CE 571 Physical Principles of Environmental Engineering

Many aspects of environmental engineering require a solid foundation in understanding mass and momentum transport of different processes in the environment. In addition, an understanding of the fate of pollutants in the environment is also necessary to tackle current environmental problems. Chemical reactions are therefore important in both engineered treatment processes and in natural systems in which wastes may be attenuated. Thus, mass and momentum transport covered in this course is fundamental to an engineer's understanding of water and waste treatment and contaminant behavior in the environment. CE 571 is a core component of the Water Resources and Environmental Engineering graduate program for students that are developing plans of study that emphasize either process engineering and water resources. 3 credit hours.

 
   
   
Prerequisite
  

Calculus through differential equations and engineering physics courses.

 
Course Objectives  

The objective of this course is to become familiar with the basic mechanisms of mass and momentum transport underlying environmental engineering processes. Focus will be on the mechanics and physics of why certain environmental conditions occur and not on the particular unit process. In addition, the goal of this course is to increase student's confidence in physical modeling. Students should be able to apply these modeling or problem solving techniques across a wide class of environmental conditions where the mechanism/physics is similar. The course will also give students a basis for understanding physical process design in advanced environmental engineering courses and a basis for improving upon existing environmental engineering process design and modeling -- especially in master's or doctoral theses.

 
Course Requirements  

HOMEWORK:
Homweork due dates will be given in the syllabus after the class begins. Late (unapproved) homework submissions will automatically be marked down by 50%. Neatness is very important. Homework will automatically be marked down by 33% if sloppy. Solutions to the homework assignments will be posted on the website for the distance students.

EXAMINATIONS:
All exams are closed book/notes. You do not need to memorize equations, tables, or constants. Equations and tables and any necessary constants will be provided. You just need to know how they are used.

 
Textbook  

Clark, Mark M., Transport Modeling for Environmental Engineers and Scientists, Wiley Interscience. ISBN 0-471-12348-x


Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below.

PCs must have an Intel-compatible 800 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM, 8 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 800x600 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows 2000 or XP. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses.

MAC users must have a G3 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 256 MB RAM, 10 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 800x600 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.3 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above .

For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm

 

Instructor  

Dr. Joel J. Ducoste, Associate Professor
Dept. of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering
North Carolina State University
319-C Mann Hall
Campus Box 7908
Raleigh , NC 27695-7908

Phone: (919) 515-8150
Fax: (919) 515-7908
E-Mail: jducoste@ncsu.edu