysis disciplines that require advanced modelling skills.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The relationship between theoretical and empirical understanding and their use in model conceptualisation and construction will be explored. This subject introduces a range of environmental modelling techniques applicable to different environmental problems. In this subject students will conceptualise and construct, evaluate and utilise their own model to undertake a technical evaluation of a specified range of potential solutions to an environmental problem. Students will also develop professional judgement skills to critically evaluate models and model results.
Specific topic areas:
- System conceptualisation
- Model construction and validation (computational accuracy)
- Model evaluation
- Calibration and optimisation
- Model uncertainty assessment techniques
- Issues of appropriate model complexity
- Students will have an opportunity to review a modelling topic of their choice.
Students will use a numerical programming language to undertake modelling tasks and will be required to learn some programming skills in the subject.
- Environmental Analysis Tools 12.5 pts
AIMS
The aim of this subject is to help students develop capability to effectively summarise environmental variables met in the course of research and design, to select appropriate statistical models describing the data structure, and to conduct statistical inference on underlying processes. Students will apply a variety of models from a conventional or Bayesian approach to solve the problems at hand and derive deterministic or stochastic inferences from them.
The subject is composed of four wide-ranging topics from exploratory data analysis to spatial modelling. At the beginning of each topic, students are provided with a set of data from environmental research, and a number of analysis tools are conveyed in the lectures. The mathematical aspects of the subject build on concepts developed in fundamental engineering mathematics and statistics courses from undergraduate courses. It supports student learning in the capstone design and research projects where data analysis skills are assumed.
The subject provides a fundamental skill for a career in environmental engineering where the ability to analyse and communicate the meaning of time series and spatial data sets are expected.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Specific topics include:
1. Exploratory Data Analysis
- Summary statistics and probability models
- Analysis of variability and hypothesis test
- Linear regression and verification/validation.
2. Time Series Analysis
- Introduction to multivariate analysis
- Principle component analysis
- Stochastic forecast and verification.
3. Methods for Multivariate Data
- Multivariate linear regression
- Principle component analysis.
4. Analysis of Spatial Data
- Simple spatial interpolations
- Analysis of spatial variability
- Spatial models and Kriging.
- International River Basin Management 12.5 pts
AIMS
River basins, where human civilisation comes from, are challenged by increasing population pressures, rapid urbanization and climate change impact. A river basin is a semi-closed ecological and economic system, representing logical management units of the water cycle, throughout which all decisions and actions have interdependent ecological, social and economic implications. Thus, river basin management needs interdisciplinary knowledge. This subject aims to equip tomorrow’s water managers with the adaptive approach by linking cutting edge knowledge to stress-tested practices in river basin management.
This subject includes of a 5-7 day field trip held in either China or Australia (in 2017 the field trip will be in Australia) and a major group project to tackle a real river basin management challenge completed mostly during a 1 week intensive workshop. Students are responsible for the cost of travel, accommodation and food.
- Engineering Hydrology 12.5 pts
In this subject, students will learn surface and groundwater hydrology with an emphasis on engineering applications. Techniques for statistical analyses of hydrological variables and mathematical modelling of hydrological processes will be introduced for engineering designs and investigations. The subject will introduce groundwater principles and modelling. Students will also acquire knowledge of surface water and groundwater quality. The subject will lay the foundation for a later subject ENENXXXXX Advanced Hydrological Solutions.
- Spatial Information Programming 12.5 pts
AIMS
Much of the world’s data relate to processes and objects situated in space. This spatial dimension of the data requires special representation and analytical approaches. Therefore, application problems such as the analysis, monitoring and simulation of Smart cities and smart environments cannot be handled by standard programming approaches and require specialist knowledge.
Using case studies in the domains of smart environments and smart cities, this subject will enable students to learn the necessary computational thinking approaches and acquire technical software development skills to address specific spatial information problems enabling them to effectively address Spatial Data Science problems.
The subject will focus on the application of state-of-the art programming techniques and applications of spatial analytics to solve a series of spatial data science use cases, in particular in the urban informatics domain. The course projects will also introduce the principal aspects of software development life cycle relevant for a data scientist.
This subject assumes students are familiar with elementary spatial information data and the varied ways these are used by various stakeholders. Fundamental understanding of a programming language is assumed, with the first few weeks of the semester providing an ability to acquire these skills (using Python).
