Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Introduction to Environmental Science

• Unit Code

  SCI1193

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of environmental science. It provides a foundation for students to understand environmental problems, and their potential solutions, at global, regional and local scales. It also addresses the issue of resource use and the consequences which stem from their unsustainable exploitation.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCI1186

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of underlying causes of environmental problems and how demographic, lifestyle and economic factors contribute to these problems and their consequences.
2. Describe a range of tools for measurement and assessment of environmental problems.
3. Describe the basic principles of environmental sciences.
4. Evaluate potential solutions to environmental problems and how we can contribute to solutions both personally and professionally.
5. Identify, characterise and measure pollutants and understand their impact on biological and environmental systems.

Unit Content

1. Energy resources and pollution: future of non-renewable and renewable energy; the nature of the pollution associated with energy.
2. Global changes: the enhanced greenhouse effect (greenhouse gases, climate modelling); ozone depletion; transboundary pollution, ocean acidification, nitrogen deposition.
3. Measurement of pollution, resource use and environmental impacts including life cycle analysis and ecological footprints.
4. Underlying causes of environmental problems: population, urbanisation, affluence, lifestyle, unsustainable resource use.
5. Water, land and air pollution: causes, impacts, solutions solid waste management.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures (including industry speakers), tutorials, laboratory, group discussion and directed reading.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Miller, G.T., & Spoolman, S.E. (2010). Living in the environment. (17th ed.). Belmont, USA: Brooks/Cole
• Watts, S., & Halliwell, L. (2012). Essential environmental science: Methods and techniques. London, UK: Taylor and Francis
• Harrison, R.M. (Ed.). (2006). An Introduction to pollution science (3rd ed.). Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry
• Cunningham, W.P., & Cunningham, M.A. (2012). Principles of environmental science: A global concern (12th ed.). New York: McCraw Hill
• Chiras, D.D. (2013). Environmental science (9th ed.). Burlington, USA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers
• Wright, R., & Boorse, D.F. (2011). Environmental science: Toward a sustainable future (11th ed.). Boston, USA: Benjamin Cummings
• Enger, E., & Smith, B.F. (2013). Environmental science (13th ed.). New York: McCraw Hill

^ Mandatory reference

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