575.604.81 - Principles of Environmental Engineering

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Introduction: What Is Environmental Engineering? Engineering Ethics, Fundamental Cannons, and Environmental Justice.
• Professional Engineering Licensure, Membership in Professional Societies and Associations, Environmental Engineering Design Process and Components.
• Mass and Energy Transfer: Units of Measurements, Materials Balance, and Energy Fundamentals.
• Environmental Chemistry: Stoichiometry, Enthalpy of Chemical Systems, Chemical Equilibria, Henry’s Law, and the Carbonate System.
• Mathematics of Growth: Exponential Growth and Decay, Resource Consumption, Population Growth, Age Structure, and Population Monument.
• Risk Assessment and Management: Acute Toxicity, Carcinogenesis, Toxicity Testing in Animals, Dose-Response Curves; Slope Factor, Reference Dose, and Hazard Index.
• Water Resources: Hydrologic Cycle, Water Pollutants, Biological Oxygen Demand, Nitrification, Oxygen Sag Curve, Eutrophication, and Thermal Stratification of Lakes.
• Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport: Hydraulic Gradients, Flow Nets, Darcy’s Law, Dispersion, Diffusion, and Retardation, and Control of Groundwater Plumes.
• Water Quality Control: Municipal Water Treatment Systems, Wastewater Treatment Systems, Sludge Treatment, and Nutrient Removal.
• Hazardous Waste Management: Hazardous Waste Treatment, Pollution Prevention, and Waste Minimization, Pump-and-Treat Systems and In Situ Remediation Technologies.
• Air Pollution: National Ambient Air Quality Standards, Pollutant Standards Index, Atmospheric Stability, Adiabatic Lapse Rate, Temperature Inversions, Mixing Depth, Air Pollution Control Technologies, Indoor Air Quality, and Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
• Global Atmospheric Changes: Global Temperature, the Greenhouse Effect; Global Energy Balance, Carbon Cycle, Ocean and Climate Change; Changes in Stratospheric Ozone.
• Integrated Solid Waste Management: Hierarchy of Solid Waste Management Systems, Composting, Incineration and Energy Recovery, Landfills, Processing, and Recycling.

Course Goals

To gain a comprehensive overview of environmental engineering fundamentals.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Apply a the acquired knowledge of the regulatory requirements pertaining to solid waste management Provide in-depth knowledge and expertise on solid waste land disposal facilities including double liner and leachate collection system and landfill cover design. Practice the present engineering and management methodologies in composting, recycling, and incineration of solid waste. Explain the basics of fate and transport of contaminants in the subsurface and groundwater monitoring. Demonstrate a vast knowledge on contemporary technologies regarding to collection, transport, transfer, and processing of municipal solid waste.

Textbooks

Required

Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science

Edition: 3RD 08 

Author: Masters, Gilbert M. / Ela, Wendell P.

ISBN 13: 978-0-13-148193-0   

ISBN 10: 0-13-148193-2   

MBS Direct SKU #: 744116

Other Materials & Online Resources

Class PDF notes, slides, video presentations, and items on the discussion board.

Required Software

There is not any specific software required for this course.

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each class will take approximately 5–7 hours per week to complete. Here is an approximate breakdown: reading the assigned sections of the texts (approximately 1–2 hours per week) as well as some outside reading, listening to the audio annotated slide presentations (approximately 1–2 hours per week), reviewing additional class notes (approximately 1 hour per week), participation in online discussions and completion of problem assignments (approximately 2 hours per week).

All submissions of material for the course (exams, assignments, projects, and extra credit) must take place through Canvas only. No email submissions will be accepted for any reason. This is to protect the integrity of the course material.

This course will consist of four basic student requirements:

Preparation and Participation (Class Discussions) (10% of Final Grade Calculation)

Each student is responsible for carefully reading all assigned material and being prepared for discussion. Please do not provide your first post for the module until you have read and reviewed the course material for that module (including the textbook, notes, and lectures). The majority of the readings are from the course text. Additional reading may be assigned to supplement text readings.

You should plan to post your initial response to the discussion questions by the evening of day 3 for that module week. Posting a response to the discussion question is part one of your grade for class discussions (i.e., Timeliness).

Part two of your grade for class discussion is your interaction (i.e., responding to classmate postings with thoughtful responses) with at least two classmates (i.e., Critical Thinking). Just posting your response to a discussion question is not sufficient; we want you to interact with your classmates. Be detailed in your postings and your responses to your classmates' postings.  Feel free to agree or disagree with your classmates. Please ensure that your postings are civil and constructive.

The instructors will monitor class discussions and will respond to some of the discussions as discussions are posted. In some instances, the instructors will summarize the overall discussions and post the summary for the class.

Evaluation of preparation and participation is based on contribution to discussions. Preparation and participation are evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Critical Thinking (60%)
2. Timeliness (40%)

Preparation and participation are graded as follows: 

100–90 = A: Timeliness [regularly participates; all required postings; early in discussion; throughout the discussion]; Critical Thinking [rich in content; full of thoughts, insight, and analysis].

 89–80 = B: Timeliness [frequently participates; all required postings; some not in time for others to read and respond]; Critical Thinking [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place].

79–70 = C: Timeliness [infrequently participates; all required postings; most at the last minute without allowing for response time]; Critical Thinking [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace].

