APG4824 - Science of water - 2017

This unit introduces students to some of the fundamental science which underpins the understanding of the whole of catchment water cycle, including ecosystem functioning and the water quality and quantity requirements of various user groups (e.g. domestic, agriculture, industry, mining). Throughout the unit there is an emphasis on the whole-of-water cycle. The unit also addresses the human uses of water and highlights the dynamic relationship between human and natural aquatic systems. Topics covered in this unit include;

• Basic properties of water
• Principles of aquatic ecology, including ecological structure and function, the finite nature of the resource base and significance of water quality and quantity to the environment and multiple water users.
• Integrated water resources planning and management including principles of systematic conservation planning and spatial development planning
• River health monitoring, assessment and reporting
• Freshwater ecosystems as complex social-ecological systems including the concepts of ecosystem services, resilience and thresholds of change.

Specific objectives for this unit include:

1. Describe the physical and chemical properties of water and the processes that affect these physical and chemical properties with respect to water quality
2. Critically analyse given water quality data using correct analysis methods and statistics; present water quality data using correct tables and figures; interpret the outcomes of this analysis; write a meaningful report about the data and its implications for water quality, ecosystem health, or human use
3. Determine linkages between the terrestrial and aquatic environment and the influence of land-use change on aquatic systems and environmental flows
4. Measure key water quality and biological indicators for ecological health in an aquatic system and suggest monitoring and assessment criteria for healthy aquatic systems.
5. Understand the principles of water storage and treatment and its subsequent treatment for human use.
6. Provide comment on larger issues of water security, such as climate change.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Associate Professor Bimo Nkhata

APG4823, APG4825 and APG4826