Students who successfully complete this subject will have a distinct competitive advantage in the smart environment, smart cities, and urban analytics practices, with the ability to support consultancy work requiring computational data handling, analysis, and the development of software tools for spatial analysts beyond the traditional spatial information industry.
Capstone
Students must complete the following subjects (25 points):
- Engineering Capstone Project Part 1 12.5 pts
The subject involves undertaking a substantial group project (typically in groups of three students) requiring an independent investigation on an approved topic in advanced engineering design and / or research. Each project is carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff and where appropriate an industry partner.
The emphasis of the project can be associated with either:
- A well-defined project description, often based on a task required by an external, industrial client. Students will be tutored in the synthesis of practical solutions to complex technical problems within a structured working environment, as if they were professional engineering practitioners; or
- A project description that will require an explorative approach, where students will pursue outcomes associated with new knowledge or understanding, within the engineering science disciplines, often as an adjunct to existing academic research initiatives.
It is expected that the Capstone Project will incorporate findings associated with both well-defined professional practice and research principles and will provide students with the opportunity to integrate technical knowledge and generic skills gained in earlier years.
The project component of this subject is supplemented by a lecture course dealing with project management tools and practices.
Note: Students are to take Engineering Capstone Project Part 1 and then subsequently continue with Engineering Capstone Project Part 2 in the following semester. Upon successful completion of this project, students will receive 25 points credit.
- Engineering Capstone Project Part 2 12.5 pts
Please refer to ENGR90037 Engineering Capstone Project Part 1 for this information.
Selective
Choose one of the following 12.5 point subjects.
- Engineering Project Implementation 12.5 pts
AIMS
Project management provides an organization with powerful tools that improve its ability to plan, organize and manage resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. In undertaking this subject students will explore the principles and distinct technical skills of engineering management that are needed to implement a project. The subject is of particular relevance to students wishing to establish a career in engineering project management, but is also of relevance to a range of engineering design disciplines where design for the total life cycle of the product or infrastructure should be considered. This subject is part of a trio of subjects that consider different aspects of infrastructure projects; Engineering Site Characterisation studies how to determine the character of a site for a infrastructure project, Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering examines how the a project relates to the broader social, political, economic and environmental context, while project implementation concentrates on the operational aspects of implementing a project.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered include key aspects of the management principles, project planning & scheduling, management systems & control and management practices to enable execution of the project in a timely and financially prudent manner.
Note: This subject has been integrated with the Skills Towards Employment Program (STEP) and contains activities that can assist in the completion of the Engineering Practice Hurdle (EPH).
- Environmental Management ISO 14000 12.5 pts
AIMS
Environmental Management ISO 14000 aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge to apply and help develop environmental management systems. The subject builds on the student’s knowledge of risk management, such as that gained in CVEN30008 Risk Analysis, and develops their ability to identify, assess and manage environmental risk that arises from the construction and operation of manufacturing or infrastructure facilities. It also builds on knowledge about sustainability such as is learnt in the subject CVEN90043 Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering, and other management systems such as those learnt in CVEN90045 Engineering Project Implementation.
At the conclusion of the subject, it is expected that students should be able to work under supervision in a capacity where they are responsible for the maintenance of an existing environmental management system, or assist in developing a new system. They should also be in a position to conduct simple internal audits and assist in more complex internal audits. The subject does not provide students with sufficient practice and skills to immediately become an accredited auditor in Australia.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Environmental Management ISO 14000 will cover the following related areas of study: the history of EMS from Demming Wheel to ISO 14000 series; the elements of an EMS; systems audit and review and gap analysis; legal requirements, due diligence document control, liability and ISO 9000 review; regulation and accreditation; community consultation; emerging issues in environmental management.
Environmental Engineering Electives
Students must complete 62.5 points of the following subjects. It is recommended students choose elective subjects in a specific stream specialise in one area: Water Systems; Waste Management; Energy Systems; or Earth Observation. Refer to the Handbook for electives within each stream.
- Water and Waste Water Management 12.5 pts
AIMS
In this subject students will learn about the fundamentals of water quality and the associated standards for use as potable water, recycled water or discharge into the environment in a sustainable manner. The subject will include the identification of risks and measures to control those risks and various treatment processes including physical, chemical and microbiological treatment of water and wastewater. The concept of integrated water management will be introduced and reinforced in the group based project work throughout the semester. Students will learn about the systems for water reclamation and reuse. This subject builds on a range of student’s general knowledge of water systems engineering that is developed in subjects like Systems Modelling and Design and builds on general knowledge of chemistry and biology. It is also assumed that students have developed skills on identifying and sourcing information, and can effectively work as a team to solve larger problems.
