3 Credit Hours

JD

Joel Ducoste

Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Success and Distinguished University Professor of Civil Engineering

[email protected]

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.

Prerequisites

Calculus through differential equations, hydraulics or fluid mechanics equivalent, 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

Textbooks

Required Textbook
Transport Modeling for Environmental Engineers and Scientists 2E by Clark.

The least expensive option for an electronic version of this text is through the ‘All-In’ service offered by NC State via Moodle ($100). Physical copies of this text range from ~$50 -$200.

Recommended Textbook
Introduction to Environmental Modeling by Dr. William G. Gray and Genetha A. Gray (Physical or electronic copy of this book is ~$35-50)

Created: 10/26/2026.