Syllabus: Fall 2009

Instructor

Benoit Cushman-Roisin
134 Cummings Hall
Telephone: 1-603-646-3248
Email: Benoit.Cushman.Roisin@dartmouth.edu

Teaching Assistants

Eric Klem, Chris Polashenski, Ayrat Safine, and Gaurav Vora

Course description

A survey of the sources, measurement techniques, and treatment technologies relating to environmental pollution resulting from human activities. The course is technology-focused but also touches on topics related to the implementation of technology in the real world such as public perception, policy and legislation, and choosing between technological alternatives. Topics include water pollution, air pollution, solid wastes, fate and transport of pollutants in the environment, and pollution prevention. Consideration of each area includes general background and key concepts, detailed design examples, and case studies/current topics. The course includes guest lectures and a visit to the local wastewater treatment plant.

Web address

http://thayer.dartmouth.edu/~cushman/courses/engs37.html

Textbook (required)

Environmental Engineering - Fundamentals, Sustainability, Design
by James R. Mihelcic and Julie Beth Zimmerman
John Wiley & Sons, © 2010

Course Objectives

Course Format

Grading

Honor Code

As always, students are expected to observe all aspects of the Academic Honor Principle, as defined in Organization, Regulations and Courses. In this course, collaboration is allowed during homework preparation, although students have to turn in their individual answers. No collaboration whatsoever is allowed during the mid-term and final examinations. During those assignments, questions can only be directed to the instructor or the TAs.

Dartmouth College policy requires that any apparent violation of the Honor Code be reported to the Committee on Standards. The professor does not have another choice, regardless of how he/she may feel.

Note to students with disabilities

Students with any type of disability are encouraged to contact the instructor to discuss their needs and what accommodations are necessary. Such contact should be made at the beginning of the term or, in the case of a new condition, as soon as it occurs.

Note on email communications

Email communications with the instructor are most welcome at any time as long as they deal with questions on the materials taught in class or absences from class. But, students are asked to refrain from using email to set up appointments. To see the instructor, simply drop by his office. Anytime is a good time.

Scheduling

Week of Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
21 Sept. - - Introduction - Forms of pollution - Concentrations
Balances
Stoichiometry
28 Sept. Environmental chemistry
(part 1)
- Environmental chemistry
(part 2)
- Transport phenomena
(part 1)
5 Oct. Transport phenomena
(part 2)
- Issues in air quality - Dust control: Cyclones
12 Oct. Dust control: Electrostatic precipitators - Gas treatment: Scrubbers - Issues in water quality
19 Oct. Water purification - Settling tanks - Wastewater treatment plants
26 Oct. Wastewater treatment plants (cont'd) Mid-term exam assigned
(at 10am)
Disinfection - Anaerobic digestion Mid-term exam due
(at 5pm)

Risk assessment
2 Nov. Field trip 1 (*) - Field trip 2 (*) - Sustainable Engineering
9 Nov. Industrial Ecology
Eco-parks
- Pollution prevention & Recycling - Design for Environment
16 Nov. Life-cycle assessment - Energy issues
Solar design
- Electric cars
23 Nov. Photovoltaic cells - No class
Thanksgiving Recess
No class
Thanksgiving Recess
No class
Thanksgiving Recess
30 Nov. Fuel cells & Windmills - Energy from the ocean - Final exam assigned
(at 10am)
7 Dec. - - Final exam due
(at 5pm)
- -

(*) Group 1 visits the wastewater treatment plant on 2 Nov and goes on a campus tour of energy-efficient buildings on 4 Nov. Group 2 makes the same field trips but in reverse order.