Graduates from this subject may apply the skills developed in the water supply, waste water treatment, or water sensitive urban design areas.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This subject covers theoretical and practical management aspects of sustainable water supply and treatment, wastewater treatment and reuse. Specific topics include:
- Integrated water management
- Risk identification and management for water services
- Water quality guidelines, regulations and performance criteria for treatment plant design
- Water treatment processes and waste disposal
- Wastewater treatment - physical, chemical and biological treatment technologies
- Systems for water reclamation and reuse.
The students will produce a conceptual design of a water and wastewater treatment system for a small town.
- Computational Fluid Dynamics 12.5 pts
AIM
Within this subject you will learn how to use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to solve practical industrial and research related fluid flow and heat/mass transfer problems. The major assessment within this subject is a capstone project, requiring a CFD treatment of a major piece of equipment related to your degree discipline area. This project may be industry or research based. Learning is supported by a number of structured group-based workshops completed throughout the semester, requiring completion of associated on-line quizzes. This subject may be completed entirely online. Guest lectures from academia and industry will share insights into how they use CFD in their research/workplace.
The content of this subject is split between two related modules:
1) Fundamentals of CFD: Within this module we will cover the mathematical basis of modern CFD methods, using MATLAB as a programming tool to demonstrate specific fundamental concepts. Specific topics include overview, conservation laws, advection-diffusion equations, differencing schemes, finite volume method, stability analysis, error analysis, boundary conditions and solution algorithms for solving Navier-Stokes equations.
2) Applications of CFD: This module will be based around the industry-relevant CFD package ANSYS Fluent. Specific topics include: How to run a basic simulation, meshing, laminar 2D and 3D flows, boundary conditions, discretisation methods, visualisation, turbulence, disperse multiphase flows, free-surface multiphase flows, coupled heat and mass transfer, chemical reactions, use of CFD in industry and research.
- Water Sensitive Urban Design 12.5 pts
There is increasing recognition around the world of the threats facing urban environments and their water resources. In many cities water demand is approaching or exceeding limits of sustainability, leading to increasing interest in alternative water sources, such as stormwater harvesting, wastewater recycling and desalination. At the same time, receiving environments such as urban streams and bays are threatened by pollution and erosion from stormwater runoff, or eutrophication due to discharge of poorly-treated wastewater. There is also increasing recognition of the importance of water in the urban landscape, and of its role in the welfare and health of humans.
The concept of “water sensitive urban design” (WSUD), also known as Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) has developed in response to these changes. It aims to better integrate water into the urban landscape, improving the sustainability and liveability of cities (for example through the sustaining of health urban vegetation), while securing adequate resources for growing cities.
This subject reflects the integration inherent in WSUD. The course will teach you about the individual urban water cycle components (water supply, wastewater, stormwater, groundwater), but will primary focus on their interactions and integration, and particularly their interaction with the built and natural environment.
The subject includes a mix of lectures and project-based learning, including a major project (broken up into stages throughout the semester), a full-day excursion and workshops involving leading WSUD experts from public and private industry. The subject will cover:
- An introduction to WSUD (its principles, objectives, context within other urban planning and sustainability policy & practice) in developed and developing countries
- Water in the urban landscape, the urban water cycle and its component characteristics
- Social, environmental and economic impacts of urban water management
- Structural tools and techniques (conceptual design, operation, maintenance)
- Non-structural tools and techniques
- Choice of scales
- Analysis methods (water balance calculations, water end-use analysis)
- Lifecycle cost analysis and multi-criteria evaluation frameworks
- Design tools and software (e.g. MUSIC, Urban Developer, House Water Expert)
- Institutional and implementation issues
- Integration between water and other urban design elements
- Engineering Risk Analysis 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject will focus on how risk analysis and management principles and techniques can be applied to engineering projects. The subject introduces a range of risk analysis techniques, which are put in the context of engineering projects and analysed using the framework of the risk standard (AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009). Risk is a fundamental concept that is applied to every engineering project, whether it is ascertaining the risk of health impacts of water treatment processes, prevention of loss of life by flood mitigation projects, or catastrophic losses caused by the failure of structure in earthquakes or storms.
