Subject Outlines

Students should contact subject coordinators for further details.

121-003 Environmental Impacts and Assessment

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr Ian Thomas

Contact: Two hours per week plus field work (to be advised). (Semester 1)

Description: The subject aims to prepare students for environmental management roles by providing them with the principles of how human activities act upon natural and cultural systems, how physical and ecological processes fit into political and other regulatory frameworks and how human impacts on the environment might be mitigated. At the completion of the subject students should understand the theory and practice of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), understand current practices of preparing Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), have experience in preparing the relevant documentation, understand the physical, ecological and social pathways through which impacts are effected, and be able to recognise and recommend practical treatments for a wide variety of ecological problems in a variety of ecosystems.

Assessment: Individual reports on group field-work of up to 4000 words and an essay of up to 2000 words. Proportions to be advised.

121-004 Social Impact Assessment

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinators: Dr Peter Christoff, Dr Jane Jacobs and Professor Michael Webber

Contact: Two hours of lectures/seminars per week, field work (to be advised) plus 7 hours of research workshop for one semester. (Semester 2)

Description: The nature and range of the social impacts of development including externalities, risk and benefit. Procedures for assessing social impacts of development. The role of various political formations (the state, non-government organisations and grass roots action) in regulating the social impacts of development. Community consultation and dispute resolution, particularly in relation to the different capacities of different sectors to deal with impacts. The relationship between economic restructuring and social impacts of development. The social survey techniques needed to undertake social impact assessments (quantitative and qualitative). The preparation of professional reports, tenders and assessments. This subject will provide students with the conceptual and technical skills to understand the relationship between society and development; assess the social impact of development; and identify the techniques needed to undertake social impact assessments.

Assessment: Individual and group reports of up to 6000 words.

121-018 Geomorphology

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr Paul Kench

Contact: Two 1-hour lectures plus 2 hours of practical classes per week, and a one day field trip. (Semester 2)

Description: This subject outlines the development of geomorphology as a discipline, the different approaches used to study landforms and theory of landscape processes and evolution. The subject examines how processes operating at the earth's surface produce a range of landform types. Topics covered include climatically influenced landscapes; the denudation system; weathering, hillslopes and fluvial processes; glacial processes; the coastal system, coastal processes and landform change. Emphasis is placed on understanding the geomorphological processes that operate to shape the Australian landscape and on differences in landform type between Australia and other parts of the world. Lecture material is complemented by practicals and field trips to develop skills in the use of a range of analytical techniques for investigating landform processes. The subject also examines how an appreciation of land form and process can be incorporated into environmental management and land use planning.

Assessment: Weekly practical exercises to be completed in class, an individual project of up to 2000 words and a two hour end-of-semester examination. Weightings of components of assessment will be advised at the start of semester. Students are required to attend the field day and at least 80% of practical classes. Graduate students are expected to achieve a grade of at least 65% in this subject for it to count as credit towards their graduate program.

121-028 Sustainable Development

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Mr Peter Christoff

Contact: Two hours of lectures and a two-hour laboratory each week. Two days of fieldwork. (Semester 2)

Description: The term "sustainable development" is widely recognised but little understood, with over 50 definitions reflecting the different understandings of environmental theorists and practitioners. This subject discusses and interprets these key cultural, political and philosophical differences, both in concept and practice. It explores global, developed and developing world examples of sustainable development - examining case histories relating to climate change and ozone depletion, fisheries and tropical forest management, population growth and biodiversity preservation. These are used to illuminate underlying ecological, economic, and social issues associated with different practices of environmental management and ecological governance.

Assessment: Group and individual reports of up to 3000 words and a one hour examination at the end of the semester. Weightings of components of assessment will be advised at the commencement of the subject. Graduate students are expected to achieve a grade of at least 65% in this subject for it to count as credit towards their graduate program.

121-034 Field Class in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development

Credit Points: 25.0 3rd year

Coordinator: Associate Professor Brian Finlayson

Contact: A one hour lecture and 2 hour practical/seminar classes per week throughout the semester and a seven day field trip held in the mid-semester break (at Easter) which will include a three hour evening practical class each night (Semester 1)

Description: Using individual and group based field projects, students will investigate the nature and extent of environmental degradation in the selected field location. They will seek to understand, measure and analyse the extent, nature and signs of land degradation. The roles of the main players in land management will be assessed - landholders, State and Federal Government agencies, industry groups and community based movements such as Landcare. Students will evaluate the techniques of environmental rehabilitation and environmental monitoring and assessment which are in use or are potentially available to identify and deal with existing problems. In this subject students will learn to recognise how theories of sustainability come to be translated into practical outcomes on the ground. Interactions between physical aspects of environmental quality and management and social, political and economic processes at local, state, national and international level will be assessed. Students will develop skills in the design, conduct and reporting of field based investigations. They will also be expected to participate in on-ground rehabilitation and monitoring.

