421-325 Field Data Acquisition and Analysis

421-103 Engineering Statics, 421-210 Environmental Engineering, 431-202 Engineering Analysis B.

At the conclusion of this subject students should be able to select, commission and use a range of electronic data aquisition devices. They should be familiar with some important instrumentation, sampling theory and field techniques and have an appreciation of how to use and interpret environmental measurements.

Topics covered include sampling principles, electric circuit laws, calibration and errors, standards, transducer physics, transducer selection, fault diagnostics, digital signal processing, measurement system design (including environmental, occupational health, data quality control, management, social and technical considerations) stream gauging, water quality evaluation, meteorological observation, land surface measurement, and stream condition and habitat assessment.

• ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals

• in-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline

• ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

• ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance

• ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member

• understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development

• capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

Participation in (10%) and group reporting (600 words per student) on (15%) field activities during the pre-semester field camp, two written 30 minute tests during pre-semester field camp (5%), one written assignment of 1000 words to be submitted during the second week of semester (20%), two group assignments of 2000 words each to be submitted near the middle and the end of the semester (5% and 35% respectively), four reflective journals spaced throughout the semester (5%) and participation in an online discussion forum (5%) during the first 8 weeks of semester.