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Module

CEG8104 : Wastewater Engineering

  • Offered for Year: 2022/23
  • Module Leader(s): Professor Russell Davenport
  • Lecturer: Professor Thomas Curtis, Dr Elizabeth Heidrich
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

Aims

This module is designed to provide a basic understanding of the design and operation of unit processes in the treatment of domestic and industrial wastewaters, with a particular emphasis on biological principles and parameters. An introduction to recent developments and more advanced techniques in biological wastewater treatment will be provided. Students also develop a deeper knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological principles in wastewater assessment and treatment. Basic analytical and the latest molecular microbial ecology skills will be developed through laboratory analysis of wastewater and sludge samples.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction

Sewerage Systems and Pre-Treatment Solids separation - Sedimentation/Flotation
Engineering Biology
- Microbial community assembly
- Microbial metabolism and thermodynamics
- Measuring microbes
- Microbial growth kinetics and mass balances
Attached Growth Processes
Suspended Growth Processes
Extensive treatment systems - Waste Stabilisation Ponds/Constructed Wetlands
Anaerobic processes
Nutrient Removal
Sludge Production, Treatment and Disposal
Emerging contaminants
Technology selection

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:301:30Exam
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials201:0020:00present in person lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion17:307:30Assessed laboratory report (Semester 2)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture11:001:00Present in person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical33:009:003 x 3 hour practical laboratory session.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical14:004:001x 4 hour practical laboratory session.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching12:002:001 x 2 hour Question and answer and problem-solving design tutorial
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork13:003:00Field trip to water treatment site or independent study (Plan B)
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study152:0052:00Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Knowledge and understanding are acquired primarily through the lecture classes, tutorials and laboratory practicals, with students expected to undertake self-directed learning by reading of technical journal papers, text books, legislation and the selective use of web sites. Laboratory (practical) classes provide a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of the unit processes, they also provide skills and experience that supports the design coursework of other modules, and how wastewater treatment plants achieve compliance to statutory regulations.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination902A70Written exam
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report2M30Laboratory report (approximately 1-2 sides).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A exam is the most appropriate and efficient method to assess the range of Knowledge Outcomes in particular, but also includes assessment of the Skills Outcomes in design calculations.

The laboratory report assesses the understanding of the practical elements of the module, as well as addressing the knowledge and practical skills outcomes.

Reading Lists

Timetable