ENVL 315     Engineering Ecology     Spring 2002

  2002-2004 Catalog Description:

Principles of general ecology.  Biochemical pathways, kinetics, ecosystem structure and function, and nutrient cycling.  Development and application of mass balance models for eutrophication.  Preliminary design of waste ponds and constructed wetlands.  Transfer of toxic chemicals in food webs. Three credits. Prerequisites: ENGS 204.

  Textbook (Reference):

Thomann, R.V. and J.A. Mueller (1987).  Principles of Surface Water Quality Modeling and Control.  Harper and Row Publishers, Inc. New York. 644 pp.

  Goals:

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the basic concepts of energy and nutrient transfer in aquatic systems; to teach the basic approaches used by environmental engineers in determining the effects of waste loads on eutrophication and low dissolved oxygen in freshwater and marine systems, in designing stabilization ponds and constructed wetlands for waste treatment; and to introduce students to current and emerging topics in engineering ecology.

  Objectives:

1.     To provide students with a basic understanding of ecological principles, with particular attention given to energy transfer and nutrient cycles in aquatic ecosystems.

2.     To review mass balance approaches used in evaluating dissolved oxygen depletion in streams.

3.     To introduce students to problems associated with nutrient enrichment and eutrophication in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.

4.     To provide students with skills to perform mass balance modeling analyses of eutrophication in well-mixed and stratified lakes.

5.     To introduce students to simple numerical modeling techniques and computer programming using Visual Basic in EXCEL.

6.     To present students with various control strategies that are used in minimizing nutrient enrichment and eutrophication effects.

7.     To introduce students to various treatment approaches (e.g., oxidation ponds, facultative ponds, septic systems, constructed wetlands) that can be used in removing oxygen demanding wastes, and nutrients from wastewater.

8.     To introduce students to more recent issues in aquatic ecosystem management, including red tide, brown tide, zebra mussels, pfiesteria, and iron additions to the ocean.

  Prerequisites by Topics:

1.     Differential and integral calculus

2.     General chemistry

3.     Environmental Engineering Principles

  Topics Covered:

1.     Introduction to Ecology and Ecological Principles 3 classes

2.     Organic Matter/BOD and Dissolved Oxygen Depletion in Streams   3 classes

3.     Numerical Solutions, Programming in Visual Basic for EXCEL     3 classes

4.     Nutrient Sources, Nutrient Enrichment, Nutrient Cycles      4 classes

5.     Lake Eutrophication and Phytoplankton Dynamics 8 classes

6.     Thermal Stratification and Dissolved Oxygen Responses in Lakes       4 classes

7.     Food Web Dynamics 3 classes

8.     Erosion and Water Clarity     2 classes

9.     Estuarine Dynamics and Coastal Eutrophication Problems   2 classes

10.   Oxidation Ponds, Constructed Wetlands  4 classes

11.   Harmful Algal Blooms and Other Emerging Ecological Issues       2 classes

12.   Tests (two tests, final examination)      6 classes

  Computer Usage:

Students are required to use personal computers for EXCEL spreadsheet calculations and for computer programming using Visual Basic for EXCEL.  Students also perform computer model simulations for phytoplankton, nutrient, and dissolved oxygen responses in a stratified lake using an interactive computer model that was developed by Dr. Farley using Microsoft EXCEL spreadsheet interfaced to a Fortran program.

  Laboratory Experience:

None

  Relationship to Environmental Engineering Program:

This course is required for students in the Environmental Engineering program. It introduces students to the basic concepts of energy and nutrient transfer in aquatic systems; teaches them the basic approaches used by environmental engineers in determining the effects of waste loads on eutrophication and low dissolved oxygen in freshwater and marine systems, in designing stabilization ponds and constructed wetlands for waste treatment; and introduces them to current and emerging topics in engineering ecology.

  Outcome Criteria Addressed:

13.   An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering (ABET Criterion 3a)

14.   An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems (ABET Criterion 3e)

15.   An ability to communicate effectively (ABET Criterion 3g)

16.   A knowledge of contemporary issues (ABET Criterion 3j)

17.   An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice (ABET Criterion 3k)

  Assessment Tools:

       Exams, Homework, Project

  Professional Component Contribution:

Engineering Science 2 Credits (67%)

Engineering Design 1 Credits (33%)

  Prepared by the Course Coordinator: