Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
In this unit, students will learn and apply advanced knowledge relevant to the engineering, analysis and design of integrated water systems. This will span natural and anthropogenic flows (rainfall, stormwater, evapotranspiration, water supply and wastewater). It will reveal the multiple interactions between different parts of the water cycle and connections with infrastructure, architecture and other cycles including energy and nutrients. Students will be able to understand and relate to social, regulatory and economic challenges and drivers, and be able to contribute to the planning guidelines, policies and regulations. Supporting conceptual frameworks of metabolism, sustainability, resilience, and multi-criterial decision making will be developed. An overview of future urban scenarios, including centralised, decentralised and hybrid system design in greenfield and existing developments in different regions will provide context. A field trip to leading contemporary designs/sites, and a team challenge for a specific site will lead into a Design Challenge based on the internationally successful integrated planning tournament developed at UQ. On completion, students will be able to use integrated water management principles and related analytical tools for developing efficient, multi-purpose and hybrid systems. Group and individual projects and assignments will enhance communication, presentation and teamwork skills.
Modern cities are facing many challenges including climate change, population growth, resources scarcity, energy costs and greenhouse reduction goals. Traditional urban water systems, which are designed based on large-scale centralised infrastructure, can no longer meet all the requirements of these changing and challenging conditions. Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) creates strategies and methods for designing/planning and managing water systems - and urban development - by understanding the components that make up the urban water cycle, as well as considering the interactions between these components in different scenarios. IUWM is a field of practice growing in importance in Australia and other countries, as shown by some of our research work as part of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Water Sensitive Cities program and integrated water and energy planning. Building on the insights from our latest IUWM research works and programs, this course will equip students well for careers in designing, selecting best options using multi-criteria analysis, and managing urban water systems for liveable, sustainable and water sensitive cities.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
WATR7105
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Guest lecturer
Associate Professor Paola Leardini
Dr Mojtaba Moravej
Tutor
Miss Cassady Swinbourne
Ms Guoxin Yan
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
At the end of this course, the students will be able to:
- Have an integrated vision of urban water management, including interactions between natural and engineering flows, built infrastructure.
- Understand how urban water systems interact with energy and nutrient systems, and related economic, social and environmental processes.
- Propose water sensitive solutions, and design WSUD elements using dedicated software packages and use multi-criteria decision support systems to compare integrated urban water design alternatives.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Recognise the interactions, impact and conflicts between urban water system components and related conceptual frameworks.
LO2.
Characterise urban water systems with water, pollutant and energy balances.
LO3.
Identify environmental, social and economic impacts of integrated urban water management.
LO4.
Apply water sensitive urban design solutions to address water sustainability issues.
LO5.
Design Water Sensitive Urban Design processes using tools and dedicated software packages (eg Scenario Tool, Mass Balance tool, Aquacycle).
LO6.
Compare alternative urban water system processes using multi-criteria decision support systems.
LO7.
Improve teamwork skills through practice, reflection and feedback.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination, Quiz |
Assessment 1 - Individual test/quiz on key concepts
|
25% |
1/05/2025
During class time. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Assessment 2 - Group draft design and assessment
|
35% |
14/04/2025 5:00 pm |
| Project |
Assessment 3 - Final report
|
40% |
9/06/2025 5:00 pm |
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
Assessment 1 - Individual test/quiz on key concepts
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Quiz
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
1/05/2025
During class time.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Duration: 90 minute quiz during class.
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving
Closed-book quiz on key concepts of sustainability and integrated urban water management. The exam will be held on campus for internal students, and simultaneously invigilated via Zoom for External students.
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
Must achieve 45% in the average of Assessment 1 and the individual component of Assessment 3.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated by Zoom |
Submission guidelines
Submission in class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Assessment 2 - Group draft design and assessment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
14/04/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L07
Task description
This project comprises a design and performance analysis of a site and precinct expecting urban growth. Students will design an integrated urban water system, quantify its performance and document the design and performance. The students' design will be initiated in class and baseline performance analysed. An overall water mass balance of a site, and the precinct is to be included. The aim is implementation of a Water Sensitive Design within a new development area. Include in your report a brief description from each team member on their role and contribution using template provided. Also include a reflection from each team member on thoughts for improved teamwork in the final team report / assessment. Individual reflections (on own learnings from course submitted separately).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission: Assignments to be submitted through Turn it in (one submission per team). Individual reflections submitted by email to course coordinator.
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
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
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)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Assessment 3 - Final report
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
9/06/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Task Description: Guided by feedback from Assessment 2 report, you will update your design, selection of options and document this in your final report including the Multi-Criteria Analysis for comparing alternatives. Provide a final report on your design options evaluated, the water performance of the options (using mass balance key performance indicators), including Multi-Criteria Analysis the best 2-3 options to clearly show why you selected your design. The report should include both quantitative and qualitative information (e.g. on key dimensions of Integrated Water Management) of alternative solutions and comparison of the different alternatives. Your report should include clear information on the roles and contributions of each team member, and a reflection on both their contribution technically and to the teamwork.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Students will give a presentation on their design in week 12, to receive feedback. The final report should clarify how students have addressed the feedback.
