ENVE3004: Waste Management (2027 - Semester 1)
| Unit: | ENVE3004: Waste Management (6 CP) |
| Mode: | Normal-Day |
| On Offer: | Yes |
| Level: | Senior |
| Faculty/School: | Faculty of Engineering |
| Unit Coordinator/s: |
Dr Montoya, Alejandro
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| Session options: | Semester 1 |
| Versions for this Unit: |
| Campus: | Camperdown/Darlington |
| Pre-Requisites: | None. |
| Brief Handbook Description: | The content of this unit is designed to meet the learning objectives outlined by the Bachelor Honours (Environmental Engineering) stream. However, it is subject to change to align with evolving faculty requirements, accreditation standards, and the latest developments in the field. Any adjustments will be communicated promptly to ensure that the faculty is well-informed and adequately prepared. Overview: This unit thoroughly explores sustainable waste management practices and the scientific principles underlying modern waste management systems. The focus will be on waste characterisation, collection, transportation, treatment, disposal, and recycling, emphasising sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact. The topics covered include municipal solid waste management, hazardous waste treatment, bioremediation, landfill design, waste-to-energy technologies, and policy frameworks for waste regulation. Students will analyse global and local waste recycling challenges and design appropriate systems, emphasising sustainability, resource recovery, and environmental protection. Self-learning: To progress in the unit of study concepts, students are expected to spend at least 3-4 hours per week on self-learning outside the specified contact periods. Attendance: The lectures will be delivered face-to-face. During each class session, a significant amount of time will be dedicated to problem-solving activities individually and in groups. Upon finishing a module, students will gain a strong understanding of the theory supporting sustainability and be able to apply these principles in practical engineering situations. A problem-solving approach will give students the skills to conduct investigations independently and collaboratively. Students will receive feedback on their progress while working during these sessions. |
| Assumed Knowledge: | None. |
Learning outcomes are the key abilities and knowledge that will be assessed in this unit. They are listed according to the course goal supported by each. See Assessment Tab for details how each outcome is assessed.
Unassigned Outcomes2. Analyse and classify the characteristics of waste streams in various contexts (municipal, industrial, and hazardous waste).
3. Design waste management systems integrating sustainability principles, including collection, transfer, treatment, recycling, and disposal.
4. Assess the environmental impacts of different waste management strategies and propose mitigation measures.
5. Evaluate waste treatment technologies, including composting, anaerobic digestion, and incineration, and their application in real-world scenarios.
6. Develop and propose strategies for implementing 'zero waste' concepts, circular economy principles, and resource recovery.
| Assessment Description: |
The assessment consists of 60% individual work, including a mid-semester quiz and a final exam scheduled during the exam period. The remaining 40% is based on group work involving a laboratory activity, a written report, and seminars for the class. Group work will provide students with a logical framework for conducting investigations and build on the analytic skills students must apply in other units. The weight of the individual assessments is provided below: 1. Individual written final exam, 35%, 2. Individual written quiz, 25% 3. Site visit report, 10% 4. Submission of a group written report (case study), 15% 5. Seminar group presentation, 15% |
| Recommended Reference/s: |
Note: References are provided for guidance purposes only. Students are advised to consult these books in the university library. Purchase is not required.
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Note that the "Weeks" referred to in this Schedule are those of the official university semester calendar https://web.timetable.usyd.edu.au/calendar.jsp
| Week | Description |
| Week 1 | Introduction to Waste Management |
| Week 2 | Waste Characterization and Composition |
| Week 3 | Waste Collection and Transfer Systems |
| Week 4 | Waste Treatment Technologies |
| Week 5 | Hazardous Waste Management |
| Week 6 | Landfill Design and Operation |
| Week 7 | Waste-to-Energy Technologies |
| Week 8 | Recycling and Resource Recovery |
| Week 9 | Composting and Organic Waste Management |
| Week 10 | Waste Management Policy and Regulation |
| Week 11 | Zero Waste and Circular Economy |
| Week 12 | Environmental Impacts and Risk Assessments |
| Week 13 | Review and Final Assessment Preparation |
Course Relations
The following is a list of courses which have added this Unit to their structure.
Course Goals
This unit contributes to the achievement of the following course goals:
| Attribute | Practiced | Assessed |
| Unit has not been assigned any attributes yet. | ||
These goals are selected from Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table 2018 which defines overall goals for courses where this unit is primarily offered. See Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table 2018 for details of the attributes and levels to be developed in the course as a whole. Percentage figures alongside each course goal provide a rough indication of their relative weighting in assessment for this unit. Note that not all goals are necessarily part of assessment. Some may be more about practice activity. See Learning outcomes for details of what is assessed in relation to each goal and Assessment for details of how the outcome is assessed. See Attributes for details of practice provided for each goal.
