Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 16/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
Wastewater treatment uses a number of interacting physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove contaminants from a treated waste stream. This course covers the key scientific and engineering fundamentals that underpin all stages of wastewater treatment, from primary treatment through advanced tertiary treatment, odour control, disinfection, and biosolid management. The skills from this course are foundational and essential for a successful career in the Urban Water sector, and the remainder of the ME (Urban Water Engineering) program.
Analysis, design and retrofitting of technologies for wastewater and biosolids management: conventional municipal wastewater treatment plants; technology for industrial wastewater treatment; advanced reuse technologies, including wastewater nutrient recovery and energy recovery from wastewater. The course will introduce legacy, current and next-generation technologies.
Course requirements
Assumed background
A basic understanding of chemistry and process engineering is strongly recommended.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEM1090 (or high school chemistry) and (CHEE2001 or CIVL2135)
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
WATR7103 and CHEE4012
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Zhiyao Wang
Dr Lisa Bai
Dr Xueqin Zhang
Tutor
Mrs Esty Al-gertan
Ms Mingyue Hu
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Develop in-depth knowledge of the science and engineering behind current practices and the latest technological advances in the wastewater and biosolids treatment industries.
Acquire problem-solving skills required of engineers to operate in the areas of wastewater management.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Assess the treatment requirements of wastewater streams, based on physicochemical and biological characterisation parameters as derived from quantitative characterization methods.
LO2.
Describe the scientific and engineering working principles of wastewater and biosolids treatment unit operations using physics, chemistry, and biology concepts to underpin engineering solutions.
LO3.
Characterise the size and composition of waste sludge streams, including chemical characterization, and identify the potential resource value as well as the hazard level of the sludge.
LO4.
Assess the sustainability aspects of wastewater management using environmental, social, and economic criteria.
LO5.
Use scientific and engineering principles to design, analyse, troubleshoot and retrofit wastewater treatment processes.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Tutorial exercises
|
30% |
5/08/2024 - 14/10/2024
16:00 |
| Quiz |
Laboratory Prac In class Quiz 1 & 2
|
20% |
Quiz 1 12/08/2024 - 19/08/2024 Quiz 2 9/09/2024 - 16/09/2024 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Field trip report
|
10% |
9/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% Hurdle |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Tutorial exercises
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
5/08/2024 - 14/10/2024
16:00
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Tutorial exercises covering the lecture content.
- Problem Set 1 due 5/8/2024 at 4 PM
- Problem Set 2 due 12/8/2024 at 4 PM
- Problem Set 3 due 26/8/2024 at 4 PM
- Problem Set 4 due 2/9/2024 at 4 PM
- Problem Set 5 due 16/9/2024 at 4 PM
- Problem Set 6 due 30/9/2024 at 4 PM
- Problem Set 7 due 14/10/2024 at 4 PM
Your best 6 submissions (of 7) will each count 5% each towards your overall grade.
The PDF must be clear and legible. You can convert your file into PDF or use a PDF scanning app on your phone. If you don't have a suitable software or phone, you can scan to PDF at the library. Do NOT take photos and paste into a word document.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submissions will be electronically submitted through Blackboard. A Turnitin link will be made available before the due date.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
Laboratory Prac In class Quiz 1 & 2
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Quiz 1 12/08/2024 - 19/08/2024
Quiz 2 9/09/2024 - 16/09/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05
Task description
- Open-book, invigilated 60 minutes Blackboard quiz (multiple-choice) to indicate your understanding of the activities done during laboratory prac 1 (Quiz 1) and laboratory prac 2 (Quiz 2).
- The quiz will be held during the last hour of the practical class. Invigilated via zoom for external students.
- Video and data will be provided to external students to compensate the actual hands on.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submissions will be electronically submitted through a Blackboard link provided in class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Field trip report
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
9/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
- Individual report on the visit to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Report for external students will be based on virtual reality WWTP tour.
- Full assignment detail and requirements are provided on Blackboard.
- Assignment must be submitted via Blackboard as single pdf. The PDF must be clear and legible.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submissions will be electronically submitted through Blackboard. A Turnitin link will be made available before the due date.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40% Hurdle
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Final Exam on all course content. Internal students sit as a central paper based in-person invigilated exam. External students will sit as a Zoom invigilated exam.
Final exam - open book. All printed/handwritten materials permitted. No electronic aids are permitted (e.g. laptops, phones).
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
In order to pass this course, students must achieve a score equal to or greater than 50% on the final examination.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Below 25% in the aggregate mark. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Between 25% and 44.99% in the aggregate mark. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Between 45% and 49.99% in the aggregate mark, or less than 50% in the final examination. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Between 50% and 64.99% in the aggregate mark. Must achieve a score equal to or exceeding 50% on the final examination. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Between 65% and 74.99% in the aggregate mark. Must achieve a score equal to or exceeding 60% on the final examination. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Between 75% and 84.99% in the aggregate mark. Must achieve a score equal to or exceeding 70% on the final examination. The student must complete all assessment items. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Above 85% in the aggregate mark. Must achieve a score equal to or exceeding 80% on the final examination. The student must complete and perform consistently well in all assessment items. |
Additional course grading information
Percentages stated indicate the typical boundaries between grades.
