Course Title: Apply knowledge of environmental issues

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: CIVE5656

Course Title: Apply knowledge of environmental issues

School: 130T Vocational Engineering

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6093 - Advanced Diploma of Engineering Design

Course Contact: Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4468

Course Contact Email: vocengineering@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Program Manager
Mr. Ahmet Ertuncay
Tel. 9925 8375
Email: ahmet.ertuncay@rmit.edu.au

Ms. Annabelle Lopez
Tel. 9925 4823
Email: Annabelle.lopez@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

Nil

Course Description

This unit covers the competency to enter an engineering design office or other technician role with understanding of the effect of engineering on the environment and also the role engineering has in providing solutions to environmental degradation. A soundly based understanding of the science of the environment is essential to informed decision making in this area.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

EDX020B Apply knowledge of environmental issues

Element:

1. Apply knowledge of environmental concepts

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The main components of the Earth’s environment can be identified.
1.2 The features that characterise the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere can be described.
1.3 The impact that the climate has in the overall scheme of the earth’s environment can be explained.
 

Element:

2. Apply knowldge of the impact that engineering may have on the natural environment.

Performance Criteria:

.1 Forms of engineering works that have an effect on the earth’s environment can be listed and described.
2.2 A list of benefits for each of these engineering works in regard to its contribution to the human environment and modern society can be given
 

Element:

3. Apply knowledge environmental degradation and solutions.

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Key areas of environmental risk to the planet and Australia can be identified.
3.2 The range of responses to these risks can be identified.
 

Element:

5. Understand the concept of ecologically sustainable development.

Performance Criteria:

5.1 The concept of ecologically sustainable development can be discussed.
5.2 The implications of ESD for the future can be analysed.
 

Element:

6. Apply knowledge of government acts and regulations related to the environment.

Performance Criteria:

6.1 The current legislative environmental controls and major regulations can be identified and explained.
6.2 A particular engineering enterprise’s responsibilities in relation to the legislation and regulations can be identified.
 


Learning Outcomes


Refer to the elements


Details of Learning Activities

You will participate in individual and team activities related to typical engineering workplace scenarios. These activities involve class participation (discussions and oral presentations), application of theory to engineering
problems, reports, questionnaires, assignments and research activities.

Engineering employment requires the capacity to work effectively in teams, to communicate effectively in both oral and writing and to learn effectively. In order to prepare students for employment as graduates they will be provided a quality assured teaching and learning environment which is conductive to the development of adult learning. Adult learning is characterised by the students accepting responsibility for their own learning and actively participating in the learning process as individuals and as contributors to the teams. Adult learning is the hallmark of a professional. The specific responsibilities as adult learners in respect of this subject are:
. to be aware of and to observe the regulations related to plagiarism
. to submit (on time) all work for assessment as required
. to complete all pre-reading and preparatory work prior to the class for which it will be used
. to effectively use the academic staff resources provided (consultation time, tutors, e- mail etc)
. to participate as an effective and honest member of a learning team
. to contribute effectively to a group of peers in a climate of mutual respect and to question each other and the academic staff when uncertain.

Hence, you will participate in individual and team research, analysis, problem solving and presentation of research work (activities) related to typical engineering workplace problems. These activities involve class participation, discussions, note taking, research work, assignments and other self-directed student activities.

PLEASE NOTE, IN THIS COURSE, LEARNING GUIDE IS USED AS REFERENCE ONLY.

EXCURSIONS MAY BE ANNOUNCED AT SHORT NOTICE, PLEASE NOTE THIS MAY NOT BE WRITTEN ON CURRENT TEACHING SCHEDULE BUT IS AN IMPORTANT ENHANCEMENT OF THIS COURSE AND MAY TAKE PRIORITY.


Learning and simulated work activities to demonstrate an understanding of typical problems encountered in meeting performance requirements and compliance standards are outlined below:

*Practical (Real Life Scenario) Engineering Exercise This course requires that students demonstrate highly practical skills.
Underpinning knowledge is required before undertaking practical exercises.

Research activities to undertake investigative activities are undertaken. It is expected that students would require approximately 50% of course hours to be allocated for independent study to do project research and problem solving activities.

Assignment tasks involve applications of standards and codes whenever applicable and shall be as close as practicable to real work situations and include real work decisions by the learner.
 