The subject is of particular relevance to students wishing to establish a career in Engineering management, but is also of relevance to a range of engineering design disciplines where design for the total life cycle of the product or infrastructure should be considered.INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered include: an introduction to the history of engineering failures; the forms of risk and risk identification; project risk analysis; the sociological implications of acceptable risk; approaches to risk management, monitoring for compliance, risk perception and design implications.
- Solid Wastes to Sustainable Resources 12.5 pts
AIMS
In this subject students will learn about the fundamentals of the solid waste stream in modern society. Emphasis will be placed on the life cycle aspects of waste and the prospect of minimizing waste and maximizing the economic value of waste streams. Interaction between solid wastes and liquid and gaseous waste streams will also be considered. The subject builds on knowledge from subjects such as CVEN90043 Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering where general principles of sustainability are discussed. Student knowledge of systems and material cycles, learnt in subjects such as ENEN90031 Quantitative Environmental Modelling and CVEN30010 Systems Modelling and Design or their equivalent in other subjects forms the basic grounding for the subject. The subject is of particular relevance to students wishing to establish a career in waste management, but is also relevant to a range of engineering design disciplines where design for the total life cycle of the product or infrastructure should be considered.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Regulatory aspects of waste management, sustainability programs in government and private sector, life cycle assessment, organic waste treatment and management, inorganic waste treatment and management, landfill hydrology and design, cleaner production strategies, hazardous waste management, collection and transport logistics.
- Water and Waste Water Management 12.5 pts
AIMS
In this subject students will learn about the fundamentals of water quality and the associated standards for use as potable water, recycled water or discharge into the environment in a sustainable manner. The subject will include the identification of risks and measures to control those risks and various treatment processes including physical, chemical and microbiological treatment of water and wastewater. The concept of integrated water management will be introduced and reinforced in the group based project work throughout the semester. Students will learn about the systems for water reclamation and reuse. This subject builds on a range of student’s general knowledge of water systems engineering that is developed in subjects like Systems Modelling and Design and builds on general knowledge of chemistry and biology. It is also assumed that students have developed skills on identifying and sourcing information, and can effectively work as a team to solve larger problems.
Graduates from this subject may apply the skills developed in the water supply, waste water treatment, or water sensitive urban design areas.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This subject covers theoretical and practical management aspects of sustainable water supply and treatment, wastewater treatment and reuse. Specific topics include:
- Integrated water management
- Risk identification and management for water services
- Water quality guidelines, regulations and performance criteria for treatment plant design
- Water treatment processes and waste disposal
- Wastewater treatment - physical, chemical and biological treatment technologies
- Systems for water reclamation and reuse.
The students will produce a conceptual design of a water and wastewater treatment system for a small town.
- Solid Wastes to Sustainable Resources 12.5 pts
AIMS
In this subject students will learn about the fundamentals of the solid waste stream in modern society. Emphasis will be placed on the life cycle aspects of waste and the prospect of minimizing waste and maximizing the economic value of waste streams. Interaction between solid wastes and liquid and gaseous waste streams will also be considered. The subject builds on knowledge from subjects such as CVEN90043 Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering where general principles of sustainability are discussed. Student knowledge of systems and material cycles, learnt in subjects such as ENEN90031 Quantitative Environmental Modelling and CVEN30010 Systems Modelling and Design or their equivalent in other subjects forms the basic grounding for the subject. The subject is of particular relevance to students wishing to establish a career in waste management, but is also relevant to a range of engineering design disciplines where design for the total life cycle of the product or infrastructure should be considered.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Regulatory aspects of waste management, sustainability programs in government and private sector, life cycle assessment, organic waste treatment and management, inorganic waste treatment and management, landfill hydrology and design, cleaner production strategies, hazardous waste management, collection and transport logistics.
- Energy Efficiency Technology 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject explores the scope and methods for improving energy efficiency across a range of sectors. Improving energy efficiency is one of the key responses to increasingly scarce natural resources and problems caused by pollutants arising from energy production and use. A range of energy supply and usage scenarios will be considered including transport, manufacturing, commercial and domestic sectors. Collection of information by auditing and then using this information for planning, demand management and impact assessment will be investigated.