Assessment: Contributions to group reports and an individual report to a total of 5000 words per student. Graduate students are expected to achieve a grade of at least 65% in this subject for it to count as credit towards their graduate program.

Prescribed Texts: Students will be provided with a range of local materials about land care, rehabilitation and planning for the region. These materials will include maps, air photos and reports. A manual about field methods will also be prepared by the department.

121-038 GIS for Environmental Policy Making

Credit: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr Ray Wyatt

Contact: One two-hour lecture/seminar and a two hour practical/laboratory class per week. (Semester 2)

Description: Topics include: accessing spatial data sets through the Internet; digitising, cleaning, buffering and analysing environmental and social data bases and maps; the design and evaluation of models which manage land, water and social resources; addressing environmental risks and responding to global environmental changes; simple image processing, digital elevation mapping, data-driven machine learning, geographical pattern recognition and decision support systems. Problems of management and presentation when performing GIS-based, environmental policy making. By the end of this subject students should be experienced at using information systems and GIS for addressing practical environmental problems; they should appreciate what GIS can and cannot achieve within policy making; they should be aware of managerial barriers to the use of GIS and they should have insight into innovative, future developments of GIS, and associated techniques, for improving social and environmental management.

Assessment: Practical assignments equivalent to 3000 words and a two-hour examination.

121-511 Management of Australian Ecosystems

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinator: Associate Professor Neal Enright

Contact: Two hrs per week of lectures/seminars, plus field and laboratory work to be advised (totalling not more than 4 days). (Semester 1).

Description: Topics include: concepts of nature and ethics of people/nature relationships; values, meaning and measurement of biodiversity; key concepts in community and population ecology; methods of survey and analysis for description and interpretation of biological communities and community-environment relationships; evaluation methods for ranking natural areas and identifying management strategies; likelihood of extinction (PVA) and whole ecosystem models to explore management options; fire ecology and management in Australia, and rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems.

Assessment: Seminar papers and field/laboratory reports equivalent to a total of 6,000 words. Details to be determined in consultation with students during the first week of semester.

121-512 Water Resources Management

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinators: Dr Juliet Bird and Dr Brian Finlayson

Contact: Two hours per week plus field work. (Semester 2)

Description: This subject introduces students to the issues which must be addressed by water managers. Topics include: physical and biological problems associated with manipulation of river flows, reservoir maintenance and water pollution; political and economic topics such as administrative structures for the water industry and appropriate pricing mechanisms and social aspects of water including mechanisms for encouraging wise use of water resources and water aid. Material discussed in lectures and seminars includes both Australian and overseas examples of management problems and solutions.

Assessment: Individual written assignments, group reports and seminar presentations totalling 6000 words. Proportions to be advised.

121-513 Coastal Management

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr Paul Kench

Contact: One 2 hour lecture per week plus 2 weekend workshops. (Semester 1)

Description: This subject outlines problems and solutions in conserving and managing coastal systems. Lectures examine coastal processes and geomorphic evolution of the coast; management options used to resolve coastal problems such as coastal erosion, beach and dune stabilisation, and natural hazard mitigation; organisational frameworks and the role that regulatory bodies have in managing the physical, biological and aesthetic qualities of coasts. Topical coastal issues, such as sea level rise, are examined to provide critical insights into management options. On completion of this course students will understand the inherent dynamism of the coast; have an appreciation of processes that shape the coast over long and short time scales, understand the human pressures and impacts on coastal systems; be familiar with a range of practical management options and understand the need for integrated coastal zone management. Lecture material is supported by two weekend workshops which are used to develop skills in measuring and examining coastal processes and land forms and assessing coastal management tools.

Assessment: Individual reports from fieldwork of up to 3000 words plus a research project of up to 2000 words.

211-444 Parks and Recreation

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr L J Bren

Contact: 26 hours lectures and 39 hours practical work. (Semester 1)

Description: On completion of this subject, students should have an appreciation of the complexities of issues involved in park management, and some competence in preparing plans to meet the challenge of these issues. Content includes factors important to the management of parks; tangible and intangible aims; conflicts of values and the concept of `balance'; role of legislation in the management of such areas; difficulties in implementation of legislation in the field; methods for protection of natural values from visitor pressure; differing philosophies of management aims, and the translation of these to management practices and the conflict between priced and non-priced goods and services and management of visitor areas and facilities.

