Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
In the management of the urban water cycle the environmental engineer is frequently required to address challenges that threat public health and environmental quality. This course aims to provide students with a framework for understanding emerging contaminations (e.g. antibiotic resistance genes, water born pathogens and nanoparticles) and their health effects in a broader water, health and environment nexus. Graduates will be positioned to understand the sources, occurrence, fate, and health effects of emerging contaminations in environmental settings (in particular in the water cycle). In addition to covering the basic concepts and principles of water and public health, the course will highlight various emerging challenges for public health and environmental quality, these will include: 1) antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic resistant bacteria; 2) Legionella pneumophila in water supply systems and Legionnaires' disease; 3) nanoparticles ecotoxicity; 4) pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs); 5) micro-plastics in environments; and 6) water contamination from firefighting foams.
With increasing urbanization and population density, emerging contaminants (e.g. antibiotics, nanoparticles, microplastics, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and other synthetic chemicals) and various pathogens (e.g. Legionella and antibiotic resistant bacteria) in environmental and engineered settings pose serious threats to public health and to environmental quality. To eliminate these threats, environmental engineers are required to understand the sources, occurrence, fate, and health threats of these contaminants and pathogens, and thus develop efficient strategies to control and eliminate their adverse effects to human beings and animals. This course will inform students of the basic requirements for dealing with these emerging issues relating to the urban water cycle. Additionally, it will highlight examples of emerging challenges for public health and environmental quality.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEM1090 or CHEM1100 or High School Chemistry
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
WATR7106
Restrictions
Minimum of 5 students.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho
Dr Ji Lu
Dr Cheng Zhang
Dr Lyman Tze Kin Ngiam
Dr Casey Huang
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Provide students with a framework for understanding biological and chemical emerging contaminants (e.g. antibiotic resistance genes, water-borne pathogens, synthetic chemicals, nanoparticles and microplastics) and their health effects in a broader water, health and environment nexus.
Acquire problem-solving engineering skills required to address these emerging issues faced by water management.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the origin and fate of various emerging contaminants in the urban water cycle.
LO2.
Explain the health, environmental and economic effects of emerging contaminants in a broader water, health and environment nexus.
LO3.
Conceptual design of appropriate technology solutions to eliminate emerging contaminants.
LO4.
Recognise the significance of guidelines and risk assessment required for emerging contaminants and pathogens.
LO5.
Apply broad expertise and skill sets from various engineering and science disciplines to address emerging challenges for public health and ecological ecosystems.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Series of in-class quizzes during tutorial
|
30% |
26/08/2024 - 21/10/2024 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Report on emerging chemical contaminants
|
35% |
6/09/2024 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Report on emerging biological contaminants
|
35% |
18/10/2024 3:00 pm |
Assessment details
Series of in-class quizzes during tutorial
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
26/08/2024 - 21/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Online quiz series (three times) performed in class. Three quizzes covering approx. 1/3 of the course contents each. The quizzes take place during the tutorial time and weigh 10% each. They are closed book and invigilated. The duration of each quiz is 40 min. There is no planning time. Quiz formats include: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Short essay, Problem solving. The quiz date will be:
Friday at Week 6 - Lectures 1-5
Friday at Week 10 - Lectures 6-9
Friday at Week 13 - Lectures 10-12
External students will be sitting in-class quizzes invigilated via Zoom.
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
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
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)
If approved, a missed quiz will be reweighed to the remaining quizzes.
Students must sit a minimum of one quiz in the semester to pass.
Report on emerging chemical contaminants
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
6/09/2024 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students are to submit a report about an emerging chemical contaminant.
Detailed instructions about the assignment, including learning outcomes and marking rubric, will be provided in Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin
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)
Report on emerging biological contaminants
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
18/10/2024 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students are to submit a report about an emerging biological contaminant.
Detailed instructions about the assignment, including learning outcomes and marking rubric, will be provided in Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin
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
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: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. A mark between 0 and 24.99%. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. 20-39% in the aggregate mark. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline. 40-49% in the aggregate mark. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline: At least 50% in the aggregate mark. A minimum of 45% in the average of the two best quizzes. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline: At least 65% in the aggregate mark. A minimum of 60% in the average of the two best quizzes. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience: At least 75% in the aggregate mark. A minimum of 70% in the average of the two best quizzes. All pieces of assessment have been submitted. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications: At least 85% in the aggregate mark. A minimum of 80% in the average of the two best quizzes. All pieces of assessment have been submitted. |
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
Additional learning resources are available 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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Tutorial |
Tutorials Exercises and problems for application and consolidation of the course contents. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lectures Course lecturers and industry guest lecturers will guide students in exploring a range of emerging chemical and biological contaminants in water in a structured way, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, microplastics and other anthropogenic compounds, as well as antibiotic resistance factors and emerging pathogens. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorials Exercises and problems for application and consolidation of the course contents. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lectures Course lecturers and industry guest lecturers will guide students in exploring a range of emerging chemical and biological contaminants in water in a structured way, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, microplastics and other anthropogenic compounds, as well as antibiotic resistance factors and emerging pathogens. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEM BREAK |
|
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
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.