Knowledge gained in this subject will allow graduates to practice in the area of energy efficiency. This subject draws on students’ fundamental understanding of engineering efficiency, as well as their ability to use mathematics and statistics to analyse data to inform innovative solutions. The subject complements other subjects offered in the energy theme of the Department such as Energy for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Areas of study include: potential for improvements in energy efficiency in petrol and diesel vehicles; energy efficiency technologies for the manufacturing, commercial and domestic sectors; demand side management; integrated resource planning; energy auditing; and economic and environmental impacts.
These are applied to the following thematic areas;
- Introduction: fundamentals, energy conversion, supply, distribution and utilisation of energy, Indices, indicators and measurements
- Advanced energy systems
- Energy audits
- Manufacturing sector
- Commercial sector (office & retail)
- Residential sector
- Transport sector
- Life cycle energy analysis
- Developing countries & remote areas
- Energy policy and planning
- Sustainable Buildings 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject provides a multi-disciplinary overview of the design of sustainable buildings and considers the design from an architectural, services engineering, facade engineering, environmental engineering and structural engineering, tenants and owners perspective. A number of industry based case study examples will be introduced to complement the lectures.
This subject uses a project based learning project where students work in teams to design a new or refurbished commercial building to improve the environmental and social performance of the building. Students learn to apply sustainability-rating tools used in industry to their solutions.
Students in the subject come from different disciplinary backgrounds, principally engineering and architecture, and are expected to share their knowledge and learn from each other to successfully complete the project work. This stands them in good stead for entering professional practice in the area of sustainability.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics include: ecological sustainable design, life cycle analysis, planning for sustainable buildings and cities, regulatory environment, barriers to green buildings, green building rating tools, material selection, embodied energy, operating energy, indoor environmental quality (noise, light and air), facade systems, ventilation systems, transportation, water treatment systems, water efficiency, building economics, and staff productivity. These will be covered in the following thematic areas:
- Sustainable Cities
- Sustainable Precincts
- Building Envelope
- Building services - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Building services - Energy
- Building Services - water
- Existing Buildings
- Green Building Rating Tools
- ESD Drivers and Barriers
- ESD Economics
- the process of a green building - 60L CH2
- Business Perspective
- Case Studies.
- Energy for Sustainable Development 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject provides understanding of the principles of development and sustainability in the context of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Social, environmental and financial implications of technologies to de-carbonise emissions and technologies that can offer a future non-carbon energy supply are discussed.
This subject uses project based learning where students work in teams to investigate the appropriateness of a selected energy source or a selected technology for a particular country, region or a location. Students learn to apply the principles of sustainability and development.
Knowledge gained in this subject will allow graduates to practice in the area of energy policy and planning. The subject complements other subjects offered in the energy theme of the Department such as Solar Energy, Energy Efficiency Technology and Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Introduction: What does 'sustainable' mean? What is development? A model for sustainable development
- Consumption (needs versus wants), Global perspectives (inequality and resource distribution)
- Role of energy in development
- Requirements for an sustainable energy supply
- Carbon versus non-carbon energy supply - overview (resources, usage)
- Problems with past patterns of energy use
- Energy efficiency (potential and limits)
- Energy Policy
- Transport futures and peak oil (resources)
- Carbon capture and storage
- Nuclear fission and fusion
- Renewable energy technologies - large and small
- Discussion Forum: Reality of Sustainability.
- Solar Energy 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject provides the application of principles of solar energy engineering. A number of solar technologies and applications methods are investigated.
This subject uses a project based learning where students work in teams to design a solar system for a particular application considering environmental, social and financial constraints. Students learn to apply the principles of solar energy and design.
Knowledge gained in this subject will allow graduates to practice in the area of renewable energy industry. The subject complements other subjects offered in the energy theme of the Department such as Energy for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Introduction to Solar Energy in the energy economy; Fundamental heat & mass transfer; Radiation properties of materials; and selective surfaces
- Solar Geometry and solar angles; atmospheric effects and radiation prediction; and Solar radiation measurement
- Flat plate collectors design and performance characteristic
- Concentrating collectors design and performance characteristic; Evacuated tube collectors
- Solar System design methods
- Fundamentals of photovoltaic systems
- Solar process heating
- Solar drying, Solar cookers, Green houses and Solar stills
- Solar water pumping; Solar refrigeration
- Built environment applications passive and active systems
- Solar hot water and solar heat pump systems.
