ENVS6104 Australia's Environment
| Offered By | School of Resources Environment & Society |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Environmental Science |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2009 and First Semester, 2010 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This course provides an introduction to the key physical, chemical and biological processes that shaped Australia's unique environment. Specifically, the course explores the geological and ecological evolution of Australian landscapes, soils and vegetation, as a basis for understanding current environmental issues. The course addresses the geological development of Australia, specifically mountain building, weathering, and the importance of past climate records, in the Australian context. An explanation of the development of Australian soils is used to link Australia's geological and ecological histories. The ecology component of the course outlines the evolution of Australian plants in response to aridity, nutrient deficiency, fire and herbivory. These plant adaptations are used to highlight the impacts of European settlement, weeds and climate change on the health and productivity of Australian ecosystems. Lectures are complemented by a strong practical component, in which students learn by problem solving and observing in a coordinated series of laboratory and field classes, including a two overnight field classes to alpine and coastal environments. Honours pathway options are offered to those that qualify. This includes advanced practicals and excursion reports. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately. |
| Learning Outcomes |
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. describe the geological development of Australia2. describe the development of Australian soils 3. analyse and explain geological and ecological processes using their own field observations and measurements 4. link post-Gondwanan geology to the evolution of Australia's flora 5. describe key morphological traits in Australian plants families and explain their function in coping with nutrient deficiency, aridity, herbivory and / or fire 6. formulate and test hypotheses and synthesise results in a scientific report. |
| Indicative Assessment |
Assessment will be based on:
|
| Workload |
65 hours of contact, comprising 2 lectures and up to 2 hours of practicals or tutorials per week; 5 days of fieldwork |
| Course Classification(s) | TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses. |
| Areas of Interest | Resource Management and Environmental Science |
| Eligibility |
Bachelor degree; with general science knowledge |
| Requisite Statement | No specific knowledge required. |
| Prescribed Texts |
Twidale, C.R. & Campbell, E.M. (2005) Australian Landforms - understanding a low, flat arid and old landscape. Rosenburg Publishing. |
| Preliminary Reading | Australian Department of Environment & Heritage (2006) State of Australia's Environment. www.deh.gov.au/soe |
| Programs | Master of Environment |
| Academic Contact | Professor Peter Kanowski, A/Prof. John Mavrogenes, and Dr Chris McElhinny |
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.
