Course Title: Consider environmental issues in making engineering decisions
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2008
Course Code: CIVE5598
Course Title: Consider environmental issues in making engineering decisions
School: 130T Infra, Electrotec & Build Serv
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6066 - Advanced Diploma of Civil Engineering (Structural Design)
Course Contact : Tony Skinner Program Coordinator
Course Contact Phone: (03) 9925 4444
Course Contact Email:tony.skinner@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Program Coordinator:
Mr Tony Skinner
Tel. 9925 4444
Fax. 99254377
Email: tony.skinner@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 40
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
EDX020 – Demonstrate awareness of environmental issues
EDX010 – Communicate and apply standard industry procedures and policies in an engineering design office
EDX030 – Estimate costs and prepare basic tendering documentation
Course Description
This unit covers the competency to apply environmental management principles and environmental
legislative and regulatory requirements when undertaking engineering design and management
activities.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
EAX050 Consider environmental issues in making engineering decisions |
Element: |
Analyse the ways in which an enterprise can respond to environmental issues. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The range of approaches that an enterprise can take to environmental management is evaluated. |
Element: |
Apply an environmental management process to a particular engineering enterprise. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 An environmental issue or risk area is identified in the |
Element: |
Demonstrate knowledge of methods used for monitoring the environment and the responsible authorities. |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 The meaning of ‘environmental control’ can be explained. |
Element: |
Demonstrate knowledge of the principles to be considered for restoration and rehabilitation programs. |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 The meanings of the term restoration, reclamation, revegetation, and rehabilitation can be explained and the |
Learning Outcomes
Analyse the ways in which an enterprise can respond to environmental issues.
Apply an environmental management process to a particular engineering enterprise.
Demonstrate knowledge of methods used for monitoring the environment and the responsible authorities.
Demonstrate knowledge of the principles to be considered for restoration and rehabilitation programs.
Details of Learning Activities
Teacher directed
• Outline the meaning of ‘environmental control’ and the purpose of the elements of an Environmental Management Plan.
• Explain the methods for monitoring pollutants as well as the methods used for preventing or minimizing the effects of pollution.
• Explain the principles behind restoration, reclamation, revegetation, and rehabilitation techniques.
• Identify the links between environmental management and other enterprise activities including research and development, occupational health and safety and risk management.
• Describe the roles and responsibilities of enterprise personnel in relation to implementing sound environmental practices.
• Identify the enterprise policies, processes, and practices which need to be reviewed and monitored.
• Describe the purpose and stages in an environmental impact study and an environmental audit.
Student based activities
• Research the authorities responsible for environmental control and the scope of their authority.
• Research environmental areas.
• Analyse and discuss environmental issues with colleagues.
• Report on the environmental management processes applicable to specified engineering projects in a simulated work environment.
• Group discussion of the benefits of restoration, reclamation, revegetation, and rehabilitation for both the human and natural environment.
• Analyse typical documents and reports on research, impact studies and audits under direction from the teacher.
• An environmental issue or risk area is identified and the following steps taken:
o The problem or issue is clearly defined.
o A detailed action plan is developed for addressing the need.
o The implementation of the plan is costed.
o The critical factors for success are identified.
o An evaluation process is described.
Teaching Schedule
See Online Learning Hub for details.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Notes available on Blackboard (DLS) for this unit. |
References
1. Beyond technicalities: Expanding engineering thinking’ Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering, 125 (1), January 1999, pp. 12 – 18. |
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
This unit will be assessed in the classroom using holistic assessment, based on typical workplace activities.
Assessment will involve completion of :
• Two comprehensive questionnaires covering elements 1 and 2,
• Two major assignments covering elements 3 and 4
Assessment Tasks
Assessment of this unit will involve completion of
• Four comprehensive questionnaires covering elements 1 and 2.
• Two major assignments covering elements 3 and 4.
Assessment Matrix
Element Covered | Assessment Task | Proportion of Final Assessment | Submission Time |
1,2 4 | Questionnaires | 60 % | Week 12 |
3 | Assignment | 20 % | Week 7 |
4 | Assignment | 20 % | Week 17 |
Course Overview: Access Course Overview