Aims and Fit of Module

Waste, and particularly inappropriately managed waste, is one of the largest sources of environmental pollution globally. This module will educate students about the large variety of types of waste, waste classifications, and different levels of environmental threat associated with waste streams. Treatment of waste and waste management will be covered, as well as material on how to assess prioritisation in waste management strategies. Clean technologies as an emerging and effective approach to the waste management needs of the future will be addressed.

Learning outcomes

A	Demonstrate a sound understanding of the drivers of material consumption and waste generation in both developed and developing countries. 

B	Critically analyse the linkages between waste source, type and quantity, with impact mechanisms and the eventual environmental impacts of waste.  

C	Discuss approaches to waste management, including waste treatment, and propose novel solutions. 

D	Evaluate waste treatment technologies and perform feasibility assessments for specific cases.  

E	Critique problems in international and domestic waste management from a technical feasibility perspective. 

F	Perform options analysis on the role of clean technologies, sustainability in waste management, and emerging issues.

Method of teaching and learning

Lectures combined with tutorials, a problem-based project and a field trip. The course content will be reinforced through consideration of specific case studies, including some case studies on specific waste issues in China.