Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives To examine the nature and consequences of human impact on aquatic and terrestrial environments and the atmosphere and to explore possible solutions to some of the problems which humans have generated.
Synopsis Topics covered include the importance of biodiversity; river impoundment; heavy metal pollution and eutrophication of inland waters; marine pollution; effect of fire and habitat destruction on terrestrial biota; effects of exotics on native biota; human impacts on land plants; land degradation, salination and desertification; the greenhouse effect; effects of carbon dioxide levels on photosynthesis; industrial emissions and acid rain; sulphur dioxide and land plants; nuclear radiation and warfare; principles and ethics of conservation.
Assessment Examination (2 hours): 50% + Practical work - attend ten practical classes, assessed on six: 50%