Please note that this program is under review and will not be offered to commencing students in 2013. You may wish to consider the Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics) or the Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science).
Developing environmental technologies
involves using electronics, remote sensing and computer systems to improve the environmental impact of humans on our world. Our courses differ from conventional Environmental Engineering degrees in that we focus on the technologies and systems that make up a good environmental solution as opposed to the more civil engineering aspects of environmentally-friendly structures.
Flinders University has always seen electronics as a significant strategic strength in engineering and, in common with many universities, offers specialised awards in areas of market demand and in areas requiring specialists. Flinders University has substantial strength in this area. It is home to the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training and Airborne Research Australia, the latter of which uses specialised aircraft carrying sophisticated sensor packages for the investigation of the atmosphere and the Earth's surface (it was recently involved in the detection of volcanic ash clouds). In addition, the newly formed School of the Environment has a focus on environmental health including measuring and monitoring contaminants and pollution.
South Australia also has a strong interest in renewables including geothermal (such as Petratherm's flagship Paralana geothermal energy project) and windfarms (such as the recently announced $1.3 billion wind farm to be built by Suzlon Energy Australia).
Moreover, the aim of the new Tonsley development is on "Clean Technologies" including a focus on environmental and renewable technologies. Because of this, Flinders offers not only a general electronics award (to be joined by an electrical award in 2013), but also offers two specialisations - maritime electronics and environmental technologies.
Engineering Research in Environmental Technologies
Flinders research in environmental systems engineering is strong. Amongst other projects, we are currently building an autonomous underwater vehicle as part of the CSIRO's Wealth from Oceans flagship project and have previously developed automatic water quality monitoring stations. With Flinders' strong emphasis and commitment to sustainability there are many opportunities to be involved.
Courses offered:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Technologies) combined degrees (including with Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science))
- Master of Engineering [by research]
