ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr P Smith

Pre-requisites

CM 1010 or CM 1011

Overview

An introduction to global environmental issues. This course provides a scientific understanding of the major issues facing us in the world today, exploring the causes and effects of these problems, and possible solutions to them.
The study of environmental issues requires us to integrate information from many different subject areas. This course achieves this with an exciting multidisciplinary approach, combining key topics from biology, chemistry, environmental science and the earth sciences. The following topics are discussed: the causes and consequences of global environmental change, waste management and recycling, pollution problems associated with the mining and extraction industries, causes and consequences of acid deposition, agriculture and the environment (including genetically modified organisms), radioactivity, and the urban environment. All of these topics are based on a foundational understanding of biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem functioning provided at the outset of the course. The course also considers the policies, legislation and practical management options which are being used in an attempt to deal with environmental problems.
Weekly tutorial provide small group discussions and problem solving exercises related to the material being covered in lectures.
4 one-hour lectures per week plus 1 one-hour tutorial.
1 two-hour written examination (67%) and continuous assessment (33%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor A Meharg

Pre-requisites

CM 1010 or CM 1011, CM 1506 and either SS 2002 or EV 1505 or PL 3303

Notes

This course extends over 6 weeks only.

Overview

This course aims to give students a sound insight into the composition of environmental samples and the methods used for their analysis. At the end of the course, you should be able to make sensible decisions in the planning of analytical sampling strategies to meet the needs of any specified environmental analytical problem related to the soil/plant/water system. You should have a reasonable knowledge of sample preparation procedures, sub-sampling methods and sub-sample dissolution techniques. You should have a basic grasp of key soil chemical processes and how they are quantified and a sound understanding of how to obtain reliable analytical results using a selection of modern instrumental methods of analysis. Methods include spectrophotometry and colorimetry, fluorimetry, flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, high pressure liquid and ion chromatography, total organic carbon carbon analysis, electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and flame and plasma atomic emission spectrometry. You should also have a grasp of approaches to automation of analytical methodology and be capable of handling routine analytical calculations.
6 weeks, Thread I - 3 one-hour lectures per week, 5 six hour practicals and 1 two-hour tutorials during the course.
1 two-hour examination. Continuous assessment on essay, laboratory reports and class presentation (33%).

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Drs C E Mullins and J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

Available only to candidates for Honours in Environmental Science.

Overview

12 weeks of supervised research. The project is normally to be completed by the end of the first half-session. Only exceptionally, and with the permission of the Degree Co-ordinator may part or all of the project be done in the second half-session.
Dissertation (100%).

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Drs C E Mullins and J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

Available only to candidates for Honours in Environmental Science (Ecology).

Overview

12 weeks of supervised research. The project is normally to be completed by the end of the first half-session. Only exceptionally, and with the permission of the Degree Co-ordinator may part or all of the project be done in the second half-session.
Dissertation (100%).

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Drs C E Mullins and J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

Available only to candidates for Honours in Environmental Science (Physical Sciences).

Co-requisites

CM 4015 and BI 4301

Overview

12 weeks of supervised research.
Dissertation (100%).