Assessment: One 3-hour written examination at the end of the semester. A number of smaller tests may be administered in the course of the subject. Practical work as directed. A timetable and weighting for the assessment will be provided at the start of the subject.

211-817 Sustainable Forest Management

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Mr P J O'Shaughnessy

Contact: 36 hours of lectures and presentations and a five day field trip. (Semester 2)

Description: Students will be introduced to the concepts of sustainable forest management in terms of forest use, social and economic conditions, assessment of forest conditions, and technical and administrative resources. The course will use global and Australian references. For example, the Victorian Code of Forest Practices and associated legislation will be examined in detail.

Assessment: One written three hour examination at the end of the subject, a major written assignment (up to 4,000 words) and seminar (up to 30 minutes).

212-822 Soil Science

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Associate Professor L A Douglas

Contact: 36 hours of lectures and 36 hours of practical work. (Semester 2)

Description: Topics include: the chemistry of nutrient elements in the soil; chemical analyses of plant and soil; soil chemical transformations involving organic nitrogen and phosphorus; use of isotopes in the study of soil chemical transformations and land systems, land use and erosion.

Assessment: A written three hour examination will be given at the end of the subject. The time table and weighting for each component of assessment will be published at the beginning of the subject.

211-835 Agroforestry

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Mr R F Reid

Contact: 36 hours of lecture and 36 hours of practical work. (Semester 2).

Description: Students will be introduced to: agroforestry systems and trees in the rural landscape; protective and productive roles of trees; diagnosis and design of agroforestry systems and the development of revegetation plans; processes of competition and complementarity between trees and herbaceous plants for water, light and nutrients; management of agroforestry systems; economic modelling and agroforestry extension.

Assessment: A written three hour examination will be given at the end of the subject. Assignments and reports of practical work may be required. The time table and weighting for each component of assessment will be published at the beginning of the subject.

212-850 Soil Contamination

Credit Points: 25.0

Coordinator: Dr A J Weatherley

Contact: 60 hours of lectures, practicals and tutorials. (Semester 2)

Description: Topics include: types and sources of soil contaminants; methods of assessing, decontaminating and monitoring contaminated sites; environmental auditing; reactions of heavy metals, pesticides, radio nuclei and organic wastes with soils; methods for reclamation of agricultural and industrial land; use of mine and organic wastes as soil ameliorants; bioremediations; specific case studies. Excursions to contaminated sites will be conducted. There is a program of practical work to demonstrate the application of these principles and concepts.

Assessment: A written examination (1.5 hours), a practical report, a written assignment (up to 7,000 words), a seminar. The time table and weighting for each component of assessment will be published at the beginning of the subject.

400-651 Engineering Interactions with the Environment

Credit Points: 12.5

Contact: 39 hours (Summer break)

Coordinator: Associate Professor D S Mansell

Description: Students will gain a broad understanding of the many factors (both technical and non-technical) that impinge on the application of engineering science and technology in modern societies, but particularly those concerning impacts on the environment. Students will gain an appreciation of: the complexities of environmental issues in all sectors of the economy; the functions of environmental engineers; the concept of ecology; the perturbation of balanced ecological systems and techniques for assessing environmental impacts.

Students are required to undertake lectures, syndicate work and excursions covering the following topics: Land (geomorphology, soils, land use planning, geographic information systems); Atmosphere (properties, circulation, pollution); Water (occurrence, use, management); Noise: sources, standards, suppression); Wastes (domestic, industrial, agricultural); systems analysis and environmental assessment; effects of pollutants on populations of plants and animals; health effects on humans.

Assessment: One assignment of 5000 words.

400-652 Management for the Environment

Credit Points: 12.5

Contact: 39 hours. (July break, 1 week)

Coordinator: Associate Professor D S Mansell

Description: Students will gain an understanding of the social environment in which engineering is practised (politics, economics and the law, including examples of the variations in the law, both legislation and regulation, between states and between countries) and the importance of consultation and advocacy skills in communication with other `stake-holders'.

Students are required to undertake lectures and syndicate work covering the following topics: environment politics; environment law - legislation, regulation, variations between states, variations between countries and environment economics; communication obligations and methods.

Assessment: One assignment totalling 5000 words.

400-653 Nature and Properties of Wastes

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Associate Professor D S Mansell

Contact: 39 hours. (Semester 1)

Description: Student will gain an understanding of the scientific principles determining the properties of wastes and pollutants, a knowledge of the types of sources of wastes and pollutants, and an appreciation of the philosophy of "cleaner production management".

Students are required to undertake lectures, syndicate work and excursions on the properties and sources of wastes and pollutants (including the way production management influences their generation).

