BSEN 5510 - Ecological Engineering

Ecological engineering non-point source transport of nutrients, sediment, pesticides, pathogens, and chemicals from agricultural, forestry, and urban activities.

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This class was my elective for my senior year, and I chose it because of my interest in sustainable agriculture after my summer working in agriculture. I wanted to push myself out of the process engineer box and try new things to expand my knowledge, and I don't regret it at all. I really enjoyed this class because the content was so engaging.

The class was divided into two parts: assessing the problem and defining the solution. Assessing the problem was focused on pollution, mitigation, water body assessment, and watershed restoration. Defining the solution was focused on wetland treatment, stream restoration, low impact development, ecological economics, and concepts of sustainability.

The best part of this class was the application of all the information. We were challenged with creating a small self-sustaining ecosystem for crayfish that we caught in the Fisheries department at Auburn. We were given a 10 gallon tank and a $50 budget to create a system that would keep crayfish alive if we closed the lid for 7 days with no access. We had to conduct the water quality testing and schedule, determine how to keep the water clean and oxygenated, and most importantly, how to get them food.

I really enjoyed this class and I think it is going to help me in the workforce to apply my knowledge to big picture projects, and to always think of the environmental impacts that my decisions have.