Assignments (30% of Final Grade Calculation)

Assignments will include a series of problem sets associated with each module. Include a cover sheet with your name and assignment identifier. Also include your name and a page number indicator (i.e., page x of y) on each page of your submissions. Submissions must be completed and submitted in one PDF file through Canvas only, multiple file submissions will not be accepted. For example, if there are 5 assignment problems and these will be submitted as a PDF they must be submitted as one PDF document, not 5 separate PDF files.

All assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar. 

Late submissions will not be accepted. (no exceptions will be granted without prior coordination with the instructors).

Assignments are graded as follows:

100–90 = A—All parts of the question are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; All intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate.

89–80 = B—All parts of the question are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; Some intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is indicated; the answer precision and units are appropriate.

 79–70=C—Most parts of the question are addressed; Assumptions are partially stated; Few intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is not technically correct but is indicated; Answer precision and units are indicated but inappropriate.

<70=F—Some parts of the question are addressed; Assumptions are not stated; Intermediate derivations and calculations are not provided; The answer is incorrect or missing; The answer precision and units are inappropriate or missing.

Exam[s] (40% of Final Grade Calculation, combined from 20% for the Midterm and 20% for the Final)

The midterm exam will be available in the 8th module and the final exam will be available in the 14th module. Students will have one module length (6 days) to complete the exams and they will be due by 11:59 PM on the final day of the module. Students may use the course text to complete the exams.

Each exam will have a time limit of four hours. If the time limit is exceeded the student will still be able to continue working on the exam however a point reduction will be assessed of 5 percentage points per additional 10 minutes taken beyond the 4-hour limit.

Exams are graded as follows:

100–90 = A—All parts of the question are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; All intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate. 

89–80 = B—All parts of the question are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; Some intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate. 

79–70=C—Most parts of the question are addressed; Assumptions are partially stated; Few intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is not technically correct but is indicated; Answer precision and units are indicated but inappropriate.

<70=F—Some parts of the question are addressed; Assumptions are not stated; Intermediate derivations and calculations are not provided; The answer is incorrect or missing; The answer precision and units are inappropriate or missing.

Conceptual Design Projects (20% of Final Grade Calculation)

The requirements for the conceptual design projects for any environmental system, technology, or infrastructure will be provided during the course. Students will receive 5 point grades for each of the 4 group (encouraged) or individual submittals as long as the designs are conceptually correct/accurate. The students will form groups by themselves to complete the projects. To enhance the learning and interactions between students, a discussion thread is created for the conceptual design projects. Students should upload their conceptual designs there so that other classmates can enjoy/learn and provide questions/comments.

Extra Credit – Environmental Facility Visitation (10% additional credit added to the cumulative final grade)

We will consider up to 5 additional points to be counted toward your Final Course Grade. One visit is sufficient to gain knowledge of the facility. The deadline for posting is one week before the final exam (the end of Module 13). To be considered for this extra credit, please follow the directions provided below.

Type of Facility:

You can visit any environmental facility as long as you have obtained permission to visit. Examples include water and wastewater treatment plants, waste to energy incinerators, landfills, solid waste recycling facilities, and hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities. Please do not attempt to gain access to these facilities unless you have a scheduled appointment and an official facility escort. You need to identify yourself as a student visitor and state the purpose of your visit to gain permission. Make sure that you wear proper/appropriate clothing and safety equipment as required by the facility personnel and follow all safety rules and regulations expressed.

Documentation Requirements: 

During your visitation - You are required to take a few pictures and notes during your site visit. If for security safety, and/or any other reasons you are not permitted to take photographs, you must choose another facility that allows you to take photographic images and notes. Inquire about any restrictions when setting up your scheduled visit.

Posting on Canvas:

Upload your report using the Discussion posting section "Extra Credit". The report should include a cover page that contains the facility’s name, the facility’s location, the facility’s contact information when you visited the facility, and a very short description of the environmental process. Also, upload a minimum of four photographs of any critical parts/aspects of the facility in respect to the environmental process. Provide one descriptive paragraph (caption) for each photograph explaining its significance or an interesting element of the photograph 

Important note:

Please bear in mind that during the entire process you represent the graduate students at Johns Hopkins University and must demonstrate that in your courteous and professional conduct. Always place personal safety and consideration to your facility host first. The course instructors, The Whiting School of Engineering, and Johns Hopkins University shall not be liable for any personal or property damages or liability that might occur during your visit.

Grading Policy

Student assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar. The grades will be posted one week after assignment due dates.

We generally do not directly grade spelling and grammar. However, egregious violations of the rules of the English language will be noted without comment. Consistently poor performance in either spelling or grammar is taken as an indication of poorly written communication ability that may detract from your grade.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.

Student Assessment Criteria (Course Expectations and Grading)

The kinds of work you’ll be doing in this course include weekly homework assignments, three equally-weighted exams, active participation in class discussion, and oral presentations. The grading basis and policy are summarized below. Letter grades will be assigned to the exact numerical grades as follow, higher grades supersede. The grades are not normalized or curved.

This course uses the following EP grading system:

Course Evaluation

Students' feedback during the midterm and final course evaluations are much valued and greatly appreciated.

Course Policies

Course Outline, Assignments, and Due Dates

This outline provides an overview of the course and assignments by week. Please remember to check the calendar for specific due dates.

Each course module runs for a period of seven days (one week) during the fall and spring semesters and six days during the summer term. Due dates for readings and other assignments are referred to by the day of the module week in which they are due. For example, if a reading assignment is to be completed by Day 3 and the module started on Monday, then the reading assignment should be completed by Wednesday or the 3rd day of the module.

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.