Assessment: One two-hour written examination and one assignment of 1500 words.

400-654 Fundamentals of the Management of Wastes

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Associate Professor D S Mansell

Contact: 39 hours. (Semester 2)

Description: Students will gain a knowledge of the classification of all types of wastes and pollutants, and the wide range of technologies (both hardware and software) available to reduce the production of wastes and pollutants and to ameliorate their harmful effects.

Students are required to undertake lectures, syndicate work and excursions on: categories and classes of wastes and pollutants; sewerage; municipal solid wastes and cleaner production; industrial wastes and pollutants (solids, liquids and gases) and the minimisation and disposal of pollutants.

Assessment: One two-hour written examination and one assignment of 1500 words.

421-373 Physical Hydrology

Credit Points: 6.25

Coordinator: Dr Q J Wang

Contact: 39 hours of lectures/tutorials and practical classes. (Semester 2)

Description: On successful completion of this subject, students should: have an appreciation of global water and energy cycles; understand the physics of important hydrological processes; gain a knowledge of water properties and environment; water and energy cycles; precipitation; evaporation; interception; soil water and infiltration; runoff.

Assessment: One two-hour examination plus assignments/reports up to a total of 30 pages. Graduate students are expected to achieve a grade of at least 65% in this subject for it to count as credit towards their graduate program.

421-471 Applied Hydrology

Credit points: 6.25

Coordinator: Professor T A McMahon

Prerequisites: 421-373 Physical Hydrology

Contact: 36 hours of lectures, tutorials and practical work (Semester 1)

Subject Description: At the conclusion of this unit, students will have acquired a user-oriented knowledge in both surface and groundwater hydrology with sufficient theory to allow them to pursue further study in the field. Topics covered include: precipitation (atmospheric circulation, hydrologic cycle, rainfall processes, measurement and data error analysis and regression, spatial and temporal patterns, rainfall frequency); streamflow (gauging, hydrographs, rational method, unit hydrograph and runoff routing models, flood frequency, yield from small and large catchments, rainfall-runoff models, stochastic procedures); groundwater (storage and groundwater flow, saturated conductivity and storage coefficient, groundwater in the hydrologic cycle, groundwater and seepage, well hydraulics and pumping analysis).

Assessment: One examination not exceeding three-hours (85%); assignments up to a total of 50 pages (15%)

451-312 GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Science

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr J H J Leach

Contact: 26 lectures and 39 hours of practicals and tutorials. (Semester 2)

Description: By the end of the subject students should: be familiar with the basic principles and procedures of digital image processing; have an understanding of the acquisition of remotely sensed imagery; have developed basic practical skills in the interpretation and use of remotely sensed data; have an introductory knowledge of the range of GIS applications; understand the fundamental role of GIS in decision making; be familiar with the basic principles and procedures associated with GIS; have developed basic practical skills in the use of GIS software.

Remote Sensing Component: principles of remote sensing; electromagnetic radiation; human vision; space borne and airborne sensors; introduction to digital image processing including stretching; digital filters; arithmetic manipulations; image classification; rectification; geocoding.

Geographic Information Systems Component: introduction to the information society and information management; definition of GIS; the range of GIS applications; applications; the use of GIS for decision making; integration of GIS with other technologies; geographic referencing methods; geographic data structures and models; relationships between geographic features; database definition and modelling; introduction to the technology associated with GIS.

Assessment: Not more than 3 hours of examinations at the end of the semester. Assignments and practical exercises totalling not more than 40 pages. The relative weighting of the assessment components will be provided to students at the beginning of the subject. Graduate students are expected to achieve a grade of at least 65% in this subject for it to count as credit towards their graduate program.

Burrough, P.A., Principles of Geographic Information Systems for Land Resources Assessment, (Oxford University Press: New York 1986).

Lillesand, T.M. and Keifer, R.W., Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation, (Wiley and Sons: New York 2nd ed 1987).

600-602 Problem Solving in Environmental Science

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinator: Associate Professors M Keough and M A Burgman

Contact: 26 lectures (two per week); 13 hours of practicals/tutorials (one per week); and one day of field work. (Semester 2)

Description: Students completing this subject should have an appreciation of environmental decision making and the role of scientists in that process; have developed a critical understanding of methodologies used for the assessment of human impacts on the natural environment; understand the statistical principles underlying the design of environmental impact assessment and monitoring; have experience in conducting and presenting the results of a multi-disciplinary research project in environmental impact assessment.

Topics include: methodologies of hypothesis development; experimental design and testing in environmental impact assessment; design and analysis of sampling and monitoring programs and their subsequent analysis; evaluating proposed solutions for their technical feasibility and risk; the role of scientists in environmental decision making. Part of the tutorial component and the field day will involve students undertaking a modest original investigation of an environmental problem.

