Postgraduate - UnitCIV5264 - Management of water resources and related infrastructure

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Synopsis

The unit aims to develop the student's awareness and broad understanding of the issues encountered in water resources management of both rural and urban catchments. Learning in this subject area will be supported by course notes on introductory and background material, supplemented by directed study of reference resource material. The introductory material will cover typical issues related to catchments/stream complexes; rural and urban land uses and their potential water quantity and quality impacts. Basic principles of water quantity modelling will be addressed and developed through use of spreadsheet tools and industry computer models. Water resource management options will be outlined, including improved land management, water demand management, planning frameworks and environmental and social aspects.

Outcomes

The objectives of the unit are to:

• understanding the major elements of catchment water balance/cycle and their relationships with land use and climate;
• understanding of rural/urban land uses and water resources developments, and their potential impacts on water quantity and quality;
• understanding of water quantity and quality management options through land use and water allocation planning, water use management, water treatment, etc.;
• understanding of water quality background through knowledge of the sources, pathways and impacts of pollutants in rural and urban catchments;
• understanding of environmental and social aspects, eg. beneficiaries of projects and adversely affected parties, community participation mechanisms, etc.;
• understanding of how risk management principles are applied to the management of water resource infrastructure; and
• understand the potential impacts of climate change on water resources management.

Assessment

Assignments: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%.
Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component (assignments, tests, mid-semester exams, laboratory reports) and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Jeffrey Walker

Off-campus attendance requirements

150 hours study