Teaching Schedule

This is an indicative teaching schedule. Refer to Online Blackboard announcements for changes. For absences due to public holidays and other class cancellations, the topics & assessment tasks will be shifted accordingly. As teaching schedule is currently on contingency mode, whilst flexibility is offered, self directed learning is much called for on the part of the students.

Week Number,   Topic Delivered ,       Assessment Task
1 Introduction to course, course guide, assessment, topic breakdown, resources, OHS issues.
2 Element 1/3/4 (Refer Learning Guide)
3 Element 1/3/4 (Refer Learning Guide)
4 Element 1/3/4 (Refer Learning Guide) ----Oral Presentations (Not all)l)
5 Element 1/3/4 (Refer Learning Guide) ----Oral Presentations (Not all
6 Element 2 (Refer Learning Guide) -----Oral Presentations (Not all
7 Element 2 (Refer Learning Guide) ------Oral Presentations (Not all
8 Element 1/3/4 (Refer Learning Guide) -----Oral Presentations (Not all
9 Element 1/3/4 (Refer Learning Guide) ----Oral Presentations (Not all
10 Element 1/3/4 (Refer Learning Guide) ----Oral Presentations (Not all
11 Element 1/3/4 (Refer Learning Guide)/Project discussion (as needed) ------Oral Presentations (Not all
12 Element 5 (Refer Learning Guide) ----Oral Presentations (Not all
13 Element 5 (Refer Learning Guide) -----Oral Presentations (Not all
14 Element 5 (Refer Learning Guide) ------PROJECT due in (All students), ----Oral Presentations (Not all)
15 Element 6 (Refer Learning Guide) -----Oral Presentations (Not all
16 Element 6 (Refer Learning Guide) ------Oral Presentations (Not all
17 Question & Answer Forum / Workshop – Feedback available, Deferred Assessments (special consideration) & the like, or Self-Directed Study -------NOTES due in (All students)
18 Feedback on Grades and Finalising Results

This is an indicative teaching schedule. Refer to Online Blackboard announcements for changes. For absences due to public holidays and other class cancellations, the topics & assessment tasks will be shifted accordingly. As teaching schedule is currently on contingency mode, whilst flexibility is offered, self directed learning is much called for on the part of the students.
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

See Online in Learning Hub (or electronically transmitted) for details (refer Learning Guide)


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment are conducted in both theoretical and practical aspects of the course according to the performance criteria set out in the National Training Package. Students are required to undertake summative assessments that bring together knowledge and skills. To successfully complete this course you will be required to demonstrate competency in each assessment tasks detailed under the Assessment Task Section.

Your assessment for this course will be marked using the following table:

NYC (<50%) Not Yet Competent

CAG (50-59%) Competent - Pass

CC (60-69%) Competent - Credit

CDI (70-79%) Competent - Distinction

CHD (80-100%) Competent - High Distinction


Assessment Tasks

The assessment is conducted in both theoretical and practical aspects of the course according to the performance criteria set in the National Training Package.
Assessment may incorporate a variety of methods including written/oral activities and demonstration of practical skills to the relevant industry standards.

Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met. Students will be provided with feedback throughout the course to check their progress.

Feedback will be provided throughout the course. To successfully complete this course you will be required to demonstrate competency in each assessment task
detailed under Assessment Tasks section of Course Guide Part B (this document).

Assessment tasks have been designed to encourage life-long learning and self directed learning, encouraging students to ask questions and manage their time in order to progressively complete work throughout the semester. Individual as well as team activities will be demonstrated in preparation for work in industry where competing demands and adaptation to change characterise the work environment, and where communication, team work and organisation skills are of paramount importance.

Using primarily student based learning and self-directed research, individual/group based assessment must include two of more of the following:

1. Participate in individual or small group research into environmental disasters that have occurred due to large engineering works in a simulated work environment and provide a written technical report of findings.
2. Self Directed Research
3. Participate in oral presentations based on a case study or workplace scenario.
4. Prepare written statements emphasising engineering enterprises responsibilities in regards to the environment in a simulated work environment

 Assessment details:

Oral Presentation (individual presentation) – This is the student’s summary of research work about a topic determined in week 1 (equitable manner). It may be based on a case study related to the specific element of competency or a more general topic associated with the same element. This presentation of research work should be a minimum of 15 minutes and maximum of 20 minutes. This assessment involves student self directed research but with teacher providing general guidance. Oral presentation has a weighting of 20% and is not mandatory for this course.