Marking for in-semester assessment pieces will be in accordance with rubrics made available on Blackboard.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Use of calculators
Unless specified elsewhere in the Course Profile, ONLY University approved and labelled calculators can be used in all quizzes or exams for this course. Please consult my.UQ ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators for information about approved calculators and obtaining a label for non-approved calculators.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Lecture notes and additional learning resources will be updated on Blackboard.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Introduction to wastewater treatment Introductory lecture on wastewater treatment and characterisation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial on wastewater characterisation Problem solving on wastewater characterisation. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Wastewater characterisation Interactive lecture on wastewater sources, characterisation, flows estimation, and sampling. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial on wastewater characterisation and Problem Set 1 Problem solving on wastewater characterisation (sources, characterisation, flows estimation). Includes Problem Set 1 to be submitted by Monday 5/8/2024 at 16:00. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Preliminary and Primary Treatment Interactive lecture focused on preliminary treatment and primary treatment to remove large contaminants and solids. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial on Solids Separation and Problem Set 2 Problem solving on Solids separation, covering theory and practical aspects related to Laboratory Practical class 1. Includes Problem Set 2 to be submitted by Monday 12/8/2024 at 16:00. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Practical |
Lab prac 1: Solids Separation This practical class focuses on solids separation. 20 students max per prac. Sign on required. Quiz 1 to be completed at the end of the prac. Digital material will be provided for external students. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Principles of Biological Treatment Interactive lecture focused on biological processes and techniques used to remove biodegradable pollutants from wastewater. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
No tutorial (Public Holiday) Ekka holiday |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Biological Treatment Technologies (I): the Activated Sludge Process Interactive lecture on the Activated Sludge Process, an essential part of biological wastewater treatment, where microorganisms are mixed with wastewater to break down organic contaminants. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial on Biological Wastewater Treatment and Problem Set 3 Problem solving on Biological Wastewater Treatment. Includes Problem Set 3 to be submitted by Monday 26/8/2024 at 16:00. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Biological treatment technologies (II): Final settling, Stabilisation Ponds, Fixed-film Treatment Interactive lecture on final settling of activated sludge, and other biological treatment technology including Stabilisation ponds and Fixed-film systems. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial on Activated Sludge Process and Problem Set 4 Problem solving on the Activated Sludge process. Includes Problem Set 4 to be submitted by Monday 2/9/2024 at 16:00. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Biological Nutrient Removal (Nitrogen) Interactive lecture on biological nutrient removal, a crucial aspect of wastewater management, as excessive nutrients in bodies of water can lead to harmful algal blooms and other environmental issues. This lecture will focus on Nitrogen removal. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial on Prac 2 (Microbial Respiration) Tutorial covering the theory and practical aspects related to Laboratory Practical class 2 (Microbial respiration). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Practical |
Lab prac 2: Microbial Respiration This lab prac will analyse biological activity during wastewater treatment. 20 students max per prac. Sign on required. Quiz to be completed at the end of the prac. Digital material will be provided for external students. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Biological Nutrient Removal (Phosphorous) Interactive lecture on biological nutrient removal, a crucial aspect of wastewater management, as excessive nutrients in bodies of water can lead to harmful algal blooms and other environmental issues. This lecture will focus on Phosphorous removal. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial on Biological Nitrogen Removal and Problem Set 5 Problem solving on Biological Nitrogen Removal. Includes Problem Set 5 to be submitted by Monday 16/9/2024 at 16:00. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Biosolids Management (I) Interactive lecture on biosolids characterisation and treatment. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial on Phosphorous removal and Problem Set 6 Problem solving on Phosphorous Removal. Includes Problem Set 6 to be submitted by Monday 30/9/2024 at 16:00. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Biosolids management (II) Interactive lecture on biosolids characterisation and treatment. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial on Biosolids Management (I) Problem solving on Biosolids Management. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
|
Fieldwork |
Field trip to a Wastewater Treatment Plant Guided tour of a local wastewater treatment plant facility. Sign on required. A field trip report is due by Wednesday 9/10/24 at 4 PM. Digital material will be provided for external students. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
No lecture (Public holiday) King's Birthday |
Tutorial |
Tutorial on Biosolids Management (II) and Problem Set 7 Problem solving on Biosolids Management. Includes Problem Set 7 to be submitted by Monday 14/10/2024 at 16:00. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Variations of the activated sludge process This lecture covers other suspended growth systems, including membrane bioreactors (MBRs), sequencing batch reactors (SBR), and granular sludge systems (e.g. NEREDA process). Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Course review and consultation Course recap and review. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Next-generation technologies Interactive lecture on novel wastewater treatment technologies, including Annamox, anaerobic membrane bioreactors, nutrient recovery and the latest research advances in wastewater treatment. Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Course review and consultation Course recap and review. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Safety Induction for Practicals
Course guidelines
Safety Induction for Practicals
Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.
In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.