Assessment: A three hour end-of-semester written examination; up to 3000 words of essay work; an oral presentation before an audience of staff and students. Graduate students enrolled in this subject may share class time with undergraduate students enrolled in a subject of the same name. The graduate students will be expected to perform at a higher level, and will be allocated additional assessment tasks.

600-604 Environmental Risk Assessment

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinator: Associate Professor M A Burgman

Contact: 26 lectures (two per week), 26 hours of practical/tutorials (two per week); one day of field work. (Semester 1)

Description: Students completing this subject should be familiar with the concept of exposure pathways; understand the ecological processes associated with contamination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; understand the first principles of empirical models; be able to estimate exposures and responses in ecological systems; understand test endpoints and assessment endpoints in the context of management goals; be able to perform fundamental exposure, hazard and ecological risk assessment procedures. Topics include: exposure pathways; environmental toxicology; ecological effects of modified ecosystem processes; LC50 and LD50 tests; response surfaces; indicator species and exemplars; test endpoints; assessment endpoints and management goals; extrapolations among taxa; empirical modelling; parameter estimation; risk assessment.

Assessment: A three hour written examination at the end of semester, and continuous assessment from tutorial and practical sessions. Both continuous assessment and the examination must be completed satisfactorily before credit can be granted for the subject. Graduate students enrolled in this subject may share class time with undergraduate students enrolled in a subject of the same name. The graduate students will be expected to perform at a higher level, and will be allocated additional assessment tasks.

600-401/601 Environmental Sampling and Analysis

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinator: Associate Professors M Keough and M A Burgman.

Contact: 24 lectures; 24 hours tutorials and practicals, run as an intensive course over 2 weeks in winter (between semesters). The subject will involve project work in the weeks following the completion of formal direct contact hours. (July break, 2 weeks).

Description: The subject will cover the following topics: revision of fundamental statistical concepts (distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, confidence intervals); strategies for efficient and effective estimation; the design of routine monitoring and assessment programs; sampling theory; stratification, ratio and regression estimation; field monitoring and `baseline' studies; sample sizes; Type I and Type II errors; statistical power.

Assessment: Written reports on the tutorials and practicals totalling not more than 5000 words, and a three hour written examination.

600-603 Threatened Species Management

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr G Coulson and Associate Professor M Keough

Contact: 48 hours of lectures, tutorials, field work, workshops, laboratory work, run as an intensive course over 2 weeks in summer. (Note: the subject will be offered for the first time in 1999). The subject will involve project work in the weeks following the completion of formal direct contact hours. (February, 2 weeks)

Description: The subject seeks to expose students to all aspects of the management of threatened vertebrate species. It will involve involvement in a co-operative, multi-agency recovery program for one of several threatened species. Coursework will require attendance at planning meetings, involvement with in situ and ex situ research and management actions, critical appraisal of research findings and management responses. Students will be expected to become familiar with: ex situ conservation techniques (captive breeding, studbooks, enhanced reproduction, strategic translocation and experimental reintroduction); recovery plans, recovery teams and recovery actions; causes of rarity; management of threatening processes; classification of threatened species; and methods for setting conservation priorities; management of exotic herbivores and predators; control of over-abundant native species; management of habitat

Species that are part of the program may include Baw Baw Frog, Spotted Tree Frog, Southern Lined Earless Dragon, Striped Legless Lizard, Helmeted Honeyeater, Orange Bellied Parrot, Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby, Trout Cod, Black-eared Miner , or any of Victoria’s threatened vascular plant species.

Assessment: Written reports on the tutorials and field excursions (including development of recovery plans and habitat models) totalling not more than 5000 words, and a three hour written examination.

600-611 Environmental Science Research Review

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinators: Dr G Coulson, Dr P Mulvaney and Dr T Weaver

Contact: No specified contact.

Description: The subject allows students to conduct an original research project, under the supervision arranged by a Specialisation Coordinator. The work will be equivalent to lecture and practical-based subjects worth 12.5 points. The content and extent of the project will be determined by the Coordinator, in collaboration with the student. The work may include a review of a body of scientific literature, or a critical evaluation of research or experimental protocols. More rarely, it may involve a small component of an original experiment, or an exploration of a scientific problem.

Assessment: A written report, in the form of a scientific paper, based on the student's original work.

600-612 Environmental Science Research Topic

Credit points: 25

Coordinators: Dr G Coulson, Dr P Mulvaney and Dr T Weaver

Contact: No specified contact.

