Subject description

This subject introduces students to the theory, knowledge and skills that are required to successfully undertake air and noise pollution investigations that may be required as part of their professional engineering practice. Students learn about the key role that engineering plays in understanding the sources and impacts of air and noise pollution, and implementing methods of control. The subject objectives are met by enabling students to master underpinning theory, develop problem-solving and communication skills, undertake research work independently and in a team, and complete laboratory investigations. The subject is delivered in two modules with the first component focusing on air pollution and the second on noise pollution.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Apply the theory of air and noise pollution to practical engineering situations.

2. Use engineering instrumentation and software to undertake laboratory investigations in both air and noise pollution that are representative of typical industry practices.

3. Explain global air pollution problems such as climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion.

4. Communicate professionally in both oral and written formats, both individually and in a team environment.

5. Perform problem-based research activities both individually and as part of a team.

6. Exercise academic integrity with respect to paraphrasing, appropriate citation, acknowledgement and honesty in engineering writing.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following faculty Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) and Engineers Australia (EA) Stage 1 competencies:

Identify and apply relevant problem solving methodologies (B.1) Demonstrate research skills (B.6)

Apply abstraction, mathematics and/or discipline fundamentals to analysis, design and operation (C.1)

Communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose. (E.1) Appreciate ethical implications of professional practice (F.2)

Be aware of global perspectives (needs, rules/regulations, and specifications) (F.4)

Content (topics)

The main topics that will be covered in this subject are:

- Air pollution effects on human health and the environment
- Key pollutants and their sources
- Effect of meteorology on the dispersion of pollutants
- Air pollution measurement
- Air pollution control
- Indoor air quality
- Air pollution and global climate change
- Acoustic principles
- Effects of noise on human health
- Environment related noise
- Workplace related noise
- Aircraft related noise
- Pubs and clubs related noise
- Noise control engineering
- Vibration control
- Noise measurement
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Traffic noise

The actual content delivered in this subject may vary in any particular teaching session based on the professional experience and prior learning obtained by students.

Assessment task 1: Group Project Proposal

Intent: This assessment task gives students the opportunity to draft a group project proposal on a topic of their choosing in air and noise pollution. The purpose of the proposal is for groups to successfully identify a topic that can be researched for Assessment Task 3. The topic chosen by groups will be relevant to professional practice in contemporary air and noise pollution. The feedback provided from this assessment task is intended to be used as a guide for groups to successfully undertake their projects (See Assessment Task 3).

Task: Groups write a proposal for their intended project covering the following points:

Background information (including references from the literature) indicating why their research topic is of interest.

Groups should submit a Literature Searching Canvas that outlines their information search strategy for their research topic.

Groups should indicate what aspects of their research topic will be addressed by their report (e.g. using a table of contents).

Groups should submit a statement indicating how their project is achievable in the given time frame. This will include a statement on what strategies will be used to manage group dynamics and to ensure a successful project outcome.

Assessment task 2: Air and Noise Pollution Laboratory Investigation

Intent: In this assessment task, students write a laboratory report on either an air or noise pollution laboratory investigation. This assessment is intended to mirror the approach that a consultant would undertake for a client; such as performing an experimental or computational investigation, followed by expert reporting on the methods used, the results found and conclusions drawn.

Task: Students are given choice (based on their interests) regarding whether they would prefer to write a laboratory report based on the Noise Pollution Laboratory class session in Block 2 (3rd or 10th April; the Environmental Noise Survey Report) or the Air Pollution Modelling Laboratory class session in Block 5 (1st or 8th May; Contaminant Dispersion Modelling Report). Students write a technical report covering the aims of the investigation, the methods used, results found and conclusions drawn.

Assessment task 3: Group project on air and noise pollution

Intent: In this assessment task, students undertake a group project in air and/or noise pollution to develop their research skills in their chosen topic areas. This assessment task is intended to mirror the approach that a consulting team would take in researching an engineering problem for a client. A group project report (task 3a), presentation (task 3b) and peer assessment activity (task 3c) are required for this assessment.

Task: Task 3a. Students deliver a technical report based on the topic chosen for their group project. In the assessment task, students write about the aims of their investigation, review literature on their topic, report results and crtically discuss their findings.

Task 3b. As a group, students deliver a poster presentation to their peers.

Task 3c. Students self-evaluate their performance during the group project and also assess their team members using SparkPlus at two stages throughout the project i.e. mid-project review and end of project review. More detailed instructions regarding the group project will be posted on UTSOnline.

Tasks 3a and 3b are group assessed, individual moderation of marks may be performed with task 3c.

Length: Reports should be 2500 words or less excluding references (task 3a) and oral presentations should be five minutes or less (per team member; task 3b).