Water treatment

This unit provides an overview of water and wastewater systems in urban environments. The overview focuses on these systems' functions regarding the provision of drinking water and wastewater treatment and their modes of operation. Specific topics include water supply, water use and consumption, drinking water treatment and distribution, wastewater characterisation and secondary treatment, sludge handling, resource recovery and nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment. Treatment process theory and design are covered in this unit for both drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

Problem-based learning - During the practicals, you will work on problem sets related to the week's topic. You will be guided through problem-solving after having the opportunity to explore different approaches on your own or in a group.

Online learning - You will be provided online learning resources in advance of each workshop. The pre-recorded learning modules should be viewed ahead of the weekly workshop. Additional online resources will be provided.

Active learning - Workshop, practical and laboratory activities offer opportunities for active learning. During the workshops and practicals, you will be given feedback through live polling, interactions with teaching assistants and guided solutions to problem sets. The laboratory activity enables you to conduct water quality analyses to evaluate the treatment performance of a pilot plant.

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.