Description: The subject allows students to conduct an original research project, under the supervision arranged by a Specialisation Coordinator. The work will be equivalent to lecture and practical based subjects worth 25 points. The content and extent of the project will be determined by the Coordinator in collaboration with the student. The work would ordinarily include a review of a body of scientific literature, together with a critical evaluation of research or experimental protocols, a modest original experiment, or a limited exploration of a scientific problem.

Assessment: A written report, in the form of a scientific paper, based on the student's original work.

600-613 Environmental Science Research Project

Credit points: 50

Coordinators: Dr G Coulson, Dr P Mulvaney and Dr T Weaver

Contact: No specified contact.

Description: The subject allows students to conduct an original research project, under the supervision arranged by a Specialisation Coordinator. The work will be equivalent to lecture and practical based subjects worth 50 points. The content and extent of the project will be determined by the Coordinator in collaboration with the student. The work would ordinarily include a review of a body of scientific literature, together with a critical evaluation of research or experimental protocols, and the development of research methods, implementation of a mathematical model, completion of an original experiment, or a thorough exploration of a scientific problem. Projects would ordinarily include a component of original research well beyond a review or critique.

Assessment: A written report, in the form of a scientific paper, based on the student's original work.

606-607 Flora of Victoria

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinator: Professor P Ladiges and Dr D Guest

Contact: 21 hours lectures, 33 hours practical work, including excursions full-time over 2 weeks in February.

Description: This subject is designed for students who are interested in the biology of native plants and plant communities and environments in Victoria. Topics covered include: Biogeographic regions of Victoria - climate, landforms, soils and vegetation types; History of the Victorian flora - fossils and evolutionary changes through the Tertiary and Quaternary; Biology of Victorian plants - intraspecific variation and adaptation to local conditions, ecotypes and clines in eucalypts and acacias, mallee plants, coastal plants, alpine plants, marine and fungal flora; and Threats to the Victorian flora - weeds, diseases, pests, fire, extinctions.

By taking this subject, students should: gain an understanding of the biogeography and biology of the Victorian flora; develop skills in identification of Victoria's land plants, seaweeds and macrofungi; and appreciate the evolutionary history of, conservation value of and threats to Victoria's ecosystems.

Assessment: A 2-hour written exam (40%) at the end of the subject, a written assignment (1,500 words; 30%) and project based on excursion and practical work (6 pages; 30%), submitted at the start of semester 1. Graduate students enrolled in this subject may share class time with undergraduate students enrolled in a subject of the same name. The graduate students will be expected to perform at a higher level, and will be allocated additional assessment tasks.

610-660 Marine and Analytical Chemistry

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr J D Smith

Contact: 18 lectures, 32 hours practical (project) work. Limited number of places available. (Semester 2)

Subject Description: Upon completion of the subject 610-660 students should comprehend: the principles of quantitative analytical chemistry; the complementary nature of classical and instrumental methods of analysis; the importance of planning and full understanding in the efficient performance of chemical analyses; estimation of confidence limits of analytical results; the uniformity of composition of seawater with respect to the major ions; the variations in dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels in the ocean and the factors influencing them; sources, distribution and chemical composition of marine sediments; radionuclides in the oceans and their use in sediment dating; the production of non-biological resources from the oceans.

In the practical component of the course students should have developed skills in quantitative chemical separations; ability to carry out classical and instrumental determinations of selected components of a variety of sample materials; competence in planning and execution of experimental procedures; and ability to assess the reliability of results and prepare reports of analyses carried out.

The lecture course covers topics selected from: principles of the major analytical instruments: chemical methods of sample preparation for classical and instrumental analysis; the sea as a chemical system, reactions occurring in estuaries and oceans, radioactivity in the sea, and resources from the sea.

Assessment: One 2-hour written examination at the end of Semester 2. Practical work will be continuously assessed. Satisfactory performance in both theory and practical work is required before credit can be granted for this subject. One written assignment. Graduate students enrolled in this subject may share class time with undergraduate students enrolled in a subject of the same name. The graduate students will be expected to perform at a higher level, and will be allocated additional assessment tasks.

610-680 Environmental Chemistry

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr P J Thistlethwaite

Contact: 30 lectures (3 per week for 10 weeks), and 12 hours practical work. Limited number of places in 2000. (Semester 2)

Description: On completion of 610-280 students should comprehend: the relationship between chemistry and the environment; the sources, reactions, transport, effects and fates of chemical species in the water, soil and air environments; the consequences of changes in the chemical composition of the environment for humankind; the integration of a chemically-centred study of the environment with other approaches to the treatment of environmental data.

Students should have developed: skills in recognising chemical-based environmental problems; an awareness of the possible effects and processes of chemicals on the environment; techniques to manipulate and interpret environmental data.

