Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Urbanisation has profound influences on cities that cause changes in the surrounding climate including increased temperatures (Urban Heat Island). Additional impacts include reduced moisture, modified urban waterways and reduced vegetation. Moreover, urbanisation is linked to hazards such as poor air quality and heat related illnesses. This unit will provide an understanding of the physical processes and examine potential solutions by undertaking a sustainable cities approach including the concept of a water sensitive city. Emphasis is placed on practical, theoretical, observational, analytical and modelling skills developed through lectures, practicals and project work.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this subject will:

1. appreciate urban climate knowledge;
2. be able to apply climate knowledge to urbanisation problems;
3. have gained practical experience in problem formulation and solution.

Assessment

Literature review (1000 words): 20%
Practicals (1000 words): 20%
Group or individual project report/presentation (1500 words): 30%
Examination (2 hours): 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Peter Isaac

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures per week, one 3-hour practical per fortnight, plus private study/research time.

Off-campus attendance requirements

One 3-hour practical per fortnight

Prerequisites

18 points of geography and environmental science, atmospheric science at second level or permission of the Head of the School of Geography and Environmental Science. Other interested undergraduate and level four students will need to obtain permission from the Head of the School of Geography and Environmental Science.

Prohibitions

GES3370 or GYM4370