Project (group work) – This is a technical report written by a group of students about their analysis of the environmental impacts of a proposed engineering project in a simulated work environment. A group of 2 is the norm. A student may choose to work on his/her own as well. This assessment focuses on the students’ ability to analyse engineering related scenario, propose solutions to environmental issues and provide logical solutions to practical simulated engineering projects. This technical report should be of industry standard and presented neatly in an A4 size display book with NO SPIRALS. This project has a weighting of 50% and IS A MANDATORY requirement of this course.

Notes (individual work) – This is a thorough written account of the student’s WEEKLY environmental (academic) journey. It is a record or a set of notes principally obtained from attending weekly presentations in class and may also include notes from participating in student activities initiated by teacher.. This set of notes has a weighting of 30% and IS A MANDATORY requirement of this course.

NOTE: QUESTIONS ABOUT SPECIFIC ASSESSMENTS AND MARKS OBTAINED MAY NOT BE ENTERTAINED IF LATER THAN 1 WEEK AFTER RESULTS WERE COMMUNICATED TO STUDENTS


Assessment requirements also include:

- good attendance and satisfactory completion of most of class activities ,
- evidence of participation in and satisfactory completion of work simulation projects.
-satisfactory completion of class assignment work
-timely submission and standard presentation for all assessment material / documentation
This course is graded using the following course grades-

Grade Grade level Competency Level

CHD
Competent with High Distinction -The learner will confidently apply novel but relevant solutions to unfamiliar and complex tasks.


CDI
Competent with Distinction -The learner will confidently evaluate alternative solutions to an unfamiliar task or
problem and use the most appropriate solution.

CC
Competent with Credit -The learner will elegantly apply appropriate facts, rules and standard solutions to achieve an unfamiliar task or problem with
confidence.

CAG
Competency Achieved - Graded -The learner will be able to apply facts, rules
and standard solutions to achieve a predictable task or solve a problem.

NYC
Not Yet Competent

-Although the learner exhibits access to a limited range of facts and rules, the learner has difficulty applying these facts and rules to a familiar task.
DNS- Did Not Submit for Assessment

Students should be informed with the special consideration policy available at -

http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y
 


Assessment Matrix

Element Covered,       Assessment Task Proportion of Final Assessment ,      Approximate Time
1,2,3,4,5 and,6 -------- ------   Project – group work (Mandatory) 50 %  ---------As per teaching schedule
1,2,3,4,5 and,6 ---------------   Notes – individual work (Mandatory) 30 % ------As per teaching schedule
One of 1,2,3,4,5 and,6 -----   Oral Presentation – individual work (Not mandatory) 20 % ------ As per teaching schedule
(for any changes, refer to online blackboard announcement)

Other Information

In this course, minimum student directed hours are 8 in addition to 32 scheduled teaching hours.
* Student directed hours involve completing activities such as reading online resources, assignments, report for practical work, and individual student-teacher course-related consultation.

Study and learning Support:

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to all RMIT students.
Services offered by SLC to support numeracy and literacy skills of the students are:

assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
maths and science developmental support and advice
English language development

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and learning Support

Disability Liaison Unit:

Students with disability or long-term medical condition should contact Disability Liaison Unit to seek advice and support to
complete their studies.

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/disability to find more information about services offered by Disability Liaison Unit

Late submission:

Students requiring extensions for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) must complete and lodge an Application
for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager.
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. The student will be notified within
no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted.

Students seeking an extension of more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special
Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days
after the official due date.

Assignments submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked.

Special consideration:

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=riderwtscifm to find more information about special consideration


PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism may occur in oral or written presentations. Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s work, idea or creation as one’s own; without appropriate referencing. Plagiarism is not acceptable. The use of another person’s work or ideas must be acknowledged. Failure to do so may result in charges of academic misconduct, which may result in cancellation of results and exclusion from your course.
Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism
Other Information:
All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

The underpinning knowledge and skills for this course are listed in the accreditation document and are available upon request from your instructor.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview