42824 Environmental Noise and Planning
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 3 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Description
The focus of the microcredential is on the assessment, regulation and management of noise impacts (and not on the physics of noise generation and measurement). After a very short introduction to fundamentals of acoustics, the microcredential focuses on introducing how a Noise Impact Assessment is developed, determine which noise policy documents are applicable to a project, understand the assumptions that have been made and predictions calculated, assess the reasonableness and feasibility of any mitigation measures proposed, and set practical noise objectives.
Acoustical fundamentals presented conceptually, rather than mathematically, means a strong mathematical background is not required. Some tips and ‘rules-of-thumb’ are explained so that participants are able to make more robust judgements regarding noise impacts.
The microcredential is for non-acousticians who as part of their work or study need to be able to interpret a specialist Noise Impact Assessment Report and assess the impacts of environmental noise and vibration resulting from existing or proposed projects.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explore policy context and measurements in environmental noise and planning problems. (B.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Develop and interpret noise impact and management in local environments. (C.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, and influence stakeholders, and apply expert judgment establishing and managing constraints, conflicts and uncertainties within a hazards and risk framework to define system requirements and interactivity. (B.1)
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
Subject presentation includes a ‘start-up’ synchronous one-hour online lecture facilitated by an expert academic(s) overviewing the self-study online (LMS) learning activities. Case studies of environmental noise and vibration problems and solutions illustrate the policy and planning context of noise impact assessment and mitigation. The on-campus block study sessions (two full days) focus on hands-on experience in noise impact assessment- using noise and vibration recording equipment and scenario based problem-solving practical/laboratory.
Content (topics)
- Overview of Noise Generation and Propagation.
- Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and The Protection of the Environment Operations Act in relation to noise.
- Noise Policies applicable in NSW and an overview of the more commonly applied ones.
- Likely scenarios involving noise that a planner might expect to encounter.
- Case studies and noise impact assessments.
- Noise and vibration measurements; laboratory health safety and emergency management induction, equipment set-up and use, sensitivity, limitations, recording and interpreting data.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Policy and Acoustics
| Intent: | Demonstrate mastery of acoustic fundamental terminology and theory, the legal and regulatory context in NSW, issues in environmental noise planning and laboratory safety. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 1,000 word equivalent |
Assessment task 2: Noise Impact Assessment - Report
| Intent: | Demonstrate technical skills using standard measurement equipment and interpretation of data; develop noise management measures for assessment of residual risk. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and C.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 70% |
| Length: | 2,500 words |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Recommended texts
The health effects of environmental noise, https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/A12B57E41EC9F326CA257BF0001F9E7D/$File/health-effects-Environmental-Noise-2018.pdf