Hurdle requirements
Must achieve 45% in the average of Assessment 1 and the individual component of Assessment 3.Submission guidelines
Submission via Turn it in.
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
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
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)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
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: Typically 1-24.99%. Lack of understanding of any of the concepts and their application and/or very incomplete work. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 25-44.99%. Minimal understanding of most concepts and their application and/or substantial amounts of incomplete work. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Typically 45-49.99%. Demonstrates developing understanding of concepts covered but still shows an incorrect understanding of some key concepts. The interpretation is generally incorrect. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 50-64.99%. Functional understanding of key concepts and a good understanding of most concepts covered in the course. The student is sometimes able to interpret and communicate concepts and to explain their impact to a range of stakeholders. Must achieve 45% in the weighted average of Assessment 1 (30%) and the individual component of Assessment 4 (70%). |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 65-74.99%. Proficient understanding of most integrated urban water management design and analysis concepts covered in the course with no major shortcomings in essential knowledge. The student is generally able to interpret and communicate and to explain their impact to a range of stakeholders. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 75-84.99%. Advanced understanding of most integrated urban water management design and analysis concepts covered in the course with no major shortcomings in essential knowledge. The student is generally able to interpret and communicate key concepts and to explain their impact to a range of stakeholders, only failing to do so in the most complex cases considered in the course. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 85-100%. Exceptional understanding of most integrated urban water management design and analysis concepts covered in the course with no major shortcomings in essential knowledge. The student is generally able to interpret and communicate to explain key concepts their impact to a range of stakeholders, even for the most complex cases considered in the course. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Learning resources will be provided via blackboard and during tutorials, workshops and the field visit.
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 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
General contact hours |
Introduction (module 1) Lecture: The need for integrated approaches in urban water management. Related frameworks including sustainability, metabolism and resilience. Overview of course and assessments (1,2,3). Tutorial: Systems mapping and integration impacts and expected changes in urban water systems and related conceptual frameworks, drivers of change. Introduction to water mass balance analysis. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
General contact hours |
Integrated Urban Water Management and water sensitive cities (module 1) Lecture: Introduction and concepts. Planning and design activities. Discussion of concepts integrated water management, sustainability performance indicators, resilience etc. Options (technology and design). Lecture/Tutorial: Urban development process. Introduction to Design Challenge, Field trip and formation of management goals (visions) for a site. Teamwork considerations (and process for team formation). Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Fieldwork |
Field trip (module 2) Field trip to understand the design site and see examples of integrated water problems and solutions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
General contact hours |
Water balance analysis (module 3) Water mass balance: Quantitative baseline and future systems analysis. Identification of major water and pollutants flows and elaboration of mass balance analysis in urban water systems and performance indicators. Introduction to tools for assessment. Introduction to urban water models. Application of WSUD software at development scale (Computer Exercise). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Problem-based learning |
Design Challenge for the site visited (module 2) Work in teams to design a solution for a particular site responding to major future water challenges. Note you will use your design (or iterations of it) in subsequent analysis and in your draft team report. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
General contact hours |
Water performance quantification (module 3) Lecture: Application of WSUD software at precinct scale and then Computer Exercise. Tutorial: Teamwork using WSUD software to model designs from design challenge. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Design analysis (module 4) Teamwork using WSUD software to model designs from design challenge. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05, L07 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
General contact hours |
Consolidation and quiz DISCUSS - Update on mass balance, design analysis so teams can advance their draft report + Quiz. |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Multi Criteria Analysis and Decision Making (module 5) Lecture: Introduction of the concept of Multi-criteria analysis (MCA), Decision Support systems. Integrated Urban Water Management and Multi Criterial Analysis (MCA) (Workshop): propose alternative solutions for a greenfield or decentralised urban development and compare using multi-criteria analysis Decision Support Systems. Different ways to do MCA calculations to evaluate alternative IUWM projects and designs. Tutorial: Tutorial on MCA and Decision Support Systems. Learning outcomes: L03, L06 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Tutorial |
Design analysis Teamwork using WSUD software to model designs from design challenge. QA on water modelling. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05, L07 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
Resilience overview and hands on, and social guidelines and regulations What is the current level of resilience of urban water systems to climate change effects, rapid population growth and other challenges. Impact of local/regional/national guidelines and regulations on IUWM. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
Student presentations and Q&A on designs, analysis and MCA Students present their designs, options assessed, Multi-criteria analysis and justification of selected (best) design. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Tutorial |
Design analysis feedback and discussions related to final report Design analysis and feedback/discussions related to final report (assessment 3) and presentation. Discussion of assessment and current use of tools (Questions and Answers). Opportunity for students to apply feedback into their final designs, analysis and team report. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
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
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.