Students should appreciate the need for high quality environmental analysis; the links between the misuse of chemicals and pollution events.

The subject covers the topics: chemistry of soils; chemical composition, colloidal properties, adsorption, pH, permeability, redox condition; interactions of soils with contaminants; site remediation; chemistry of fresh waters; dissolved gases, Henry's law, dissolution of O2 and CO2, carbonate equilibria in fresh waters, alkalinity; weathering reactions, dissolved and suspended matter; speciation of metal ions; influence of aquatic biota; redox reactions in water and sediments, oxygen demand, BOD; phosphorus in the aquatic environment, speciation, phosphorus cycling, eutrophication; some chemistry of priority pollutants, insecticides, herbicides; mercury in aquatic systems; water treatment; chemistry of the atmosphere; composition and structure of the atmosphere; emissions to the atmosphere; free radical chemistry of natural ozone production in the troposphere; free radical chemistry of photochemical smog; the Victorian air environment policy; airborne particulates; chemistry of acid rain; experimental techniques for atmospheric studies; the ozone hole; the greenhouse effect.

Assessment: One 2 hour written examination at the end of Semester 2. Practical work will be continuously assessed and involve 4 reports, each of no more than five pages. Satisfactory performance in both the theory and practical work is required before credit can be granted for this subject. Graduate students enrolled in this subject may share class time with undergraduate students enrolled in a subject of the same name. The graduate students will be expected to perform at a higher level, and will be allocated additional assessment tasks.

625-307 Hydrogeology And Environmental Management

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr T R Weaver

Contact: 24 lectures (two per week) and 24 hours practical (two hours per week) (Semester 2).

Description: The primary aim of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the potential interactions between man’s activities and the hydrogeological environment. We will discuss possible prevention, management and remediation strategies to minimise the potential impacts of these activities. After taking this course, students should have an understanding of the basic principles of groundwater flow and solute transport in groundwater and the sources and chemical behaviour of common inorganic and organic contaminants in groundwater. This course will introduce students to: the principles of assessing the sustainability of groundwater resources in urban and rural environments; current policies regarding the protection of groundwater resources; the assessment, management and clean-up of contaminated groundwater.

Assessment: Written examinations of up to 3 hours, and/or reports totalling up to 3000 words. Graduate students are expected to achieve a grade of at least 65% in this subject for it to count as credit towards their graduate program.

625-608 Hydrogeology

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinators: Dr T R Weaver

Contact: 2 weeks intensive course. Monday to Friday, 9:30-5:00. Includes 2-day field trip during the week. (Semester 1)

Description: This course will familiarise the student with the importance of geology in groundwater studies in the Australian environment. Emphasis is given to the applied aspects of hydrogeology, including exploration for groundwater resources and bore construction and development. Topics include: hydraulic properties of rocks; groundwater occurrence in sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks; aquifer types - porous and fractured rocks; groundwater basins; groundwater storage; regional groundwater flow; hydrogeological mapping and exploration for groundwater resources; drilling techniques, geophysical logging; bore construction; bore development; groundwater chemistry.

Assessment: Assignments and examination. Weighting of components to be announced at the commencement of the unit.

625-614 Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Modelling

Credit points: 12.5

Coordinators: Dr T R Weaver

Contact: Two-week short course format, usually offered in late November/early December. (Offered in 2000, not in 1999)

Description: The objective of the subject is to develop the student’s ability to apply effectively a wide variety of models used extensively by industry and government agencies, both nationally and internationally. Emphasis will be given to the practical application of these models, their limitations and mis-use. Topics include modelling rationale and description of the modelling process, transport equations, boundary information and solution domains, classification of models (geochemical, groundwater flow, solute transport, multiphase flow, bioremediation), examples of models in different classes, interpretation of results, comparison of models, limitations of models and modelling, and use and abuse of results.

Assessment: Practical exercises and examination. Weighting of components to be announced at the commencement of the unit.

625-625 Solute Transport in Groundwater

Credit Points: 6.25

Coordinator: Dr T R Weaver

Contact: 1 week intensive course. Monday to Friday, 9:30-5:00. (Semester 2).

Description: Controls on the transport and transformation of reactive and non-reactive solutes (contaminants) in groundwater flow systems. Topics include: transport of non-reactive solutes in saturated porous media; solute transport in fractured and dual-porosity media; effects of retardation, reaction, and biodegradation on the distribution and transport of solutes and contaminants in groundwater; implications for using numerical transport models to predict the migration and distribution of solutes.

Assessment: Practical exercises, assignments and examination. Weighting of components to be announced at the commencement of the unit.

