Outline

Overview

Introduction to Environmental Engineering is a foundational unit focusing on the relationship between human activities and the environment. Students will learn fundamental concepts and methods in environmental engineering, allowing them to become familiar with sustainable approaches to environmental problems. The topics covered include hydrology, water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, solid waste management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. Through lectures, case studies, and practical projects, students will develop skills in identifying environmental problems, analysing data, and designing solutions.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ENGG1800 or AERO1560 or MECH1560 or MTRX1701 or BMET1960 or CHNG1108 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	John Kavanagh, john.kavanagh@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam Final Exam	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation Short presentations from groups	10%	Multiple weeks	15-20 minute Presentations	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Laboratory Exercises Laboratory notebooks and short reports	15%	Multiple weeks	Multiple weeks during the semester	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Early Feedback Task Short test #earlyfeedbacktask	1%	Week 03 Due date: 10 Mar 2026 at 12:00 Closing date: 10 Mar 2026	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Quiz In class quiz	19%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Apr 2026 at 12:00 Closing date: 14 Apr 2026	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Group Project Group Project	10%	Week 12 Due date: 23 May 2026 at 00:00	Project will run from week 2 to 12	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

The assessments consists of a 1% early feedback task, a 19% in-class quiz and a 45% final exam.

There is also a group project, a group presentation and a laboratory.

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	Excellent overall demonstrated understanding and application of environmental engineering concepts and highly effective teamwork.
Distinction	75 - 84	Very Good overall demonstrated understanding and application of environmental engineering concepts and highly effective teamwork.
Credit	65 - 74	Good overall demonstrated understanding and application of environmental engineering concepts and effective teamwork.
Pass	50 - 64	Reasonable overall demonstrated understanding and application of environmental engineering concepts and effective teamwork.
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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Engineering	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Engineering	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Engineering	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Introduction to Engineering	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Environmental Engineering in Practice	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Engineering	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Engineering	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Introduction to Engineering	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Water and Wastewater Treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Water and Wastewater Treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Water and Wastewater Treatment	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Water and Wastewater Treatment	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Solid Waste Management	Lecture (1 hr)
	Solid Waste Management	Lecture (1 hr)
	Solid Waste Management	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Solid Waste Management	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Air Pollution	Lecture (1 hr)
	Air Pollution	Lecture (1 hr)
	Air Pollution	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Air Pollution	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Environmental Microbiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental Microbiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental Microbiology	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Environmental Microbiology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Environmental Impact Assessment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental Impact Assessment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental Impact Assessment	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Environmental Impact Assessment	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Environmental Hydrology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental Hydrology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental Hydrology	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Environmental Hydrology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Environmental Risk Assessment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental Risk Assessment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental Risk Assessment	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Environmental Risk Assessment	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Environmental Ethics and Policy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental Ethics and Policy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental Ethics and Policy	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Environmental Ethics and Policy	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Climate Change and Adaptation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Climate Change and Adaptation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Climate Change and Adaptation	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Climate Change and Adaptation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Sustainable Development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sustainable Development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sustainable Development	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Sustainable Development	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Review and Final Presentations	Lecture (1 hr)
	Review and Final Presentations	Lecture (1 hr)
	Review and Final Presentations	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Review and Final Presentations	Tutorial (1 hr)

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

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Develop written and oral communication skills, effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve environmental engineering challenges and contribute as key members of engineering projects.
LO2. Perform basic environmental tests, analyse the results, and understand the underlying engineering processes.
LO3. Describe and articulate the foundational principles of environmental engineering.
LO4. Conduct a simplified environmental impact assessment, identify significant environmental risks, and suggest basic mitigation strategies.
LO5. Apply sustainable engineering practices in waste management, pollution control, and adaptation of climate change.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

The unit is being run for the first time. Significant time has been spent discussing the content with industry.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

We are hoping to organize site visits. These will likely need steel capped or safety boots, long trousers and other PPE.

Work, health and safety

You will undertake laboratories and need to have safety glasses and a lab coat. You sill also need to wear long trousers and sturdy covered shoes.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ENVE1001: Introduction to Environmental Engineering

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links