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Unit outline_

CHNG5003: Green Engineering

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Green engineering, eco-technology and sustainable technology are all interchangeable terms for the design of products and processes that maximise resource and energy efficiency, minimise (or preferably eliminate) waste and cause no harm to the environment. In modern society, engineers equipped with the skills to develop sustainable technologies are tremendously valuable. This unit of study will examine cutting edge examples of sustainable technologies across a broad range of applications relevant to chemical and biomolecular engineering. The delivery of teaching and learning material will be exclusively in project mode. Students will be expected to critically analyse modern engineering processes and improve them, from the ground up if necessary, so that they satisfy the criteria of eco-design. At the completion of this unit of study students should have developed an appreciation of the underlying principles of green engineering and be able to demonstrate they can apply these skills to new and novel situations. Students are expected to develop an integrated suite of problem-solving skills needed to successfully handle novel (and previously unseen) engineering situations, coupled with an ability to independently research new areas and be critical of what is found, and an ability to cope with experimental data, change and uncertainty through critical thinking.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
SUCH3003
Assumed knowledge
? 

Completion of 72 cp in science, engineering or equivalent

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andrew Harris, andrew.harris@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Andrew Harris, andrew.harris@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Green engineering essay
Essay exploring the introductory concepts of Green engineering
10% Week 02
Due date: 09 Aug 2024 at 23:59
15 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5
Assignment Case study analysis
Case study exploring green engineering use case to be used for major projec
10% Week 04
Due date: 30 Aug 2024 at 23:59
15 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5
Assignment Major project
Report documenting work on the UoS major project
70% Week 10
Due date: 18 Oct 2024 at 23:59
50 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Presentation
Video submission documenting the work undertaken in the major project
10% Week 12
Due date: 29 Nov 2024 at 23:59
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introductory lecture Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 02 Workshop 1 - What is green engineering Workshop (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Workshop 2 - UN Sustainable development Goals; Process design vs product design; Lean start-up methodologies Workshop (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Workshop 3 - Introduction to major project Workshop (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Workshop 4 - Major project continued (Needs) Workshop (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Workshop 5 - Major project continued (Ideas) Workshop (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Workshop 6 - Major project continued (Selection) Workshop (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Workshop 7 - Major project continued (Manufacture) Workshop (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Workshop 8 - Major project continued Workshop (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Workshop 9 - Major project continued Workshop (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Workshop 10 - Major project continued Workshop (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Workshop 11 - Major project continued Workshop (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Workshop 12 - Major project continued Workshop (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Explain the principles of green engineering and eco-design and their current interpretations in engineering practice
  • LO2. Apply sustainability principles in analysing and optimising a given engineering process from the ground up.
  • LO3. Identify and critically review a broad range cutting edge examples of sustainable technologies relevant to chemical and biomolecular engineering
  • LO4. Exhibit effective interpersonal communication and demonstrate team-based working skills
  • LO5. Communicate clearly and concisely

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
LO2
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
5.2. A commitment to safe and sustainable practices.
5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
5.8. Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering.
5.9. Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.
LO3
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance.
4.3. Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria.
4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
5.2. A commitment to safe and sustainable practices.
5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
5.8. Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering.
5.9. Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.
LO4
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
3.3. Creativity and innovation.
3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities.
3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
LO5
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

More 1-1 feedback during the course is now being offered to students

Disclaimer

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