Class Introduction to Environmental Engineering

The Curricular Unit of Introduction to Environmental Problems has as main objective to establish the first contact of students with Environmental Engineering subjects, on a development prespective, stimulating creativity and critical thinking and introduction into subsequent courses of the degree in Environmental Engineering.

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1. Framework and specificity of the curricular unit in the context of the Degree in Environmental Engineering 2. Major Environmental Issues: Biodiversity; Climate change. Mitigation and adaptation measures; Natural resources; Microplastic; Circular Economy 3. International Marks: Helsinki Conference, Rome Club Report, Brundtland Commission, Rio Conference, Agenda 21, Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, Johannesburg Conference, Paris Conference 4. European environment policy. Action Programmes. Environmental Framework Law 5. Factors of degradation of the state of the Environment, Natural and Environmental Risks 6. Environmental Technologies 7. Fields of work of an Environmental Engineer.

In this UC, whenever possible (also depending on the size and characteristics of the class), some active methodologies (including innovative ones) will be used to promote more integrated learning and greater student involvement in teaching/learning activities, namely, the use of Project Based Learning (PBL) processes, flipped classes, gamification, digital forums, peer assessment and self-assessment and formative assessment with feedback. These methodologies will be used in the practical components of the UC, carried out mainly in a collaborative environment (in a group), which will consolidate theoretical content, engagement and interpersonal relationship skills. In terms of digital technologies, the following will be used: Moodle (communication, sharing documents and information, carrying out research, delivering work, taking written tests, releasing results), YouTube (research and sharing content) Kahoot! (gamification)

Chiras, D.D. (2006). Environmental Science. Creating a Sustainable Future. 7th edition. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudburry. Kutz, M. (2018). Handbook of Environmental Engineering. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. ISBN:9781119304418, DOI:10.1002/9781119304418. McKinney, M.L e Schoch, R.M., (2003). Environment Science. Systems and Solutions, 3th ed. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury. Vesilind, P.A. & Morgan, S.M. (2004). Introduction to Environmenal Engineering, 2nd ed. Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning, Belmont. Wagner, T. &Sanford, R. (2005). Environmental Science: Active Learning Laboratories and Applied Problem Sets. John Wiley & Sons, New York. FCT GE105.WAG Wright, R.T. (2005). Environmental Science, 9th edition. Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River. FCT GE105.WRI.