Course coordinator
Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
This course covers engineering principles and practices associated with drinking and potable reuse water treatment, and their application and impacts in the context of water supply. Key topics include: - Conventional (i.e., surface water and groundwater) and alternative (i.e., desalination and treated wastewater) water supplies: introduction to strategic planning - Drinking and recycled water treatment: theory, design and troubleshooting of conventional and advanced treatments - Distribution system: design and operation - Managing risk and drinking water quality
The UN has established 17 sustainable development goals in which water and sanitation is one of the top priorities. Countries have promised to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water by ensuring a sustainable management of water by 2030. Drinking water is a vital part of the urban water management and a major challenge also for developed countries. This course has specifically been developed to cover the drinking water treatment from the source until the consumers' tap. It will cover a key understanding of the various drinking water technologies and will also have a strong focus on the integration of knowledge of the other courses in the masters program. This will cover many different areas to prepare the students to be ready to work with the highly complex and multi-faceted challenges of our modern society.
The key Knowledge Domains and Topics to be covered include:
- Purpose and role of water systems in relation to public and environmental health protection
- Risk assessment and application of framework for management of drinking water quality
- Key elements and technological processes for water supply and water treatment
- Water treatment/supply - understanding the nature of complex system
- Multi-criteria assessment techniques for water system technology selection processes
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(CHEM1090 or CHEM1100 or High School Chemistry) and (CHEE3002 or CHEE2040)
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
WATR7109
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho
Dr Natascha Rossi
Dr Sahar Daer
Tutor
Ms Mingyue Hu
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to inspire the students to combine process engineering knowledge and skills with relevant chemical and biological science background to gain a detailed understanding of the technologies and management concepts used in drinking water systems. The goal is to integrate and apply multi-disciplinary knowledge to address the complex and multiscale process challenges typical for water industry situations. The course will also give insights and experience in the decision making processes required to evaluate various technology and management options for water treatment and system developments. Subsequently, help aspiring young water professionals to prepare and to accelerate their professional development.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Acquire the understanding of effective risk management and apply the framework for management of drinking water quality.
LO2.
Conceptually design specific drinking water treatment processes, taking into account the influent quality, effluent requirements, energy consideration and economic constraints.
LO3.
Identify non-conventional sources of drinking water, their risks, treatments, feasibility/viability and public perception.
LO4.
Conceptually design distributions systems to deliver safe drinking water to customers tap using engineering skills (e.g., hydraulic volumes, chemical dose rates).
LO5.
Apply preventive measures, operational procedures and process control for drinking water management.
LO6.
Utilise broad expertise and skill sets from various engineering and science disciplines to develop necessary understanding and knowledge to address complex challenges.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Laboratory component
|
20% |
2/04/2025 - 14/05/2025
Submissions during the semester. Due time: 3pm. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Examination
|
15% |
15/04/2025
During lecture time. |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Project | Design Study and role-play | 25% |
30/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
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
Laboratory component
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
2/04/2025 - 14/05/2025
Submissions during the semester. Due time: 3pm.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Lab reports - details provided in the lab notebook on Blackboard. Videos and data will be provided to compensate the hands-on pracs for external students.
1) Prac 1 - Coagulation/flocculation
Prac 1 lab report (10%) due on 02/04/25 at 3pm (two weeks after Prac 1).
2) Prac 2 - Disinfection
Prac 2 lab report (10%): due on 14/05/25 at 3pm (two weeks after Prac 2).
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
Via Turnitin on Blackboard.
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 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due 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.
In-Semester Examination
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
15/04/2025
During lecture time.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06
Task description
In-lecture exam focusing on the first part of the course (Water Quality and Conventional Treatment). Closed book. Invigilated in person for Internal students. External students sit as a Zoom-invigilated examination.
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 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 | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
In-class (Internal students) and Zoom (External students).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Design Study and role-play
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
30/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The feasibility study considers a specific water supply problem, for which students must propose the most cost-effective treatment process based on relevant regulation and their knowledge of the treatment processes, as well as design key operation units. The report for this assignment is due on 30/5/2025 at 1pm (weight 20%). Details will be issued on Blackboard.
A role play activity will be held on the 30/5/2025 (weight 5%), during the tutorial. This does not require written preparation or submission, and involves assessing a scenario from community, regulator, designer, and operator perspectives. This is done in groups with a facilitator, with scoring based on quality of participation.
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
Via Turnitin on Blackboard.
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 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due 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. Note: no extensions can be issued for the role play, as this activity requires other participants. In the case of an approved extension for the role play component, an exemption will be issued instead, and the 5% of the role play will be re-weighted to the Feasibility Study report component.
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.
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Closed book exam on all course contents. Required reference material and key equations provided in exam. Exam will be held on-campus via the central examination system for internal students, and by the School via Zoom invigilation for external students.
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving.
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
To pass the course you must achieve greater than 45% on weighted average of the in-semester and final exams.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 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 | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
In-person for internal students; via Zoom for external students.
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: Less than 25% overall. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A mark between 25% and 45%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A mark between 45% and 50% or less than 45% on weighted average of in-semester and final exam. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A mark between 50% and 65%. Must achieve greater than 45% on weighted average of in-semester and final exam. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A mark between 65% and 75%. Must achieve greater than 60% on weighted average of in-semester and final exam and complete the design study. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A mark between 75% and 85%. Must achieve greater than 70% on weighted average of in-semester and final exam. The student must complete all assessment items. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A mark greater than 85%. Must achieve greater than 80% on weighted average of in-semester and final exam. The student must complete all assessment items. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
There is an end of semester examination in this course.ﾠ Students enrolled in internal mode will have an invigilated (supervised) examination on campus. To ensure equity of treatment across both internal and external modes, and to maintain academic integrity of the external mode examination, students who are enrolled in external mode will have an invigilated (supervised) online examination. Supervision will be done using Zoom for external students, please see the external delivery course profile for further details on online invigilated exams materials and requirements.
Use of Calculators
Only University approved and labelled calculators can be used in all quizzes or exams for this course. Please consult ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/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.
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 |
General contact hours |
Lectures Water sources, water quality, regulation, processes for conventional and advanced treatment of drinking water. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
General contact hours |
Tutorials Exercises and problems on week's topic. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
General contact hours |
Practicals Lab practicals on key treatment technologies. Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L06 |
|
General contact hours |
Field trips Visit to two drinking water treatment plants, one conventional, one advanced. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
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.