654-608 Conservation Biology

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Dr G Coulson and Dr M J Keough

Contact: 26 lectures (two a week) and 13 hours tutorials/workshops (including excursions). (Semester 2)

Description: The unit describes and evaluates the theoretical principles and practical applications of conservation biology and the scientific study of biological diversity. In particular, it identifies the implications of global and local changes for ecological communities and habitats, especially within the Australian environment. It also examines the role of population genetics for the fitness and viability of natural and captive populations; the patterns and explanations of diversity and rarity; the effects of habitat fragmentation and the role of corridors as a management practice; the methods of rangeland and marine management; the control of introduced species; and the impact of genetic engineering. Finally, the unit highlights the importance of statistical design for the analysis of monitoring programs and preparation of environmental impact statements.

Assessment: Up to three written assignments (totalling not more than 8000 words). Graduate students enrolled in this subject may share class time with undergraduate students enrolled in a subject of the same name. The graduate students will be expected to perform at a higher level, and will be allocated additional assessment tasks.

733-213 Environmental Law

Credit Points: 12.5

Coordinator: Mr Murray Raff

Contact: One two-hour lecture/seminar each week, (Semester 1)

Description: This subject familiarises students with the increasingly important and topical area of Environmental Law. Legal concepts necessary for studying the subject are introduced through an examination of the nature and sources of law. The approach of the common law to environmental issues is examined critically. The environmental objectives of the public land use planning system are studied with particular attention to the rights of objection and appeal. The preservation of heritage and conservation of nature are also dealt with in a planning context. Pollution discharge licensing and appeals are also examined. International environmental commitments are also dealt with at relevant points. The complex interrelationships of these fields of law are traced in the integrated environmental legal problems and legal policy issues encountered in urban transport planning.

Assessment: One 3000 word written assignment (70%) and a two-hour examination at the end of semester (30%). Graduate students are expected to a chieve a grade of at least 65% in this subject for it to count as credit towards their graduate program.

Prescribed Texts: G M Bates, Environmental Law in Australia. 4th ed. Butterworths, Sydney.

950-300 Environmental Management Systems

Credit Points: 12.5, 3rd year

Coordinator: Dr B Malcolm, Associate Professor D Stewart, Professor M Webber

Contact: 24 one-hour lectures; 24 hours of practical classes. (Semester 1)

Description: This subject identifies the tasks involved in managing environmental projects; determines appropriate methods for accomplishing those tasks; and indicates how to conduct those methods. It covers the following issues. First, the principles of project management and project design; critical path analysis; decision making processes and decision support systems; project control; risk management; and scheduling. Second, cost-benefit analysis: welfare, externalities, options and discounts; pricing environmental goods; social impacts; opportunity costs; assessing costs and benefits. And third: environmental standards; the role of standards; Australian and international standards; transparency and accountability; auditing compliance.

Assessment: 12 practical exercises; a 1 hour end of semester examination. The practical exercises will be partially completed in class; the outside-class component will be equivalent to 350 words per exercise. Graduate students are expected to a chieve a grade of at least 65% in this subject for it to count as credit towards their graduate program.

RMIT 182-702 Environmental Toxicology

Credit Points: 6.25

Coordinator: Prof. J. Ahokas (Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences RMIT)

(Students wishing to undertake this subject will need to organise their enrolment direct with the Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences at RMIT. Credit for the subject will be awarded when the student presents an official academic transcript to the Faculty of Science Office at the University of Melbourne that shows they have passed the subject. Students will pay any necessary fees direct to RMIT.).

Contact: 20 hours of lectures. This subject is proposed for introduction in the Semester 1 of 1999. (Class proposed to be held over 2 weekends in March/April, confirm on enrolment)

Description: This subject will cover topics such as concepts in environmental toxicology, levels of biological organisation, fate of contaminants, end points of toxicity, examples of toxicity tests, legal frameworks in environmental toxicology, case studies will be used to illustrate underlying concepts.

Assessment: A one hour theory examination (50%), one assignment (35%), practical reports (15%) and participation in group exercise and submission of practical reports is mandatory for a pass.

References: Environmental Endocrine Effects: an overview of the state of scientific knowledge and uncertainties.
http://www.endocrine.org/

The Synthetic Chemical Threat - Endocrine disruptors.
http://www.panda.org/

Munawar, M., Munawar, I.F., Pross, P. and Dermott, R. (1992) Exploring aquatic ecosystem health: a multi-trophic and eco systemic approach. Journal of Aquatic Ecosystem Health 1:237-252.

Susser, M. (1986) Rules of Inference in Epidemiology. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 6:116-128.