Course Title: Consider environmental issues in making engineering decisions
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2013
Course Code: CIVE5717
Course Title: Consider environmental issues in making engineering decisions
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: engineering-tafe@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
EDX010B Communicate and apply standard industry procedures and policies in an engineering design office.
Course Description
This unit of competency deals with the skills and knowledge required to apply environmental management principles an environmental legislative and regulatory requirements when undertaking engineering design and management activities.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
EAX050B Consider environmental issues in making engineering decisions |
Element: |
1. Apply knowledge of methods used for monitoring the environment and the responsible authorities. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The meaning of ‘environmental control’ can be explained. |
Element: |
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles to be considered for restoration and rehabilitation programs. |
Performance Criteria: |
The meanings of the term restoration, reclamation, |
Element: |
3. Analyse the ways in which an enterprise can respond to environmental issues. |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 The range of approaches that an enterprise can take to environmental management is evaluated. |
Element: |
4. Apply an environmental management process to a particular engineering enterprise. |
Performance Criteria: |
An environmental issue or risk area is identified in the |
Learning Outcomes
Refer to 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), completion of all assigned work, research work, may include excursion, application of theory to engineering environmental theory to actual problems and completion of work to industry standard as well as completion of all other assessments to a satisfactory standard.
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 activities related to typical engineering workplace scenarios. These activities involve class participation (discussions and may involve presentations), completion of all assigned work, research work, may include excursion/s, application of environmental theory to actual problems and completion of work to industry standard as well as completion of all other assessments to a satisfactory standard
Research activities for students 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 activities.
PLEASE NOTE, IN THIS COURSE, LEARNING GUIDE IS USED AS REFERENCE ONLY.
Learning and simulated work activities to demonstrate an understanding of typical problems encountered in meeting performance requirements and compliance standards are outlined below:
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.
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
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 Course Summary OR otherwise, Introduction to course, course guide, assessment, topic breakdown, resources, OHS issues (for Late Starters)
3 Environmental Monitoring Part 1 Lecture – T, Research work for Exam/Assignment - S
4 Environmental Monitoring Part 2 Lecture – T, Research work for Exam/Assignment - S
5 Environmental Restoration/Rehabilitation Part 1 Lecture – T, Research work for Exam/Assignment - S
6 Environmental Restoration/Rehabilitation Part 2 Lecture – T, Research work for Exam/Assignment - S
7 Environmental Impact Assessment Lecture – T, Research work for Exam/Assignment - S
8 Environmental Management Process Part 1 Lecture – T, Research work for Exam/Assignment - S
9 Environmental Management Process Part 2 Lecture – T, Research work for Exam/Assignment - S
10 Assessment Day – T & S Exam (60%)
11 Feedback Workshop RE Assignment or Excursion Supervision – T, Research Work for Assignment - S
12 Feedback Workshop RE Assignment or Excursion Supervision – T, Research Work for Assignment - S
13 Feedback Workshop RE Assignment or Excursion Supervision – T, Research Work for Assignment - S
14 Feedback Workshop RE Assignment or Excursion Supervision – T, Research Work for Assignment - S
15 Handing in Second Assessment Assignment OR Warehouse Conversion Project OR Excursion report due in (choose only one – 40%)
16 All Deferred Assessments and other outstanding issues (special consideration)
17 Feedback on Grades
18 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
None specified but Learning Guide contains numerous suggested references. |
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 assessments are 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.
Assessment details:
Exam (individual work) – This is a written assessment with a minimum of 10 questions students sit as per the teaching schedule (see previous page). The questions will cover environmental monitoring, restoration, rehabilitation, environmental impact assessments and environmental management systems. Students will be provided with revision questions in the first 2 weeks of classes. Allowed into assessment rooms are pens, clear bottles of water and individual student notes contained on A5 size paper (write on only one side, handwrite or type). Only 1 piece of one-sided A5 size notes per student is allowed [Note: A5 is half the size of the usual A4].
This exam has a weighting of 60%, and is scheduled during lecture session (see teaching schedule).
Choose one of Assignment OR Warehouse Conversion Project OR Excursion (each is 40%) –Student chooses one of these options, but generally NOT a combination of them.
Option 1: Assignment (team work, 40% of overall mark) – This is a report analysing environmental aspects of an engineering project such as environmental impact mitigation, risk assessments, EIA monitoring and the like. There is a list of projects to choose from, as well as student may choose his/her own upon consultation with teacher. Industry standards apply to this assessment, including report quality, format and contents/sections. In-text referencing must be used.
This assignment has a weighting of 40%. A team normally consists of two students.
Option 2: Warehouse conversion project (team work, 40% of overall mark) – This is a preliminary concept design for a warehouse conversion where sustainable materials will be used. Formatting is free but work is expected to be of industry standard. In-text referencing must be used.
This project has a weighting of 40%. A team normally consists of two students.
Option 3: Excursion attendance and report (individual work, 40% of overall mark) – Student tour in an environmentally significant venue is planned for term 4. Excursion details are TBA. Formatting of excursion report is free but work is expected to be of industry standard.
The report has a weighting of 40%.
IF THERE ARE NO SCHEDULED EXCURSIONS OR IF THE SCHEDULED EXCURSION CONFLICTS WITH STUDENT’S TIMETABLE, THEN OPTION 3 MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE.
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:
- attendance and satisfactory completion of prescribed practical exercises ,
- 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
Student has also to show an understanding of Occupational Health and Safety to an extent indicated by the following aspects:
• basic legal requirements covering occupational health and safety in the workplace
• the requirements for personal safety in the workplace
• identifying potential workplace hazards and suggested measures for accident prevention
• working safely with electrical tools or equipment
• emergency procedures for the rescue of an electric shock victim equipment
• emergency first aid for an electric shock victim
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 and 4 ------------ Exam 60 % ------------------------------------ As per teaching schedule
1,2,3 and 4 -------------- Option 1: Assignment 40 % ------------ As per teaching schedule
1,2,3 and 4 -------------- Option 2: Project 40 % ----------------- As per teaching schedule
1,2,3 and 4 --------------- Option 3: Excursion and Report 40 % -- As per teaching schedule
NOTE: Student needs to take exam, and chooses one of above named options for the remaining 40%
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