- Remote Sensing 12.5 pts
AIMS
To introduce students to the techniques and technology of remote sensing: the extraction of information from satellite and airborne image data. This subject assumes prior knowledge of image processing techniques such as that acquired in subjects such as GEOM30009 Imaging the Environment. Students passing this subject will have the skills to work under supervision in a spatial information or remote sensing agency of consultancy providing services, for example, to natural resource managers.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Use of image processing systems. High level digital image processing, correction and classification; applications of remote sensing in the geosciences, engineering, and resource assessment and inventory; image data in geographic information systems. Detailed application studies in emergency/disaster management, environmental assessment and geological mapping.
- Information Visualisation 12.5 pts
AIMS
Information Visualisation is about using and designing effective mechanisms for presenting and exploring the patterns embedded in large and complex data sets, and to support decision making. Information Visualisation is important in a range of domains dealing with voluminous data rich in structure, among them, prominently, data in the spatial domain or data referenced to the spatial domain. Through its focus on presentation and interaction with spatial information, this subject complements related subjects that deal with the storage and querying of data (database subjects such as GEOM90018 Spatial Databases), and the processing of data (data analytics subjects such as GEOM90006 Spatial Analysis). This subject is vital for anyone wishing to work with large datasets. It will also be of relevance to those with an interest in design, especially graphical and interaction design.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Fundamentals of information visualisation and data graphics; human perception; foundations of graphical user interface design; cartographic design; geovisualisation; exploratory visual spatial data analysis; evaluation of information visualisation interfaces.
- Foundations of Spatial Information 12.5 pts
AIMS
This is an introductory subject to Geograhpic Information Systems (GIS) and Geographic Information Science, both practically and theoretically, at postgraduate level. Spatial information is ubiquitous in decision making. Be it in urban planning, in traffic or disaster management, in way-finding, in issues of the environment, public health and sustainability, or in economic contexts: the question of 'where' is a fundamental one. Spatial information is also special in many respects, such as its dimensionality and autocorrelation, its volume, its links to the Internet of Things (things are always located somewhere), to social networks (which exist in space and time), to streaming data from sensors everywhere, or to intelligent (location-aware) systems. The subject provides the foundations for more specialized subjects on spatial data management, spatial data analysis and spatial data visualization, and is of particular relevance to people wishing to establish a career in the spatial information industry, the environmental or planning industry. It is also suited for every postgraduate student who is looking for solid GIS skills.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
We will discuss representations and analysis of this information in spatial information technologies, from location-based services to geographic information systems. Topics addressed are observing the environment; spatial and spatiotemporal data representations, spatial analysis and spatial communication. The practical part will introduce to GIS in a hands-on manner, starting in individual software training and then applying new skills in a team-designed GIS project.
- Advanced Imaging 12.5 pts
AIMS
To introduce students to advanced imaging technologies and the methods for extracting quantitative information from multi-source imagery. This subject builds on the knowledge of subjects such as imaging the environment, by considering multi-source images of the target to provide additional information such as the distance from the target to object from which a three dimensional representation can be constructed. It also considers imaging of targets where illumination is provided by the instrument rather than natural light reflection or radiation from the target. Students who successfully complete this subject may find work in a variety of remote sensing or specialist consultancies or agencies. The techniques learnt may also be applied to other industries such as quality control in manufacturing or recording of archaeological sites.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The subject covers the characteristics of specialised imaging techniques and instruments including LIDAR, photogrammetry, and high resolution satellite imagery, as well as processing techniques for generating products such as orthoimages and digital terrain models. It also discusses considerations, inherent errors, and limitations of each of these techniques.
- Metocean Engineering 12.5 pts
The subject examines in-depth the observation, analysis and prediction of wind-generated waves in the open ocean, in shelf seas, and in coastal regions. It also provides an introduction to wave and hydrodynamics modelling as a support for engineering applications. It provides a multi-disciplinary overview of problems by combining cutting-edge research in Maritime and Coastal Engineering and industry applications. The subject will provide students with a solid grounding in wave physics that is essential to evaluate the environmental impact on design and operation of marine structures.
