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Principles of ecological engineering, ecosystem biogeochemical dynamics, toxicology, stormwater and non-point source pollution control, sub-surface contaminant transport.
Ecological Engineering is the design of sustainable systems that derive their energy and materials from natural and engineered ecosystems. These designs aim to integrate human society with the natural environment for the benefit of both. There is a focus on capitalising on the (sometimes ‘waste’) material and energy resources in ecosystems to solve engineering problems. Ecological Engineering is a core 15-point course in the second semester of second professional for natural resources engineering students only. It builds directly on prerequisite material in ENCN 281, Environmental Engineering and advances the environmental science principles inherently used in Ecological Engineering applications. This course will involve applied ecology, biogeochemistry, maths, physics, hydrology and some design. Environmental modelling and engineered wetlands will be introduced. It is aimed to develop students’ conceptual, analytical and practical skills in managing common environmental engineering challenges including stormwater treatment, contaminant transport and toxicology and non-point source pollution control. Relevant design guidelines and environmental tools will be introduced with appropriate examples.The course is split into distinct modules with worked examples. The first component briefly covers environmental impacts on ecosystems and regulatory tools for ecosystem protection. The next section covers accredited environmental monitoring and modelling techniques with a focus on urban stormwater. The initial two modules will be reinforced through the practical laboratory sessions and related environmental quality analysis report. Next, the detailed principles of Ecological Engineering will be introduced, supported with examples of applications. Wetland ecosystems, both natural and engineered, will be covered in some detail in order to equip you with the knowledge and design approach to using wetlands for treating specific wastewaters. The hydrological and microbiological dynamics inherent in the biogeochemical treatment processes in wetlands will be calculated under various design scenarios. Groundwater quality and contaminant transport principles will then be introduced following which toxicological guidelines will be examined to design solutions for resource consent approval. Non-point source pollution (NPS) causes, pollutants, modelling and management from rural catchments will be covered in detail. A large module on ecological engineering solutions for stormwater management will be covered, after which you should have an in-depth understanding of the design applications and management tools used to control urban runoff adopting water sensitive principles. Finally, Ecological Restoration using ecological engineering techniques will be presented with applications included in the module.Overall, the distinct yet interrelated modules presented in this course will advance your knowledge of the environmental sciences and engineering principles inherent in preparation for practicing ecological engineering. Additionally, your ability to solve environmental problems in the context of New Zealand engineering practice by managing data through spreadsheets and modelling tools will be developed in this course.
Course objectives:Advance your knowledge on how to use environmental science and engineering design principles in solving topical environmental problems.Understand and apply accredited environmental monitoring protocols required in environmental engineering practice.Apply fundamental hydrological and biogeochemical equations to size engineering designs to solve environmental problems.Introduce groundwater contaminant transport concepts, problems and context.Become familiar with non-point source pollution and its management in New Zealand.Gain an in-depth understanding of urban stormwater management in New Zealand.Understand appropriate management approaches and modelling tools used to solve environmental problems in New Zealand.
ENCN242, ENCN281
ENNR305
For further information see Civil and Environmental Engineering Head of Department
1. You cannot pass this course unless you achieve a mark of at least 45% in each of the mid-semester test and the final exam. A student who narrowly fails to achieve 45% in either the test or exam, but who performs very well in the other, may be eligible for a pass at the discretion of the course coordinator and Head of Department.2. All assignments must be submitted by the due date via Learn electronically AND a printed copy to the box designated for this course on level 3. Late submissions will not be accepted. If a student is unable to complete and submit an assignment by the deadline due to personal circumstances beyond their control they should discuss this with the lecturer involved as soon as possible.3. Students in this course can apply for aegrotat consideration provided they have sat the mid-term test, the final exam or both.4. Dishonest behaviour & Aegrotat: It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies and procedures concerning academic misconduct/dishonest behaviour. Only the Final examination, where appropriate, will be eligible for Aegrotat consideration. Instances of academic misconduct will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner.
Domestic fee $777.00
International fee $4,375.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Civil and Environmental Engineering .