OBJECTIVE:

The main objective of this course is to provide the principles underlying pollutant behavior in natural and engineered environmental systems.  We will first establish a generalized material and energy balance approach to process analysis.  We will then incorporate non-steady-state (i.e., time-dependent) behavior, such as reaction kinetics in (ideal) reactors.  Physical, chemical, and biological principles and concepts important in environmental engineering systems will be introduced through lectures and homework.  Examples will be discussed to illustrate how individual principles and processes are relevant to an overall treatment system.
 

FORMAT:

This is a lecture-based course.
 

PREREQUISITES:

MATH242 and CHEM112 (or CHEM104).
 

TIME / PLACE:

Tuesday and Thursday, 2:00 - 3:15 p.m., 350 DuPont Hall.
 

INSTRUCTOR:

Pei Chiu, 344B DuPont Hall, 831-3104, pei@udel.edu.
 

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.  If this is not a good time for you, feel free to call or email the instructor to make an appointment, or simply stop by his office.
 

TEXTBOOK:

"Introduction to Environmental Engineering" by P. A. Vesilind and S. M. Morgan, 2nd ed., Thomson Learning, Inc., 2004.
 

REFERENCES:

"Introduction to Environmental Engineering Analysis" by Dentel, S. K., Russell, T. W. F. & Denn, M. M.; Chapters 1 through 7.  These chapters will be made available to you.
"Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science" by G. M. Masters and W. P. Ela, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall, 2008.
 

REQUIREMENTS: (200 points total)

1. Homework Assignments: 100 points (= 20 points x 5 assignments)
Each homework assignment is due in class a week from the day assigned (see LATE POLICY below).  You are strongly encouraged to complete all homework assignments and turn them in on time, because these are "easy" points to secure and because they account for half of your grade.

Depending on your preference and learning style, you may elect to work in small groups.  In that case, your group should collectively turn in one assignment.  Make sure to list the names of all contributing group members.

CIEG233 was taught by Professor Steven Dentel, who has kindly made avaiable on-line old assignments and exams (at Professor Dentel's CIEG233 course page).  You are encouraged to review old homework assignments and tests and discuss with me if you have any questions.

2. Midterm Examinations: 50 points (= 25 points x 2 exams)
The two exams will be closed-book and will be held in class (tentatively) on October 9 (Thursday) and November 25 (Tuesday).  The first exam will cover topics 1-4, and the second exam will cover topics 5 and 6.  Each exam will be 75 minutes in duration.  You need to bring a pen, a calculator, a conversion table, and blank paper.

3. Final Examination: 50 points
The format of the final exam will be the same as for the midterm exams.  The final exam will be cumulative but will include materials not covered in the midterm exams.  The final exam will be held on December 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.
 

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION:

Efforts and activities that help the class or individuals to better understand the subject matter are encouraged and will be awarded extra "active participation" points (up to 10 points total per person).
 

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is not mandatory and no points will be deducted due to absence.  However, absence or lateness are not acceptable reasons for not meeting assignment deadlines.  For example, if you cannot come to class next Tuesday and an assignment is due that day, you need to either turn in your work early or have someone turn it in for you on or before Tuesday.
 

LATE POLICY:

All deadlines are firm.  Late assignments will not be accepted or graded, unless a special request is made and approved in advance.
 

GRADING: Total number of points = 200 (plus up to 10 extra points).  You will need a minimum of 130 points to pass.

If you earn a total of
175 points or more, you will receive an A or A-
160 points or more, you will receive a B+, B, or B-
145 points or more, you will receive a C+, C, or C-
130 points or more, you will receive a D+, D, or D-
 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE and READING ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Introduction to Environmental Engineering: Overview and Examples.

    Reading assignment: Vesilind Chapter 1.

2. Common units in Environmental Engineering; Unit Conversion; Dimensional Analysis.
    Examples: Air Pollutant Concentrations; Aeration and Air Stripping; Pipe Flow; Draining Tank.

    Reading assignment: Vesilind Chapter 2, Sections 2.1-2.2; Dentel Chapter 3.

4. Reaction Kinetics in Batch Reactors; Rate Law; DO, BOD, and Biological Growth.
    Examples: Disinfection Rates; Biochemical Oxygen Demand; Biological Degradation; Chemical Treatment.

    Reading assignment: Vesilind Chapter 4 and Chapter 8 (Sections 8.1.1 and 8.1.2); Dentel Chapter 6.

6. Acid-Base Chemistry; Buffering Capacity and Alkalinity; Numerical and Graphical Methods.
    Examples: CO2 and Carbonate in Natural Waters; Chlorine Disinfection; Anaerobic Digestion.

    Reading assignment: Dentel Chapter 5; Masters Chapter 2, Sections 2.1, 2.2, and 2.4.

7. Review and Wrap-up.  Feedback and course evaluation.