ENVS6034 Water Quality and Environmental Flow Assessment and Modelling

Offered By	School of Resources Environment & Society
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Environmental Science
Offered in	Autumn Session, 2009
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	Water quality decline and changes in environmental flow regimes are becoming increasingly important and prominent natural resource management issues in Australia and internationally. There is a need for improving understanding and knowledge of water quality and environmental flow modelling techniques and assessment methods. This course examines the physical, biological and chemical processes influencing water quality and builds theoretical and practical knowledge of the potential role of models in water quality management. Several water quality models are investigated in detail and are used to illustrate good practice in model application and development. The theory and techniques of environmental flow assessment are also described and practical examples are investigated. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with later year undergraduate students but are assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes	On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. Describe the sources and environmental impacts of common stream pollutants, as well as transport and fate processes and hydrological drivers 2. Critically evaluate water quality monitoring objectives, techniques and design considerations, water sampling methods and pollutant load estimation techniques 3. Explain common water quality modelling approaches and good modelling practice, based on experience in the use of models 4. Critically evaluate environmental flow assessment techniques and their practical application in diverse management contexts
Indicative Assessment	Assessment will be based on: 5-minute oral presentation of characteristics and impacts of a specific pollutant (10%; LO 1) 3000-word written report presenting design and rationale for a monitoring program (40%; LO 2) Two tutorial reports demonstrating practical knowledge of selected modelling and assessment (20%; LO 3, 4) 1.5 hour exam testing overall knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge (30%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
Workload	60 hours of contact taught as a two-week block course, comprising lectures, practical modelling sessions, guest presentations and field excursions.
Course Classification(s)	AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation.
Areas of Interest	Resource Management and Environmental Science
Eligibility	Bachelor degree; general science knowledge
Requisite Statement	General science knowledge.
Preliminary Reading	Smith, D.I. (1998) Water in Australia: Resources and Management, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Programs	Master of Environment
Academic Contact	Dr Lachlan Newham

The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.