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Water Chemistry
Undergraduate | USA-ENR205 | 2019
Course information for 2019 intake
Examine the key chemical and biochemical processes triggered by wastewater discharge to the environment. Study water quality, purification and the ecological impacts. Dive into optimised systems that process water for reuse and treat waste.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- -
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Water Chemistry
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- detail and describe the purposes of various manufactured chemicals used in drinking water and wastewater treatment, in each stage of treatment
- detail and describe natural and synthetic pollutants in water and wastewater, and how water parameters are used to assess quality and treatment
- describe in detail the biological and chemical processes that occur in each key stage of drinking water and wastewater treatment
- investigate and describe both beneficial and detrimental processes that can occur in the supply of drinking water and treatment of wastewater
- describe key water and wastewater treatment infrastructure
- proficiently conduct basic laboratory procedures and water quality analyses applied in the water/wastewater industry.
- Introductory chemistry
- Physical and inorganic chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Biochemistry and microbiology
- Water quality parameters
- Water treatment processes (potable supplies)
- Coagulation and flocculation
- Membrane and desalination
- Disinfection
- Wastes and wastewater treatment
- Pollutants in drinking water
- Chemical pollutants in industrial and domestic wastewaters
- Control of chemical use and pollutants in water and the environment
The subject provides a fundamental understanding of the chemical and bio-chemical processes that impact on water and wastewater quality, and are involved in water and wastewater treatment. Chemical processes occurring as a consequence of release of wastewaters into receiving environments will also be covered in this subject.
With an understanding of these processes, the student should gain an improved appreciation of engineered systems, their operations and optimisation in the supply of potable water, wastewater treatment and reuse. This subject will provide knowledge of key chemical and biochemical processes relevant to undergraduate water and civil engineering.
Please note: This subject has an on-campus attendance requirement. For more information, please visit theOn-campus Schedules section of the degree page.
- Quiz (x 3) (21%)
- Report (x 3) (25%)
- Examination (40%)
- Case Study (14%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is ranked as one of the best young universities in the world, and is the number one university in Australia for graduate employability. UniSA offers over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning, and is a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - This subject has a 2 day on-campus attendance requirement. The on-campus schedule for Study Period 3 2019 is 9am Wednesday 25 September 2019 to 5pm Thursday 26 September 2019.
- Equipment requirements - Audio headset with microphone are required to access weekly consultation and help desk facilities.
- Other requirements -
Travel and accommodation resources
- Map of Mawson Lakes Campus
- UniSA advice on temporary accommodation (Information on student accommodation, backpackers, affordable hotels, serviced apartments, Aboriginal hostels)
- Getting to Mawson Lakes (including links to the Adelaide Metro transport system)
Financial support
- Please note that you may also be eligible for a travel subsidy from OUA.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.