Environmental Engineering and Management

Unit code: NEC3007 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
NEC3003 - Hydraulic Engineering; or
NEC3201 - Hydraulic Engineering
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit explores sustainable engineering practices and environmental management within contemporary engineering contexts. You will examine the principles and methods that underpin pollution control, wastewater treatment, air quality management, and solid waste management. The unit provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental pollution and its mitigation, integrating sustainable design principles and regulatory compliance into practical, solution-oriented strategies.

A key emphasis is placed on respecting and incorporating culturally sensitive perspectives, while prioritising environmental sustainability and community well-being. By bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, you will learn to assess environmental impacts and develop innovative solutions that protect ecosystems, promote public health, and contribute to sustainable urban development.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Integrate environmental engineering principles and practices into pollution control and waste management, considering the social and cultural impacts on communities;
  2. Design wastewater, air quality, and solid waste management systems that embed sustainability and cultural responsiveness in environmental protection practices;
  3. Evaluate the environmental impacts of engineering projects and develop strategies that mitigate harm and enhance community well-being through ethical, community-centred approaches; and
  4. Analyse environmental system dynamics using digital modelling tools to support sustainable design and long-term environmental resilience.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 30%
Problem-solving test on wastewater and environmental systems. (Individual) (60mins)
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 40%
Site visit report on wastewater treatment systems (Group) (2000 words)
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 30%
Problem-solving scenario test on design of solid waste collection systems and related environmental topics. (Individual) (60mins)

Tests: These are invigilated in class secure assessments with unpredictable questions that test deep understanding, require explanation of reasoning and process, and include application to new scenarios.

Report: A site analysis report based on field observations and data analysis of an operational wastewater or environmental facility. This secure assessment ensures accountability through structured reflection, documented collaboration, and detailed explanation of techniques, with in-class progressive milestone checks linked to individual students also being used to enhance security. These milestones are recorded and incorporated into the overall marking process. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further support the secure assessment and assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering)
NHEC | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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