Topics include:
- Linear wave theory;
- Second-order wave theory
- Wave Spectrum;
- Tides;
- Wave Measurements;
- Near-shore processes;
- Wave statistics;
- Hydrodynamics and wave modelling;
- Port Access and Navigation 12.5 pts
The subject examines the topics of ship traffic, of channel and port design. It provides an in-depth overview of problems and issues relevant for port and harbour engineering. The subject relies on a synergetic approach combining cutting-edge research in Maritime Engineering and strong engagement of eminent industry-based lecturers from world leading firms. A number of industry-based applications and case-study examples will be introduced to complement the lectures.
Topics include:
- Wave theory and marine forecasting;
- Vessel types and handling;
- Navigational aids;
- Underkeel clearance;
- Channel design;
- Port safety;
- Port Organization;
- Marine Geotechnics;
- Moorings and Anchors.
- Dredging Engineering 12.5 pts
Dredging is an excavation activity carried out underwater for keeping waterways navigable, beach nourishment and land reclamation. The subject examines Dredging Engineering Fundamentals such as dredging techniques, disposal of dredge material, basic dredge laws, sediment re-suspension and environment aspects. It provides a multi-disciplinary overview of problems by combining cutting-edge research in Maritime and Coastal Engineering and strong engagement of eminent industry-based lecturers from major Australian Port Authorities. A number of industry-based applications and case-study examples will be introduced to complement the lectures. The subject will provide students with a solid grounding in the technologies, concepts, methods & hydrodynamic theories used in the planning, design & execution of dredging projects.
Topics include:
- Types and selection of dredgers;
- Fluid mechanics of dredging;
- Geotechnical issues;
- Survey control;
- Maintenance dredging;
- Coastal and river morphology and sediment transport;
- Environmental studies;
- Hydrodynamic modelling;
- Dredging contracts.
- Project Management Practices 12.5 pts
AIMS
In this subject students will learn about how to evaluate the feasibility of a project and then to define, structure and organise the initial planning phase for both construction projects and complex projects (e.g. IT, high technology projects). The interaction between commercial expectations and project management approaches will be considered broadly based on process and systems thinking. The subject builds on and integrates knowledge from CVEN90043 Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering and/or MCEN90010 Finance and Human Resources for Engineers where the fundamentals of economic appraisal is described, the planning approaches detailed in subject CVEN90045 Engineering Project Implementation and the fundamentals of risk management for which detailed approaches are provided in MULT90014 Business Risk Management. The subject is particularly important for students wishing to understand how to structure and scope projects such that they are well planned on the basis of triple bottom line thinking and the project management processes are efficiently structured.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Techniques considered include the use of logic maps, business cases and system based project management concepts. Details include the development of acquisition strategies, system life-cycle, boundaries, scope management and mechanisms to control of client expectations and assist them to make sound project decisions leading to the sanctioning of a project. Expected value and Monte Carlo techniques are used as tools to refine project decisions based on risk evaluation.
Project governance arrangements are considered along with cultural context, resourcing requirements of a project and how this is organised and managed. Specific areas considered include the selection of consultants or contractors, communication processes, industrial relations, occupational health and safety, meetings, delegation and leadership.
- Internship 25 pts
AIMS
This subject involves students undertaking professional work experience at a Host Organisation’s premises. Students will work under the supervision of both a member of academic staff and an external supervisor at the Host Organisation.
During the period of work experience, students will be introduced to workplace culture and be offered the opportunity to strengthen their employability. Students will undertake seminars covering topics that will include professional standards of behaviour and ethical conduct, working in teams, time management and workplace networking.
- Leadership for Innovation 12.5 pts
This subject, which is offered to students who have completed ENGR90034 Creating Innovative Engineering (CIE), will give participants core leadership skills for managing professionals engaged in innovation and other ambiguous project-based work.
The subject teaches leadership at three levels (12 hours each). The first level, taught intensively before the start of the semester, will enable you to learn basic management theory that allows you to bridge from the skills and theory taught in CIE to the level needed to start mentoring a team in CIE or another subject. The second level, taught as four three-hour workshops during the semester, will focus on key thematic issues in the leadership of innovative teams. The third level, taught in twelve one-hour sessions, will focus on specific leadership skills. These include facilitation, coaching, mentoring, conflict resolution, etc. Students will apply the theory and skills to the mentoring of a student project team in CIE or another subject within the University.
You will apply what you are learning, and develop skills, by mentoring an industry-sponsored project within CIE or a project within another subject. CIE mentors will also need to manage their relationship with the external sponsor of the project.